Saginaw, MI

Travel Guide

Saginaw which includes outdoor art
Saginaw showing a sunset
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum featuring a garden and a fountain
Japanese Cultural Center featuring 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 center. Learn about Japanese traditions and history at the Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House. Experience a show, film, musical or concert at the lovingly renovated Temple Theater, home to the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. The Dow Event Center 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 kilometers) 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

Lexington

Celebration Square

You'll enjoy the live music and zoo in Celebration Square. You might want to make time for a stop at Ojibway Island or Hoyt Park.

Celebration Square
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Southwest Saginaw

Though Southwest Saginaw might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hoyt Park and Ojibway Island.

Southwest Saginaw
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum which includes a statue or sculpture, art and interior views

University Center

Travelers 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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cathedral District and surrounding area, you can visit Hoyt Park and Temple Theatre.

Cathedral District
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Adams

While Adams isn't home to many top sights, Ojibway Island and Mid-Michigan Children's Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Adams
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Northwest Saginaw

Though Northwest Saginaw might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ojibway Island and Temple Theatre.

Northwest 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
$103 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$115 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff were wonderful, breakfast was great, rooms and facility are clean."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 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
$73 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$81 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Joseph is super helpful and nice"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
Comfort Suites Saginaw

Comfort Suites Saginaw

2.5 out of 5
5180 Cardinal Square Boulevard, Saginaw, MI
$101 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$113 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fashion Square Mall and Kokomos ...
8/10 Very Good! (742 reviews)
"Very friendly & helpful staff. Very clean."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Comfort 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!
Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth

Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth

Saginaw
Stay at this vacation home in Saginaw. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Excellent place, clean and very nice inside. I would recommend it."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
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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