Bay City Travel Guide

Explore Bay City, Michigan with our detailed guide including the best attractions, accommodations, local customs, and safety tips.


Bay City, Michigan, located in the central part of the state, is a hidden gem of Midwest USA. With a rich history, a vibrant culture, and plenty of natural beauty, it has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore Bay City in detail, from the must-visit attractions and best things to do, to the local culture and customs you should be aware of. So, let’s get started!

Introduction to Bay City

Bay City has a population of around 34,000 and is located on the Saginaw River, which flows into Lake Huron. The city has a diverse economy, with a strong manufacturing sector, and a rich history that goes back to the 1800s. It is also home to many cultural and recreational activities, making it a great destination for tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Bay City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bay County Historical Museum: This museum showcases the history of Bay County through exhibits and artifacts, including a replica of a Native American longhouse, a log cabin, and a Victorian-era parlor.
  • Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center: Explore the universe with the help of the planetarium’s high-tech equipment and knowledgeable staff.
  • Bay City State Park: A beautiful park on the shores of Lake Huron, featuring a sandy beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
  • Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum: Offers a unique look at toys from the past, as well as antique firefighting equipment.

Natural Attractions of Bay City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Riverwalk Pier: A scenic pier located in downtown Bay City, offering beautiful views of the Saginaw River.
  • Tobico Marsh: A wildlife sanctuary with several trails for hiking and bird watching.
  • Bay City Marina: Take a walk or a boat ride on Lake Huron from this marina, and enjoy the sight of sailboats and yachts.
  • Bay City State Recreation Area: A beautiful park and campground located on the Saginaw Bay, offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bay City

Bay City has several hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Here are some of the best options:

  • Bay City Riverwalk/Railtrail: A 17-mile trail that starts from Veterans Memorial Park and goes all the way to Saginaw. It is perfect for biking, skating, or walking.
  • Bay City State Recreation Area: The park has several trails for hiking and biking, including the two-mile Tobico Marsh Trail.
  • Pickleball Trail: This newly developed trail is perfect for hiking or biking and runs from Midland Street to Salzburg Road in Bay City, passing through the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail.

Best Things to Do in Bay City: Activities and Tours

  • River Cruise on Appledore Tall Ships: Take a scenic tour of Bay City and Saginaw Bay on a historic tall ship, while enjoying dinner or lunch.
  • Bay City Players Theater: Watch a play or a musical performed by the talented theater group of Bay City.
  • Bay City Antiques Center: Browse through antiques and collectibles from over 30 dealers at this center.
  • Paint and Pour: Unleash your inner artist while enjoying wine or beer at this fun painting studio.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bay City

For those who wish to spend a whole week in Bay City, here’s a sample itinerary to make the most of your time:

  • Day 1: Explore downtown Bay City, including the Riverwalk Pier and the Bay City State Recreation Area.
  • Day 2: Visit museums and historical places, such as Delta College Planetarium and the Bay County Historical Museum.
  • Day 3: Enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking at Tobico Marsh, boating on Lake Huron, and camping at Bay City State Recreation Area.
  • Day 4: Take a river cruise on Appledore Tall Ships to explore Saginaw Bay.
  • Day 5: Relax at the local beaches, such as Jenks Park Beach or Bay City State Recreation Area.
  • Day 6: Try local food and drinks, such as Michigan cherry pie or a cold beer from a local brewery.
  • Day 7: Pick up souvenirs and local products to take home, and say farewell to Bay City!

Food and Drink Scene of Bay City

Must-Try Dishes

  • Michigan cherry pie: A classic Michigan dessert, made with tart cherries grown throughout the state.
  • Coney dog: A hot dog with chili sauce, onions, and mustard, originally from Michigan.
  • Pasties: Hand-held pies stuffed with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, brought to Michigan by Cornish miners.

