20 Things To Do In Bay City Michigan On Your Next Visit

1. Visit The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum

One of the top Bay City, Michigan, tourist attractions is, without a doubt, the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. It is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997. The museum rests on the waterfront and is home to the USS Edson, a retired Navy destroyer.

You can explore the inside and learn more about how sailors spend their time by entering the ship. Walking through, various rooms and equipment come in sight that were used on board during its time of service.

The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum is a perfect place to get a real sense of naval history. You can get insights into stories about the missions that were carried out on the ship from the staff.

2. Explore Bay City State Park

Bay City State Park is regarded as the best place for lovers of nature and outdoor life to spend their time. The park lies on the northwest side of Bay City. The total land area of the park is 2300 acres, which contains many activities and beautiful scenery.

The first thing you will find inside the park is miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Hiking through these trails many wild animals enjoying the peaceful moments come in sight.

After a long hike, you can spend time at the sandy beaches along Saginaw Bay. Swim, sunbathe, and enjoy beautiful water views, these beaches are perfect for everything.

3. Stroll The Riverwalk Pier

The Riverwalk Pier is another one of the top Bay City, Michigan tourist attractions. It is a perfect place to enjoy the Bay City's waterfront. The path runs along the Saginaw River and lets you take in the beautiful view of the water and the city's skyline.

Walking on this path, you will see passing by boats and maybe even spot some local wild animals. The pier is perfect for a short afternoon walk or an evening outing. The entire Riverwalk Pier is well-equipped with benches and viewpoints.

From these spots, you can enjoy the view of the sunset over the river from a perfect angle. As a perfect viewpoint, the pier is also a popular spot for photography.

4. Discover The Center Avenue Historic District

A visit to the Center Avenue Historic District is like taking a step back in time. This area has an unusually great number of well-preserved historic homes and buildings, many of which were constructed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As you walk along Center Avenue, you will see architectural styles like Victorian, gothic Revival, and Colonia Revival. Each of these houses has a unique charm and tells a story about Bay City's past.

Adding a natural flair to the neighborhood, trees, and gardens are lined all across the street. Moreover, the Center Avenue Historic District is also a perfect place to shop for gifts and souvenirs from various antique shops and boutiques.

5. Experience The Delta College Planetarium

While strolling down Central Avenue Historic District, this is one place that you should definitely visit. This place is a state-of-the-art facility that is perfect for any space or astronomy enthusiast.

The large domed theaters here are specially designed for spectacular shows concerning the night sky and the universe. These theaters take you on a journey through stars, planets, and galaxies with a feeling of space travel.

The Delta College Planetarium also hosts education programs and events that cover various topics of space science.

6. Hunt For Treasure At The Bay Antiques Center

The next stop on the list is the Bay Antiques Center. The center, within easy walking distance from the downtown area, is one of the most favored antique shops in town. It is a treasure trove full of interesting items waiting to be discovered.

Browsing through the Bay Antiques Center, you will see various items like old furniture, vintage jewelry, classic toys, and retro decor. Every item has its own story and character making every piece a unique one.

If you are a serious collector or just looking for that special something to take home, this place will not disappoint. So, make a list and head out for a day of treasure hunting at Bay Antiques Center.

7. Visit The Antique Toy And Firehouse Museum

Perfect for families with children, the Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum is a great place to rewind all the childhood memories. This museum holds an impressive collection of antique toys and games.

Toys from different eras are showcased inside the museum, which helps to understand the evolving world of playtime. Firehouse exhibits are another main attraction of the museum.

Exhibits here let you take a closer look at old fire trucks and equipment along with some memorabilia that tell the story of firefighting history. The displays are well-managed and provide interesting information making it both a fun place and an educational hub.

8. Spend A Day At Wenonah Park

To spend a day outdoors, Wenonah Park is a wonderful place. It is located along the Saginaw River close to the Downtown Bay City. This park gives a peak into the natural beauty of the city and offers a variety of activities.

You can take a short walk along the paths or simply relax on the grassy lawns. The park also has picnic areas in adequate numbers where you can have your meal while enjoying the lovely riverside view. For kids, safe playgrounds can also be found inside.

During the warmer months, Wenonah Park hosts events and festivals that add to its lively atmosphere. Overall, this park is a perfect place for a peaceful retreat.

9. Visit The Ted Putz Nature Area

The Ted Putz Nature Area is another beautiful park you must visit while in Bay City. This place offers a chance to enjoy the outdoors and experience local wildlife from a closer view. This nature area features well-marked trails that pass through woodlands along the river.

These trails are perfect for walking and jogging while appreciating the natural beauty. Every path is well-marked with informative signs about the local plants and animals.

Furthermore, you will also get an opportunity to observe various birds, butterflies, and other animals from a closer distance. After strolling for a bit, you can sit and relax in one of many open areas and enjoy the sound of nature.

10. Shop At The Bay City Town Center

Bay City Town Center is a fun and convenient shopping spot in Bay City. The entire center features multiple shops and restaurants. Here you can get retail chains, specialty shops, and boutiques to find everything you need.

Along with shopping, you can explore the nearby restaurants to have a glimpse of the local cuisine. While visiting this shopping center you won't have to worry about parking or shop navigating problems as the center features large parking spaces and sign boards.

