Saginaw

Travel Guide

Saginaw which includes outdoor art
Saginaw which includes outdoor art
Saginaw showing a sunset
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum featuring a fountain and a garden
Japanese Cultural Center showing a garden

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

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum featuring a statue or sculpture, art and interior views

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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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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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
Interior of Saint Mary Roman Catholic Church in Greektown Historic District, Detroit, United States

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
Hoyt Park showing flowers and a garden

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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Southeast District Saginaw

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

Southeast District Saginaw
Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd Saginaw MI
The price is RM327 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
RM327
RM363 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
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! (1,004 reviews)
No cambiaron toallas ni pusieron café

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw

Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw

2.5 out of 5
5200 Cardinal Square Blvd Saginaw MI
The price is RM342 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
RM342
RM380 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
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)
Very nice room Clean great friendly staff close proximity to everything i needed (food shopping and downtown Saginaw

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Fairfield Inn & Suites 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 RM377 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM377
RM419 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
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! (1,003 reviews)
Clean, nice pool, but horrible beds and pillows

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG
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: 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!
Cozy Home w/ Backyard ~ 3 Mi to Downtown Saginaw!

Cozy Home w/ Backyard ~ 3 Mi to Downtown Saginaw!

3 out of 5
Saginaw MI
Stay at this cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Saginaw Art Museum are located ...
Cozy Home w/ Backyard ~ 3 Mi to Downtown Saginaw!
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! (116 reviews)
My biggest complaint was the noise. I requested a cabin that would be secluded so we could have some peace and quiet. Management placed me near the back, which was nice. However, the complex was fairly empty so anyplace probably would have been "secluded". That being said, we weren't there for more ...

Reviewed on 20 Feb 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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