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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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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Southwest Saginaw

When in Southwest Saginaw, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Park and Japanese Cultural Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Southwest 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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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
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Adams

While Adams isn't home to many top sights, Saginaw Art Museum and Ojibway Island are some notable places to visit nearby.

Adams
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
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 RM472 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
RM472
RM524 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,022 reviews)
"CLEAN, QUIET, CONVENIENT PARKING, CONVENIENT LOCATION. GOOD BREAKFAST."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG
Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
3325 Davenport Ave, I-675 Exit3, Saginaw, MI
The price is RM306 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
RM306
RM340 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,022 reviews)
"I’m not sure what was going on in Saginaw this weekend but a lot of the hotels were booked so we ended up booking the Ramada. It was a quick check in process. Front desk gentleman was polite. Room was clean and spacious. Zero complaints with my stay here."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

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

Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw

2.5 out of 5
5200 Cardinal Square Blvd, Saginaw, MI
The price is RM391 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
RM391
RM434 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Room and common areas were clean. Staff was very friendly."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

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.
9 Mi to Svsu: Family Home w/ Deck & Yard

9 Mi to Svsu: Family Home w/ Deck & Yard

3 out of 5
Saginaw
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy patios, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Apple Mountain Golf Course and Kokomos Family ...
9 Mi to Svsu: Family Home w/ Deck & Yard
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!

3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!

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

Postcard Cabins The Thumb

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! (61 reviews)
"Everything was great! But staff doesn't drive 10 mph- more like 20."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Postcard Cabins The Thumb
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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