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 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 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.

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.

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$500 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
HK$500
HK$555 total
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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 ...
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
The price is HK$683 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
HK$683
HK$758 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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)
"We booked this hotel for one reason only: the pool. The website prominently features beautiful pictures of a seamless indoor-outdoor pool connection. It looks like a luxury oasis online, but the reality is an absolute scam. First, the indoor section was completely freezing and unusable for families ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2026

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
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 9 Aug to 10 Aug
HK$693
HK$769 total
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean. Easy to check in."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

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.
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! (156 reviews)
"It was great. Room was clean, they had a couple of games there. Few snacks. Wood to start a fire. Seems they had thought of everything. Not close enough to be bothered by other guest."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2026

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
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! (156 reviews)
"This place is the ultimate spot for an individual or a couple to unplug and unwind! Beautiful scenery, unique lodging, and a friendly host. It doesn't get any better. There's a steep staircase to the bedroom (think ship ladder), so it's not for everyone. Those that can manage, will enjoy the views ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Cozy Quiet Island Light House on Water Front
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 Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and River Place Shops are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (384 reviews)
"Centrally located in town.Clean, quiet, safe.Enjoyed the balcony."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

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