Saginaw Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Saginaw showing outdoor art
Saginaw showing a sunset
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum showing a fountain and a garden
Japanese Cultural Center which includes a park
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

This Michigan city features beautiful heritage architecture, a tranquil river, pleasant riverbank parks and a thriving arts community.

Saginaw is a stately city in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region featuring fine turn-of-the-century gothic and art deco architecture and a lively downtown area along the river. Cruise down the meandering Saginaw River or explore central Saginaw on foot to find a cultural hub, historic buildings, scenic waterfront parks and an exhilarating sports arena.

The river coursing through Saginaw is one of the city’s most distinctive features. Join an informative and scenic cruise tour down the Saginaw River and take in the city’s sights from the water. Drop a fishing line at the city’s pier on a warm summer’s day or try your luck bringing in some walleye at the annual Shiver on the River ice fishing contest, held in late January. Stroll along the river to find several serene public parks, such as Hoyt Park and Celebration Square. In winter, Hoyt Park features a large outdoor skating rink.

Enjoy a picnic among the lush natural beauty of Ojibway Island, an oasis in the heart of downtown Saginaw. Ojibway Island hosts concerts and events, such as the Country Music Fest, throughout the summer months.

Nearby, find Saginaw’s bustling cultural centre. Learn about Japanese traditions and history at the Japanese Cultural Centre and Tea House. Experience a show, film, musical or concert at the lovingly renovated Temple Theatre, home to the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. The Dow Event Centre offers a range of exciting events and sports matches, including ice hockey and indoor football.

Discover the city and surrounding region’s heritage at Castle Museum, located in one of the city’s finest buildings. Have a family-friendly learning experience at Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum and Children’s Zoo.

Explore the surrounding wetlands and see waterfowl species at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

Saginaw is located in Central Michigan, 103 miles (165.7 kilometres) northwest of Detroit. Flights arrive regularly to the Midland-Bay City-Saginaw International Airport. Saginaw is best explored by car as the city has limited public transportation. Visit in summer to experience the city’s warm weather and lush wetlands or in winter to enjoy the holiday season celebrations.

Where to stay in Saginaw

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Northwest Saginaw

Though Northwest Saginaw may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Saginaw Art Museum and Ojibway Island.

Northwest Saginaw
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Cathedral District

While Cathedral District isn't home to many top sights, Temple Theatre and The Dow Event Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cathedral District
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University Center

Travellers like the museums in University Center, and Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

University Center
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Celebration Square

You'll enjoy the live music and zoo in Celebration Square. You might want to make time for a stop at Japanese Cultural Center or Ojibway Island.

Celebration Square
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Southwest Saginaw

When in Southwest Saginaw, you can plan a visit to Japanese Cultural Center and Ojibway Island, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Southwest Saginaw
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Northeast Saginaw

When in Northeast Saginaw, you can plan a visit to The Dow Event Center and Temple Theatre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northeast Saginaw
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2501 Tittabawassee Rd Saginaw MI
The price is AU$182 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
AU$182
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
The lady doing the breakfast both mornings was very rude and snotty. She acted like it was a both to ask if she had more food coming. And we didn’t show up right at 10 either, it was more like 9-9:15. Also, the drain in the tub was plugged. The water didn’t drain. At the end of our showers we were ...

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG
Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd Saginaw MI
The price is AU$144 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$144
25 Jan - 26 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Hotel itself was very nice. Staff was very welcoming. The only thing that I didn’t like was the accidental fee is a little high but otherwise hotel and service very good.

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
3325 Davenport Ave Saginaw MI
The price is AU$126 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$126
25 Jan - 26 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Limited transportation and dining options around the hotel area.

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!

3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!

3 out of 5
Saginaw MI
Stay at this cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy a pool table, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Saginaw ...
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth

Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth

Saginaw MI
Stay at this holiday home in Saginaw. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Great host!

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Cozy Family Home w/ Yard!

3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Cozy Family Home w/ Yard!

3 out of 5
Saginaw MI
Stay at this cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy free parking, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Children's Zoo at Celebration Square and Japanese Cultural ...
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Cozy Family Home w/ Yard!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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