11. Enjoy A Peaceful Day At Alice And Jack Writ Public Library

The Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library is situated on Central Avenue. This library is such a great place to relax with your favorite book because of its quiet and inviting atmosphere.

The library contains large reading options with books, periodicals, and other e-resources.  To let the visitors enjoy a non-disturbed study session, the library also features separate study rooms and reading areas.

As a peaceful retreat in a city full of rush, the Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library is more than just a library. It is a community hub where you can enjoy cultural activities and connect with people.

12. Stroll Around The Carroll Park

Spread across 13 acres of land, this place is a tree-lined space in the Bay City. It is a well-maintained park that features a peaceful environment with plenty of green spaces.

Walking around the park is the same as taking a tour through a tiny forest, with trees, beautiful flowers in bloom, and grass-covered lawns. This park is free to visit. Therefore, it is among the popular picnic spots that attract visitors from all over the world.

The large playground area for kids is one of the major attractions of Carroll Park. The welcoming space of the park makes it a great place to connect with other visitors and locals alongside nature.

13. Discover The Veterans Memorial Park

The Veterans Memorial Park is located along the west bank of the Saginaw River. It is a meaningful place that covers a total area of 97 acres. Built to honor those who served in the military, the park features various monuments and plaques.

The entire park is full of crafted memorials situated in a serene setting. To celebrate and remember the contributions of veterans, the Veterans Memorial Park often hosts ceremonies and events that you can attend.

As a place deeply rooted in the military, this park is also a suitable place for anyone interested in learning about local military history.

14. Bike The Bay City Riverwalk Trail

The Bay City Riverwalk Trial AKA Bay City Loop is a popular 9.5 miles trail. This trail is built alongside the Saginaw River providing stunning views of the water and surrounding nature. Biking through this trail is a unique way to explore the city.

The loop winds various beautiful parks and green spaces. You can stop by one of these places to relax and appreciate the nature. With a well-maintained path, the trail is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels.

Meanwhile, for a more physically challenging experience, you can switch the bike ride to running or jogging. Places like the Riverwalk Pier and other beautiful markets can also be explored while on the Bay City Riverwalk Trail.

15. Catch A Show At State Theatre

The State Theatre is a great place if you are looking for an entertaining evening. Recognized as a historic theater, this place features beautiful architecture and classic charm.

From live music and theatrical productions to film screenings and special events, this venue hosts everything. The theater never stays ideal as something is always going on. So, you don't have to worry about missing out on a performance or event.

However, if you wish to attend a specific program, you will have to check the theater's schedule in advance. Meanwhile, the high-quality production from talented artists helps you spend a memorable day in Bay City.

16. Watch Local Animals At Quanicassee Wildlife Area

The Quanicassee Wildlife Area can be found on the shore of Saginaw Bay. It is home to various local wild animals and birds and stands as a haven for nature lovers. This wildlife area is where you will find various habitats like wetlands, marshes, and meadows.

All these habitats can be explored from a safe distance to take a look at the animals living there. Walking around here, you will find birds, deer, and other animals roaming freely in nature. The observation points make it even easier to spot animals with a bird's eye view.

The Quanicassee Wildlife Area is also a great place for photography with beautiful landscapes and active wildlife.

17. Hike The Trails At Tobico Marsh

If you have come this far, then you surely are looking for an adventurous place. For that, take a trip to the Tobico Marsh Nature Area. This large nature reserve is full of trails that take you past diverse landscapes.

Hiking along these trails you will cross wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas. With each step, you will be treated to a beautiful view and opportunities to see birds like herons, eagles, and many more.

The trails inside the Tobico Marsh vary in length and difficulty. So choose wisely before starting your adventurous journey through the vast nature.

18. Relax At The Roosevelt Park

Roosevelt Park is the perfect destination for cool and easy days out. The atmosphere in this place is silent and nice, making this park the best site to relax and enjoy the outdoor environment. The green lawns and shadow space offer a cool and peaceful environment.

Either of these spaces is ideal for a picnic or just relaxing on the grass with a good book. For those who like sports, there is a tennis court where you can play a friendly match against other park visitors.

While you spend time on the tennis court, children can have fun at the playground full of modern equipment and a safe environment.

19. Play Games At Crazy Quarters Arcade

This is the fun place you all have been looking for. The Crazy Quarters Arcade is a game center filled with both classic and modern games that never fails to entertain you. As you enter, be ready to spend an entire day at the vintage pinball machines and retro video games.

If you are someone from the early 1990s, old-school games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong will surely take you back in time. Inside, you can also take part in games that reward you with prizes and tokens, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

With every passing hour inside, the day starts to feel shorter when you are actually having some fun.

20. Take Your Kids To Hewitt Park

Hewitt Park is a fantastic spot for a family outing in Bay City. Covering a total area of 6 acres, this park was established in 1994. Since then it has remained one of the main attractions in Bay City, MI.

The park is mostly designed for children and features various fun and engaging play equipment. Kids can climb on the jungle gym, slide down the colorful slides, or just relax and enjoy the swings.

The entire area of Hewitt Park is well-maintained and enforces a level of safety. The park also has open grassy areas where families can have picnics, play games, or take in the views of nature.