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 Ojibway Island and Japanese Cultural Center.

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
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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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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.

Northmoor Disctrict
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Adams

While Adams isn't home to many top sights, Japanese Cultural Center and Ojibway Island are some notable places to visit nearby.

Adams
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Northeast Saginaw

When in Northeast Saginaw, you can plan a visit to The Dow Event Center and Temple Theatre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northeast 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 RM419 per night from 27 Dec to 28 Dec
RM419
RM465 total
27 Dec - 28 Dec
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! (1,010 reviews)
Great staff and great good!

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025

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 RM347 per night from 29 Dec to 30 Dec
RM347
RM385 total
29 Dec - 30 Dec
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! (1,008 reviews)
Love the town

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
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 RM271 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
RM271
RM300 total
21 Dec - 22 Dec
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
Room was clean, nicely decorated , could use a dresser, only hangers, air conditioner worked, toiletries and hair dryer provided… hand towel was worn thin that is showed through but was very clean and smelled fresh!

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
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!
9 Mi to Svsu: Family Home w/ Deck & Yard

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

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