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 landscaped garden with statues, a fountain, and a building labeled 'Marshall M. Frederic Sculpture Museum'.
A tall building with arched windows, a street lamp, and a banner for Saginaw Pride.
A pier extending into the ocean with a sunset in the background.
A pier extending into the ocean at sunset with waves crashing against it.

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 400 Court Street Studio and Ojibway Island.

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 Ojibway Island.

Northwest Saginaw

Though Northwest Saginaw may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw Art Museum.

Adams

While Adams isn't home to many top sights, 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw Art Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd Saginaw MI
The price is AU$141 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$141
22 Nov - 23 Nov
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (1,000 reviews)
"Decent stay. Our shower and toilet had a stain. It looked like it wasn't cleaned properly or the hotel is just old, and it rusted."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

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$109 per night from 13 Dec to 14 Dec
AU$109
13 Dec - 14 Dec
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 ...
7/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"really good rooms/staff."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw

Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw

3 out of 5
5200 Cardinal Square Blvd Saginaw MI
The price is AU$143 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$143
22 Nov - 23 Nov
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 ...
Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw
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.
Big House with Game Room, Ideal for Gathering, Centrally Located, Large Yard

Big House with Game Room, Ideal for Gathering, Centrally Located, Large Yard

Saginaw MI
Stay at this holiday home in Saginaw. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw Art Museum are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
"Great place for our ladies shopping weekend. Plenty of of room and bathrooms. Everything you need to cook meals to. Spices, dishes, pots and pans. Would book here again."

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2026

Big House with Game Room, Ideal for Gathering, Centrally Located, Large Yard
Saginaw Twnshp home in a quiet, safe neighborhood.

Saginaw Twnshp home in a quiet, safe neighborhood.

Saginaw MI
Stay at this holiday home in Saginaw. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Kokomos Family Fun Center and Fashion Square Mall ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"Very quick but pleasant stay. Would recommend this stay to others. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2026

Saginaw Twnshp home in a quiet, safe neighborhood.
Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2.5 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! (217 reviews)
"Great much needed relaxing experience."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
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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