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 400 Court Street Studio 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 Ojibway Island.

Southwest Saginaw

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

University Center

Travellers like the museums in University Center, and Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

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 RM239 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
RM239
RM265 total
4 Oct - 5 Oct
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! (1,008 reviews)
"The room was clean and comfortable, the toilet's had issues but the staff was very helpful switching rooms and were overall great to work with"

Reviewed on 14 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 RM360 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
RM360
RM399 total
20 Sept - 21 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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice room. Carpet could be vacuumed better. Stsff eas very friendly snd helpful. Our 2 queen beds were a bit too soft. But overall very good stay."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

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 RM390 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
RM390
RM433 total
20 Sept - 21 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! (190 reviews)
"My husband and I stayed here for a getaway. It was absolutely beautiful, clean and just overall amazing. I wish we could have stayed longer. I would recommend anyone to stay here! Also price is good for everything that comes with it. Workers were great and communicated very well. If you get the opportunity ..."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 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.

Stay near popular Saginaw attractions

Other places like Saginaw