Location: Essexville
Top Things to do in Essexville
- 1. Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
- 2. Earl C Smith Park
- 3. Ward Studio and Painterly Pottery
- 4. Bay City State Recreation Area
- 5. Bay Antique Center
- 6. Wenonah Park
- 7. Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center
- 8. Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
- 9. Center Avenue Historic District
- 10. Veterans Memorial Park
10 Things to Do in Essexville That You Shouldn't Miss
Essexville is a city on the Saginaw River in Bay County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2010 Census places the population at 3,478. Essexville is part of the Bay City metropolitan area. It is often associated with its larger western neighboring city and center of the Metropolitan Statistical Area, Bay City.
Restaurants in Essexville
1. Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
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. Earl C Smith Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By MasterOfPointillism - Kentwood, Michigan
A Place of Beauty
Always something of beauty to be found here, no matter the time of year. Right along the Saginaw River is a special location for those seeking respite from life's worries and trouble, no matter the rationalizations that caused them. It is a pretty safe place for contemplation and reflection as the boats of various types float by at a Small's pace, allowing you more than enough time to be open and honest with the world; or let others do it for you. Just beware of Jackwess's.
There is a playground and boat launch near by.
3. Ward Studio and Painterly Pottery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By JCStover - Cranberry
We stumbled onto this do-it-yourself pottery place in Bay City. The staff was very friendly and helpful. You can choose from thousands of unfinished pottery pieces to paint. The color choices are unlimited and everything is included in the marked price per piece. There are a variety of tables, stools, and benches. You are permitted to bring in outside food and drink. My husband, 9 year old and I had a great time painting our pieces. We had no prior experience and didn't feel out of place in the artsy environment. They offer specials and classes too. Our pieces will be ready in a week or so but they will hold them up to 60 days. We will definitely come back here every time we visit Bay City. This would also be a fun couples or friend activity as well.
4. Bay City State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 149 reviews
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!
5. Bay Antique Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
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.
6. Wenonah Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
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
7. Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
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.
8. Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
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 ?
9. Center Avenue Historic District
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
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.
10. Veterans Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
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.
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