25 Bayside Pursuits & Things to Do in Bay City, Michigan

When people like to tell me a certain place isn’t worth my time, it only makes me want to see that place more aggressively. 

Bay City got that treatment while we were road-tripping through Michigan. We were staying in a town I wouldn’t recommend to my worst enemy — that’s Lake, Michigan, if you must know — and the locals told us Traverse City was where it’s at.

Bay City, though?

“Meh,” they said. “Not worth your time.”

Well, regular travelers, I’m here to tell you that Bay City is very much worth your time. Don’t let me just tell you that. Let me show you with this guide to all of the best things to do in Bay City, Michigan.

It’s a town we enjoyed enough to visit multiple times on our trip to the area, by the way. Take that, strangers I’ll never see again!

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Is Bay City, Michigan, worth visiting?

Bay City, Michigan, is absolutely worth visiting. While it isn’t as well-trafficked as Traverse City and other beachy towns on the Lake Michigan side of the state, that’s what makes it special.

You won’t have as many people to contend with when you’re out there exploring the best places to visit in Bay City, Michigan.

Things to Do in Bay City, Michigan: FAQs

Is Bay City, Michigan, on the water? Bay City, Michigan, is on the water. It’s perfectly situated on Saginaw Bay, a bay within Lake Huron. The water here is less intense than you might get on the Lake Michigan side of the state which means all kinds of beach potential for visitors.

To get to Bay City,  you’ll need to get yourself to the Lake Huron coast. The closest airport is MBS International Airport in Freeland, Michigan, but you’ll likely need to connect from a larger airport to get there. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport are your best bets for connections.

From wherever you land, you’ll be driving around Bay City. Book a car for pickup at the airport using an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline. 

Note: If you’d like to drive from either big city, Chicago is about 6 hours from Bay City. You can get to Bay City from Detroit in about 2 hours.

What is Bay City, MI, known for? Bay City, MI, is known for its scenic riverfront and bay, antique shopping scene, and outdoor recreational activities. It’s also the seat of Bay County, the birthplace of Madonna — you read that right! — with a rich maritime history.

Is Bay City, MI, nice? Bay City is very nice. Downtown Bay City is downright charming and the Riverwalk Pier and surrounding boardwalks are lovely, scenic, and perfect for birdwatchers.

Top Bay City, Michigan, Things to Do

As I mentioned in my intro as to why you shouldn’t listen to strangers pooh-poohing your plans, we enjoyed Bay City enough that we took a return trip there while staying at a cabin in Lake, Michigan.

I’m not talking about Lake Michigan. I’m talking about a town called Lake in Michigan that we don’t ever need to return to again. Loose dogs and Confederate flags (but you live in Michigan?!?) are not my usual scene. 

Bay City, though, that’s my scene, and it’s a lovely one at that. Here are my top Bay City, Michigan, attractions for your next trip to the Midwest. Interested in a map of everything I’ll highlight here? Follow the link below:

GIMME MY BAY CITY, MICHIGAN, MAP!

Walk along the bay at Bay City State Park.

This lovely Bay City state recreation area on Saginaw Bay is a great introduction to the Tobico Marsh coastal wetlands. We saw all kinds of shorebirds, gulls, and herons on our visit as we snapped Bay City State Park photos, so this one’s a must if you’re at all into birding. 

We’re not, but I do love watching herons out on the water, especially when they’re trying to nail something just below the surface.

A modest park museum and learning center will give you an idea of what you’ll see while you’re there. If you’re here for a stroll, though, don’t miss the Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail and the connecting boardwalks. 

Climb the tower at Bay City Hall.

I feel like Bay City Hall should actually be called Bay City City Hall just for fun. Whatever you go with, the ornate building is impressive on the inside and out. If you’re able, climb the tower for the best views.

Tower climbs are free. Climb the main stairs to the fourth floor, where you’ll find a nice lady eating a sandwich. At least, that’s what happened on our visit. She’ll show you the door and off you go. Seriously, that’s it. Do it! 

Fill up on chowder at Real Seafood Company.

You’re on the bay here, so good seafood isn’t hard to come by. Real Seafood Company is the most popular seafood stop for visitors to Bay City for a reason. 

We took advantage of their lunchtime happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers to fill up on crab cakes, chowder, fish tacos, oysters, and their in-house special, the Dynamite Shrimp. If it’s a nice day out, you can sit at their tables outside for a bayside Michigan views. It was a little chilly for that on our trip, but the interior is classy, too.

