Saginaw Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A street with a mural of a baseball team, a barber shop, and a building with a sign for 'Stable'.
A serene garden with moss-covered ground, a stone lantern, and a wooden fence in the background.
A lighthouse with a white exterior and a black top, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear sky.
A person in traditional attire serving bowls of food.
A Korean War memorial with a list of names and a dedication date.

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.

Our guide on where to stay in Saginaw

Find the best Saginaw areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Old Saginaw City

Though Old Saginaw City may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ojibway Island and Japanese Cultural Center.

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.

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 Children's Zoo at Celebration Square.

Northmoor Disctrict

While Northmoor Disctrict isn't home to many top sights, Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Temple Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Southwest Saginaw

When in Southwest Saginaw, you can plan a visit to Children's Zoo at Celebration Square and Japanese Cultural Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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$100 per night from 12 July to 13 July
AU$100
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-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! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel review Wyndham The hotel was kind of antique-like. The style is not modern at all. But it’s got all the features so not bad. The twin sofa bed is not working so well because the spring inside the bed is become loose and seems like it’s coming apart. The suites room was spacious enough though. ..."

Reviewed on 29 June 2026

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

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd Saginaw MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$154 per night from 13 July to 14 July
AU$154
13 July - 14 July
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! (1,005 reviews)
"No free breakfast. Hotel restaurant is available.pool windows are right in the main lobby... No thanks"

Reviewed on 29 June 2026

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
Comfort Suites Saginaw North

Comfort Suites Saginaw North

2.5 out of 5
5180 Cardinal Square Boulevard Saginaw MI
The price is AU$149 per night from 12 July to 13 July
AU$149
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Fashion Square Mall and Kokomos Family ...
8.2/10 Very good! (802 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay here thank you"

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Comfort Suites Saginaw North
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.
Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
3184 Columbiaville Rd Columbiaville MI
Stay at this cabin in Columbiaville. Enjoy free parking and climate control. Popular attractions Lake Henson and Buttercup Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
"Cozy, comfortable little cabin with modern amenities, a beautiful setting, and enough space between cabins for some serenity and solitude. Great communication and service from staff. Nature trails for lovely short hikes on the property, and each cabin has its own fire pit!"

Reviewed on 26 June 2026

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
2-Bdr Main St. Loft, Pet Friendly!!

2-Bdr Main St. Loft, Pet Friendly!!

Frankenmuth MI
Stay at this condo in Frankenmuth. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions River Place Shops and The Fortress Golf Course are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (381 reviews)
"Great property, great location, very clean and had everything we needed for a stay for a few days. The only downside was the bedroom closest to the road gets some road noise from the traffic at night and early morning. Dedicated parking area behind the property worked out well. Would definately book ..."

Reviewed on 22 June 2026

2-Bdr Main St. Loft, Pet Friendly!!
Cozy Quiet Island Light House on Water Front

Cozy Quiet Island Light House on Water Front

Fairgrove MI
Stay at this cottage in Tuscola County. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay and want to sincerely thank Tracy for sharing her little piece of paradise with us. The entire experience, from booking to check in and check out, was smooth, professional, and appreciated. Tracy was quick to answer questions and made sure we had everything we needed before ..."

Reviewed on 22 June 2026

Cozy Quiet Island Light House on Water Front
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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