10 Things to Do in Bay City That You Shouldn't Miss

September 22, 2017 Stefan Strunk

Bay City is a city in Bay County, Michigan, located near the base of the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 34,932, and is the principal city of the Bay City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Saginaw-Midland-Bay City Combined Statistical Area. The city, along with nearby Midland and Saginaw, form the Greater Tri-Cities region of Central Michigan, which has more recently been called the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Restaurants in Bay City

1. Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum

1680 Martin St, Bay City, MI 48706-4091 +1 989-684-3946
Excellent
76%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum

Visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, home the the USS Edson DD-946. This Vietnam Era, Forestt Sherman Class destroyer is one of two left in the United States. Guests are invited to step back in history on a self-guided tour of the Grey Ghost of the Coast and see what life was like for the men who served aboard her. Approximately 95% of the ship is open to the public. Visit the Ward Room to see the US Flag that was flying aboard the USS Selfridge DD-357 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. See the Ship Store and Medic Room set up similar to what the sailors saw. Don't forget to visit the Pilot House and pretend to steer the ship. If you are lucky, you'll meet one of our many volunteers who served aboard the USS Edson or a similar ship. Guests are asked to wear close-toed comfortable shoes. You will be climbing up and down ladders and sandals, flip-flops, or high heels may become a safety hazard. We are open 7 days a week, March 1 through December 31. Due to the amount of time it takes to tour the ship, no guests will be admitted one hour prior to closing.

Reviewed By shrkchsr - Michigan

There's something for everyone! Vets, kids, computer nerds (that was me), history buffs, geography and weather buffs...everyone! Take one of the volunteer guided tours. Ours was over 2 hours and well worth it. Bill was fabulous and informative. Don't forget to tip and donate :)

2. Riverwalk Pier

S Arbor Street, Bay City, MI +1 989-893-5733
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Riverwalk Pier

Reviewed By karjer21 - Newnan, Georgia

TheRIverwalk starting from Wenonah Park and going down river as the Bay City Loop until it meets the Bangor Trail. This walkway is well lit, well kept and unfortunately also well like by all the ducks and geese that frequent the Saginaw River, walkers and runners beware of their droppings. This walk is truly a wonderful walk along the river and under a working bascule-type drawbridge. It is also great to sit on the convenient benches and watch Great Lake freighters, the Princess Wenonah and other large vessels transit up the Saginaw Rivers. The Riverwalk trail is used by all ages for hiking, running, jogging, bike riding and just strolling in general. A great place to watch the sunset or for those more hardy sunrise.

3. Bay City State Recreation Area

3582 State Park Dr, Bay City, MI 48706-1356 +1 989-684-3020
Excellent
36%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
4%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 149 reviews

Bay City State Recreation Area

Reviewed By michiganfans2016 - Bay City, Michigan

Wonderful spray park for kids, and elaborate wood playground
Grassy picnic areas and shelters
Nice nature area and trails. Campground is separate and across the road. Not so great for swimming, but nice sandy beach. Well maintained. Usually not crowded
A true "hidden gem" of Michigan!

4. Bay Antique Center

1010 N Water St, Bay City, MI 48708-5624 +1 989-894-0400
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Bay Antique Center

Reviewed By Stitcherjer - Bay City, Michigan

Even though there is a lot of variety, the center is the emptiest I have seen it during my frequent visits over the last quarter century. There have a huge variety of offerings from architectural to fine China and old clothes.

Helpful attendants throughout the building. There are actually two centers joined together that flow from one to the next.

5. Wenonah Park

1 Wenonah Park Pl, Bay City, MI 48708-5658
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Wenonah Park

Reviewed By Michele1530 - Essexville, Michigan

We've taken advantage of the concerts that are held Wednesday nights in this park during the summer. The arts Council brings in great cover bands and we always enjoy ourselves. I look forward to the renovated bathrooms since they really need some updating. Otherwise, the park is always clean, it always seems to be used, people are enjoying being along the water. This is an asset to the city

6. Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center

100 Center Ave, Bay City, MI 48708-5680 +1 989-667-2260
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center

Reviewed By Advisor0057 - Kingsville, Canada

A nice treat - very interesting, great show! Prices are very reasonable for the show offered. I would highly recommend this to anyone - I know we will be back for a different show.

7. Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

500 Center Ave, Bay City, MI 48708-5942 +1 989-893-9566
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 28 reviews

Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

Reviewed By Cynthia C - Bay City

I am totally surprised!! Very well layed out. Nice gardens. Cool children's section. The computers for printing and use are great. Come check it out ?

8. Center Avenue Historic District

Bay City, MI 48707
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 22 reviews

Center Avenue Historic District

Reviewed By DeelightfulTraveler - Saginaw, Michigan

If you like architecture, take a peak. Sure, you could drive. However, I would recommend that you fins a parking space and take a stroll. There is a pleasant mix of amazing churches and nice homes. The distance between Center & Washington and the cross street of Center and Green is about 1.2 miles. Round trip is a good power walk.

9. Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial parkway, Bay City, MI
Excellent
58%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Veterans Memorial Park

Reviewed By Stitcherjer - Bay City, Michigan

Nice place to go and enjoy a view of the Saginaw river.

However, when there are multiple events going on at the same time, there appears to be zero coordination between those events. Recently River Roar and Weird Al concert were the same weekend but the parking and other activities overlapped without apparent realization the other event was going on.

This may be an unfair reflection of Vets Park since I do not know how much influence the park has over the events.

On nonevent days, there are many picnic areas, tennis courts, ball diamonds and scenic views. In the winter the hills are great for sledding.

10. The Historical Museum of Bay County

321 Washington Ave, Bay City, MI 48708-5837 +1 989-893-5733
Excellent
39%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

The Historical Museum of Bay County

Reviewed By lin c - Bay City, Michigan

This museum is located on Washington Avenue in Bay City, Michigan. It is handicap accessible in the rear of building. A self-guiding tour in a historical building. As you walk through the rooms, you see how lumber, coal, the Michigan waterways, all helped to develop this area. IT shows men and women who were intregal parts of business in the county. Donations accepted, open weekdays. Staff on hand to answer questions if needed.

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