Or go on a food tour at the best restaurants in Bay City.

Feel like something more casual? Vinny’s Pizzeria next door to Real Seafood Company looked good, too. They serve up brick oven pizza and craft cocktails. Here are a few more eateries to consider as you eat your way through Bay City:

• Gatsby’s Seafood & Steakhouse: This is one of the most popular eateries in downtown Bay City, and the name fits: This is the place in Bay City for steaks and seafood. Reservations are recommended for large parties by calling 989-922-5556.
• Krzysiak House Restaurant: I have to give a shoutout to my people whenever there’s a good Polish restaurant at a destination. Yes, you can order some chicken tenders, but you should go for authenticity, instead. Try their Polish chicken noodle soup or any of their sausages.
• Latitude 43: Enjoy a comprehensive menu at this bar and grill that offers a little something for everyone. If you want a casual meal, try their fish sandwich. If you’re looking for something more upscale, taste-test one of their affordable seafood platters.
• Mulligan’s Pub: Everyone needs some pub food once in a while, and this one’s a classic with a dose of nostalgia. Mulligan’s has been around for decades as the most popular option among locals on game days. I imagine that’s related to football, but I’m more into…other stuff.

Befriend the geese along the Riverwalk Pier.

OK, so you probably won’t be making any friends with any geese. They’re mean. That doesn’t make the Riverwalk Pier any less lovely. Stroll the boardwalk to a viewing area then make your return over the Saginaw River. 

We walked all the way to Bigelow Park and apparently came across all of the geese in Michigan. There were so many. Just watch where you step.

Putz around at Ted Putz.

The Ted Putz Nature Area is an easy walk along the river if you’re already visiting Bigelow Park and Riverwalk Pier. It’s a small park with a shorter boardwalk over a marshy area, but a great place to watch the local egrets. 

It’s also a great place to pose like you don’t have a care in the world.

See the quintessential Bay City spot at Wenonah Park.

I’m calling this 6.1-acre park the quintessential spot Bay City spot because it’s on all of the town’s promotional materials. That’s thanks to the World Friendship Shell, the giant oval structure you see above.

If you visit in the warmer months, expect many of the city’s community events like concerts, art performances, and fireworks shows to happen here.

Nerd out at the Delta College Planetarium.

If you want to stick around Wenonah Park, the Delta College Planetarium is across the street. You know a space place is legit when it was paid for by NASA to help you and nerds like you explore all the things that may be going on up there.

I’m a nerd, too. I say that with love. Make it a point to visit the Kennedy Space Center if all of this is getting you hot and bothered.

This Bay City learning center includes a rooftop observation deck for stargazing on clear nights.

Sip on drafts at Tri-City Brewing Company.

Tri-City gets its name from the three cities that make up Michigan’s lower peninsula. That’s Saginaw, Midland, and, you guessed it, Bay City. Draft selections vary by season, but they always have some good hard cider on hand. Brian was a fan of their nutty brown ale.

If you want another tipple spot closer to downtown Bay City, Beaver’s Pub on Center Avenue is a popular option.

Tour the historic Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum.

Visit the home of the USS Edson, a U.S. Navy destroyer that is one of only two of its kind. This one belongs to the Forest Sherman-class of destroyers, a group of ships that were in commission from about 1955 into the 1980s. 

You’ll get some instructions from the guide when you get your tickets, but your tour is self-guided. There are lots of nooks to explore and ladders to climb, so you do have to be fairly agile to enjoy this one.

Try to find the awkward lady with the body brush in the showers, one of the strangest Bay City things to do.

See the historic homes of Center Avenue.

I always love checking out the fancy side of things when I visit a new place, and historic Center Avenue is the hub for big old homes in Bay City. If you check out the price tags on some of these, you may actually be pleasantly surprised. These historic homes are surprisingly affordable if you’re coming from one of the larger metro areas around the United States.

I’m just sayin’. If someone wants to bankroll one of these for me, they’re welcome to it.

Note: If you’re not sure where to start along Center Avenue, the Center Avenue Neighborhood Association offers up more information on highlights within this historic district.

Enjoy the green space at Veterans Memorial Park.

Veterans Memorial Park is a popular spot with locals seeking some quiet and the largest green space in the city. If you’re traveling with kids, it includes ball fields and a playground with lots of room to run those littles around.

