Saginaw

Travel 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.

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 Japanese Cultural Center and 400 Court Street Studio.

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.

Southwest Saginaw

When in Southwest Saginaw, you can plan a visit to Japanese Cultural Center and 400 Court Street Studio, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 Ojibway Island.

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 HK$467 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
HK$467
HK$518 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Nice big rooms"

Reviewed on 4 Sept 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 HK$693 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
HK$693
HK$769 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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
Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd Saginaw MI
The price is HK$752 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
HK$752
HK$835 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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 ...
Four Points by Sheraton 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.
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! (184 reviews)
"Clean room, outdoor privacy."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
 1950's Themed Historic Home In Downtown Frankenmuth Heart. Perfect location.

1950's Themed Historic Home In Downtown Frankenmuth Heart. Perfect location.

Frankenmuth MI
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
10/10 Exceptional! (171 reviews)
"Everything was great! We were within walking dustance to everything. There was plenty of room for all of us. The history of the house was awesome. Thank you"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2026

1950's Themed Historic Home In Downtown Frankenmuth Heart. Perfect location.
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! (170 reviews)
"We loved our stay there, very quaint but had everything and more that you could need. Tracy was very communicative. We loved how isolated and private it felt, but still within good distance of town."

Reviewed on 2 Sept 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.

Stay near popular Saginaw attractions