Bay City Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful state of Michigan, Bay City is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Situated on the banks of the Saginaw River, Bay City is known for its picturesque waterfront views, vibrant downtown area, and friendly atmosphere.

One of the main highlights of Bay City is its rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the Bay City Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of vintage toys and firefighting equipment. The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum is another must-visit attraction, where you can step aboard the USS Edson, a retired Navy destroyer that served during the Vietnam War.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Bay City has much to offer. The Bay City State Recreation Area is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, with its sandy beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching. The nearby Tobico Marsh is a haven for wildlife, where visitors can spot a variety of birds, turtles, and other animals in their natural habitat.

Bay City is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. The historic State Theatre is a must-visit for theater lovers, showcasing a variety of live performances throughout the year. The Bay City Players, one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the United States, offers a diverse lineup of plays and musicals.

Food lovers will not be disappointed in Bay City, as the city boasts a wide range of dining options. From cozy cafes serving up delicious breakfast fare to waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood, there is something to suit every palate. Be sure to try the local delicacy, a pasty, a traditional meat pie that originated in the region.

In addition to its attractions and amenities, Bay City hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Bay City Fireworks Festival and the River Roar powerboat races. These events showcase the city's vibrant community spirit and provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience.

Alternative names: Settled: 1837Population: 33.9 thous.Area: 11.21 mi²Elevation: 587 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°35'56"N, 83°53'23"W

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MichiganUnited States

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Bay City Top Attractions

Bay City Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bay City offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bay County Building, Veterans Memorial Bridge, Veterans Memorial Park, Liberty Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

43°35'54"N • 83°53'5"W
Bay County Building
The Bay County Building is a government building located at 515 Center Avenue in Bay City, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Bridge
Veterans Memorial Bridge
The Veterans Memorial Bridge is a drawbridge located in Bay City, Michigan. It carries State Highway M-25 over the Saginaw River. Its location is just south of Wenona Park, and Veteran's Park.
Park • Trail
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park is the central park of Bay County, Michigan. The park, approximately 97 acres, is located along the west bank of the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan, United States. Across the river is another city park, Wenonah Park.

Bridge
Liberty Bridge
The Liberty Bridge is a bascule-type drawbridge located in Bay City, Michigan, United States. It spans the Saginaw River and connects Vermont Street and Woodside Avenue. It was built in 1986.
Park
Wenonah Park
Wenonah Park is the central park of Bay County, Michigan. The park, approximately 6.1 acres, is located along the east bank of the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan, United States and centered on an amphitheatre. Across the river is another city park, Veterans Memorial Park.
Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Theater
State Theatre
The State Theatre is a single-screen movie theater located in Bay City, Michigan. Built in 1908 during the booming lumbering era in Michigan, the State Theatre was originally known as the Bijou, and was one of the many vaudeville and burlesque houses in Bay City.
Victorian architecture
Center Avenue Neighborhood Residential District
The Center Avenue Neighborhood Residential District is a residential historic district located in Bay City, Michigan, running primarily along Center, Fifth, and Sixth Avenues between Monroe and Green Avenues, with additional portions of the district along Fourth between Madison...
43°39'58"N • 83°54'19"W
Bay City Recreation Area
Park • Nature and wildlife
Museum • Military museum • History museum
Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum is dedicated to documenting the history of the United States Navy. The museum will be permanently housed in the USS Edson, a retired United States Navy destroyer that has recently been converted to a museum. The museum is located in Bay City, Michigan, United States.
Bridge
Lafayette Avenue Bridge
The Lafayette Avenue Bridge, formerly listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Bay City Bascule Bridge, is the name given to two separate bridges located in Bay City, Michigan. The bridges carry M-13 and M-84 over the Saginaw River.
Library
Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library
The Bay County Library System, is a public library system serving Bay County, Michigan. It contains four libraries and one bookmobile. The headquarters library, the Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library is located in Bay City, Michigan. The historic Sage Library is a part of this library system.
Victorian architecture • Colonial revival architecture
Midland Street Jacks
The Midland Street Commercial District is a primarily commercial historic district located primarilyalong Midland Street, between Catherine and Litchfield Streets, in Bay City, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Library
Sage Library
The Sage Library is a historical structure located on 100 E. Midland St in Bay City, Michigan. The library had its grand opening on January 16, 1884 and was constructed by Henry W. Sage as a gift to Bay City. It is operated as a public library by the Bay County Library System.
Italianate architecture • Colonial revival architecture • Romanesque revival architecture
Bay City Downtown Historic District
The Bay City Downtown Historic District is a primarily commercial historic district, located in Bay City, Michigan and roughly bounded by the Saginaw River, Second Street, Adam Street, and Center Avenue. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Archaeological site
Fletcher Site
The Fletcher Site, also designated 20BY28, is a Native American cemetery and archaeological site, located on the west bank of the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
43°35'28"N • 83°53'59"W
Trombley House
The Trombley House was constructed as a house and trading post, and is now located at 901 John F. Kennedy Drive in Veterans Memorial Park in Bay City, Michigan. The building is also known as the Centre House. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It is the oldest frame house still standing in Bay County.
43°35'49"N • 83°53'4"W
Bay City Masonic Temple
The Bay City Masonic Temple is a historic building located at 700 North Madison Avenue in Bay City, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
43°35'11"N • 83°53'34"W
Mercy Hospital and Elizabeth McDowell Bialy Memorial House
Mercy Hospital and the Elizabeth McDowell Bialy Memorial House are two associated buildings located at 15th and Water Streets in Bay City, Michigan. They were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. As of 2018, the structures are operated as the Bradley House, a low income apartment complex.
City hall • Romanesque architecture
City Hall
The Bay City Hall is a government building located at 301 Washington Street in Bay City, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Day trips

Bay City – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bay City, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Flint Institute of Arts (Flint), Dow Diamond (Midland), Children's Zoo at Celebration Square (Saginaw).

41 milesS
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Flint Institute of Arts, Flint
The Flint Institute of Arts, often referred to as FIA, stands as a cultural beacon in Flint, Michigan, offering a rich tapestry of artistic experiences to visitors from near and far. This esteemed museum, nestled in the heart of the city, is renowned for its extensive...
17 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
Dow Diamond, Midland
Dow Diamond is a Minor League baseball stadium located in Midland, Michigan. It is the home of the Great Lakes Loons of the High-A Central. The Loons are affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The stadium is located near Buttles, Ellsworth and State streets in Midland.
13 milesS
Landscaped zoo with handcrafted carousel
Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, Saginaw
The Saginaw Children's Zoo is a zoo located in Saginaw, Michigan. It is open during the months of May through September, and part-time in April and October. Saginaw Children's Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
41 milesS
Arenas and stadiums, Sport, Sport venue
Atwood Stadium, Flint
Atwood Stadium is an 11,000-seat stadium owned by Kettering University. It's located in the historic Carriage Town district area of downtown Flint, Michigan.
44 milesS
Museum
Steam Railroading Institute, Owosso
The Steam Railroading Institute is located at 405 South Washington Street, Owosso, Michigan. It was founded in 1969 as the Michigan State University Railroad Club.

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Best Time To Visit Bay City

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bay City weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bay City?

The top attractions to visit in Bay City are:

What is the best time to visit Bay City?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.