I was here for the memorial. You’ll know you’re there when you see the large helicopter hovering above the Bay County Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

If you’re visiting with a boat somehow, this is the best spot to launch your rig as you think about what to do in Bay City, Michigan. Also, call me.

Learn a little somethin’ at Sage Branch Library.

The Sage Branch Library is just a short trip up from the memorial park above and well worth a stop for its lovely architecture alone. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 as the oldest continually operating library in the entire state. It was dedicated to the folks of Bay City back in 1884 as a gift from Henry W. Sage, a sawmill magnate from Ithaca, New York.

Fun fact: The reading room used to be young to the local Young Men’s Debate Society. I won’t even venture on topics debated back in the day.

If you love a good library, the Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library is another beloved stop along the county library system. It’s just not as historic.

Test your fear of heights on the Midland Canopy Walk.

Walk the longest canopy walk in the country at Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens. The Midland Canopy Walk is technically in Midland, but that’s just a 20-minute drive inland from Bay City and well worth your time.

This one is super fun for kids and family things to do in Bay City because of the obstacle course-style features along the canopy walk. Little ones and big kids will love the big bugs on display throughout the gardens. They’re not real, friends. Consider them bug art.

Fun fact: If you’re as lucky as we were, you’ll see employees in T-shirts that say, “I like big bugs and I cannot lie.” Preach!

7 More Fun Things to Do in Bay City, MI

Even with multiple visits, we still didn’t see all there is to see in Bay City. Here are a few more things to see in Bay City, MI, with more time:

• Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum: If you’re traveling to Bay City with the kids, this is another popular stop. This is especially true if your littles LOVE trucks. That’s a thing, right? Check out over 60 motorized fire trucks, including the FDNY Super Pumper. It all sounds like a big deal.
• Bay City Antiques Center: Some folks come to Bay City just for the antiquing. If that sounds like you, this is the best place for all of your vintage goods. If you’re here to shop, the Bay City Town Center is another popular stop.
• State Theatre of Bay City: Comedians, tribute artists, and other live shows are popular at the venue today. Back in the early 1900s when this theatre was built, it was one of several burlesque houses in the city.
• Artigiano: It’s pretty rare that I miss out on artisanal cheese shops, but that’s just how busy we were on our visits. This one is in the heart of downtown Bay City. They’ll even design a charcuterie board for you if you’re interested.
• Historical Museum of Bay County: This free museum is run by the Bay County Historical Society. Expect exhibits about how Bay City came to be, including its maritime history.
• Third Street Star Bridge: This spot marks the swing bridge that was on this spot from the 1800s all the way until 1976 when the bridge collapsed. Today, it’s part memorial, part light installation, and a popular photo spot for visitors to Bay City.
• Japanese Cultural Center: A popular excursion in nearby Saginaw, this cultural center houses one of the most authentic tea houses in the country. The timing just didn’t work out for us on this one, but it’s only 20 minutes south of Bay City if you want to check it out.

Hotels in Bay City, Michigan

We took day trips out to Bay City from our lake cottage in the aforementioned Lake, Michigan, but please don’t do that. The town is awful.

We primarily use Booking.com for our trips for the best rates (and cross-check with Hotels.com), so let’s start with that for Bay City:

• Comfort Inn Bay City — Riverfront
• Courtyard Bay City
• DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City — Riverfront
• Hampton Inn & Suites Bay City
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bay City

Vrbo has become my go-to Airbnb alternative. Check out a few more options from Vrbo:

• 3-Bedroom Beach House on the Bay
• Cottage Nestled Near Saginaw Bay
• Modern Apartment in Historic District
• Pet-Friendly Home With 4 Bedrooms
• Spacious Home Near Riverfront

Ready to Visit Bay City, Michigan?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should start your search on Skyscanner. It’s particularly helpful if you’re able to watch flights for a bit vs. booking with a set time in mind.

Scroll up for tips on getting to Bay City and how to get around town once you’re there as you make a plan for what to do in Bay City, MI.

Your Accommodations: We visited on a day trip from Lake, Michigan, but as I hated our time there, you have all kinds of accommodations to choose from while in Bay City. Scroll up for my top picks from Booking.com and Vrbo.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience for Bay City budget travel.

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel and travel tips, visit my Travel Tools page.

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