Local Beverages

  • Michigan wine: Bay City is a great place to try wine from the local vineyards in Michigan, such as Chateau Grand Traverse and Black Star Farms.
  • Craft beer: Bay City has several breweries offering handcrafted beer, such as Tri-City Brewing Company and Lumber Barons Brewery.

Where to Stay in Bay City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bay City has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best choices:

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City - Riverfront: A waterfront hotel with spacious rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor heated pool.
  • Bay Valley Hotel and Resort: Boasting of a golf course, it has an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center.
  • Courtyard Bay City: Another popular hotel in Bay City, with rooms overlooking the Saginaw River.

What to Buy in Bay City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bay City souvenirs: Take home a souvenir from Bay City, such as T-shirts, mugs, and postcards.
  • Sustainability products: Check out places like Wholly H20, where you can buy Green Bay products to promote local sustainability and support the community.
  • Michigan-made products: Look for products made in Michigan, such as Michigan Cherry Jam, Sanders Chocolates, or Better Made potato chips.

Local Culture and Customs of Bay City

Bay City has a friendly and welcoming community, with a rich history and traditions, including:

  • Bay City Fireworks Festival: A yearly fireworks display and community festival held around the Fourth of July.
  • River of Time Living History Festival: An annual festival held in September, showcasing reenactments of historical events and displays of antique equipment.

Best Time to Visit Bay City

The best time to visit Bay City is in the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the outdoors’ activities are in full swing. However, if you prefer a quieter and less crowded time, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are also lovely to explore Bay City.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bay City

Do:

  • Do try local food and drink, such as Michigan cherry pie or a craft beer from a local brewery.
  • Do take a scenic river cruise on Appledore Tall Ships.
  • Do explore the outdoors, like Bay City State Recreation Area and Tobico Marsh.

Don’t:

  • Don’t ignore traffic rules while walking or cycling.
  • Don’t litter in public places.
  • Don’t forget that Michigan is a helmet law state, so always wear a helmet when riding a bike.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bay City

Bay City is generally a safe place for visitors, but as always, it’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety tips:

  • Lock your car doors while driving and parking.
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Watch your belongings while in public spaces.

Health in Bay City

Bay City has several hospitals and clinics, including the McLaren Bay Region hospital, which provides emergency care and medical services. It is always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses when visiting a new place.

Getting to Bay City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bay City is well-connected to other parts of Michigan and the United States, with several transportation options:

Airports Near Bay City

  • MBS International Airport: Located about 20 miles from Bay City, it offers daily flights to destinations throughout the Midwest and beyond.
  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport: The major international airport in Detroit, located about 120 miles from Bay City, offers flights to destinations around the world.

Bus Stations Near Bay City

  • Greyhound: The main bus terminal in Bay City, located downtown, offers daily connections to other cities in Michigan and beyond.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in East Lansing, about an hour’s drive from Bay City.

How to Get Around in Bay City

The easiest way to get around Bay City is by car. However, if you prefer public transportation, Bay City also has several options:

  • Bay Metro Transit: The local bus service that operates throughout Bay City, offering several routes and schedules.
  • Bay City Riverwalk: The Riverwalk provides a scenic path that passes through many attractions and can be accessed by walking or biking.

Where to Go Next from Bay City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bay City is located in a beautiful and historic part of Michigan, with many nearby destinations that are worth exploring:

  • Frankenmuth: A charming Bavarian village located about 20 miles from Bay City, famous for its German restaurants, shops, and the world’s largest Christmas store.
  • Saginaw: Located about 10 miles from Bay City, Saginaw has several historic landmarks and museums, including the Castle Museum and the Saginaw Art Museum.
  • Midland: Located about 15 miles from Bay City, Midland is a vibrant city with many cultural activities, like the Midland Center for the Arts and the Dow Gardens.

Conclusion

Bay City is a hidden gem of the Midwest, offering a beautiful blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. From museums and hiking trails to local food and drink, there’s something in Bay City for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide will help you explore this beautiful city and make unforgettable memories. Have fun!