Saginaw

Travel Guide

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
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

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

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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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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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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
Saginaw showing a beach and swimming as well as a small group of people

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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Fairground District

Though Fairground District may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hoyt Park and Japanese Cultural Center.

Fairground District
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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
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 RM517 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
RM517
RM574 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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! (1,008 reviews)
Friendly staff and good meal. The room was clean.

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG
Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd Saginaw MI
The price is RM355 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
RM355
RM394 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
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! (1,002 reviews)
Hotel itself was very nice. Staff was very welcoming. The only thing that I didn’t like was the accidental fee is a little high but otherwise hotel and service very good.

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
Home2 Suites by Hilton Saginaw, MI

Home2 Suites by Hilton Saginaw, MI

3 out of 5
2569 Trautner Dr. Saginaw MI
The price is RM464 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
RM464
RM515 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (464 reviews)
Overall a nice stay

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Saginaw, MI
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: Spacious & Updated Home!

3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!

3 out of 5
Saginaw MI
Stay at this cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy a pool table, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Saginaw ...
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
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!
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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