Top Things to do in Great Lakes Bay
Top Hotels in Great Lakes Bay
- 1. Bavarian Inn Lodge
- 2. Frankenmuth Motel
- 3. The H Hotel
- 4. Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth
- 5. Americas Best Value Inn Birch Run
- 6. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frankenmuth, an IHG Hotel
- 7. Hampton Inn & Suites Bay City
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Saginaw
- 9. Baymont by Wyndham Midland
- 10. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront
The 10 Best Things to do in Great Lakes Bay, Great Lakes Bay
Discover the best top things to do in Great Lakes Bay, United States including St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Dow Gardens, Riverwalk Pier, Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, Michigan Heroes Museum, Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, Castle Museum, Silent Night Chapel at Bronner's, Birch Run Premium Outlets.
Restaurants in Great Lakes Bay
1. St. Lorenz Lutheran Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
This St. Lorenz Lutheran Church was founded in 1845 by German immigrants who came to Saginaw Valley. Church on Sunday is at 6:00 and 9:30 A,M. They have a cemetery. They have stained-glass windows. The cross is at the very top. They also have lots of flowers. The organ is beautiful! They have a tower and a steeple. The church was built with red bricks. It is gorgeous! Wow!
2. Frankenmuth River Place Shops
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 831 reviews
Enjoy more than 40 unique shops and attractions in this authentic re-creation of a Bavarian village. Fun for the whole family! Learn more at frankenmuthriverplace.com!
Reviewed By silverbrook - London, Canada
Frankenmuth River Place Shops is a great collection of unique shops and cafes that fit in with the Bavarian style of the town. The area is set up like a little village with paths that wind through the different shops as well as sitting areas, a water feature, and common areas where there is live music at times. The main entrance through the town is via a bridge over the Cass River. This entrance also gives you easy access to the river boat ride that takes you for a leisurely cruise along the water. There is another entrance with lots of parking on the other side of the shopping area. Although there are some chain shops such as the Yankee Candle Company, there are also some unique stores in this little mall as well such as the Enchanted Forest, which also has a little outdoor display that is adorable. There is a little something for everyone in this eclectic group of shops
3. Dow Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 547 reviews
Since being established in 1899, as a home for Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow and family, the 110-acre Dow Gardens now welcomes more than 300,000 guests per year. Visitors are invited to leave the pathway and explore the uniquely-designed landscape, take a tour of the historic Pines Home, participate in one of many hands-on educational programs, and discover beautiful art and music in a relaxed setting. Dow Gardens is comprised of an Estate Garden, Exploration Garden, and Whiting Forest, which is home to the nation’s longest forest canopy walk.
Reviewed By NativeMichigander - Michigan, United States
This is a wonderful adventure particularly for young children. Gorgeous interactive water feature. Send rubber duckies down the river, climb giant rocks, swing, walk through the forest, or climb on the rope bridge in the tree tops. They also have nice seating for parents, coffee and pastries.
4. Riverwalk Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By ael48601 - Seattle, United States
Living in the old town area for a few months I ran here almost every evening. People also fish, skateboard and roller skate here. It has great sunsets in the evening with plenty of dining and bar options near the old downtown area.
5. Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, home the the USS Edson DD-946. This Vietnam Era, Forest 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 Vietnam Coast and see what life was like for the men who served aboard her. Approximately 90% of the ship is open to the public. 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 since you will be climbing up and down ladders. Due to the amount of time it takes to tour the ship, no guests will be admitted one hour prior to closing. Please check our website for the latest information on our hours. There may be times when our times change due to private events or restoration needs.
Reviewed By K6433DEjenniferh
Bill gave us a great tour of the ship with lots of great information and stories. The grown ups enjoyed it throughly. It was a lot of walking for our 4 kids and a little warm for them but they did good and enjoyed seeing different parts of the ship and ringing the ships loud bell. It was a great place to visit Father's Day weekend.
6. Michigan Heroes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Michigan Heroes Museum is dedicated to Honoring, Respecting, and Remembering the memories of people from Michigan who heeded the call to military service during America's seven foreign wars. Located in Frankenmuth, the museum was started in order to tell the stories of servicemen and women from around the state and it now contains over 850 full collections of personal artifacts and stories of our wartime heroes. In fact, Michigan Heroes Museum has gathered so many stories that it is the largest museum of its kind throughout the country and still growing. Visitors to Michigan Heroes Museum can expect to be overwhelmed by the stories of sacrifice, bravery, and valor that they will find there as the museum strives to Honor, Respect and Remember those who have served in our nations military and our space programs.
Reviewed By lewdog44129 - Cleveland, United States
My wife and I stopped by after shopping at the Christmas place, (my reward for going shopping with her). I was not sure what to expect. I have been to a few small memorials and museums and was very impressed with this facility. The location is easily accessible and provides ample parking. We went on a Saturday morning around 10AM. There wasn't many people visiting so spacing was not an issue. The museum was well designed and the attendant (Mike I believe) was very helpful and knowledgeable. The displays were clean and bright. The information was detailed but not overwhelming. I found it interesting that they focused on individuals not events. There were a few videos playing and plenty of tools, uniforms and weapons to see. We spent about 2 hours which was about all my wife could take, lol. That was pleasant of time to take it all in. I could have spent another 2 hours but you can easily spend less time and still feel like you seen everything. I would consider this a must-see in Frankenmuth especially if you injoy military history or would like to show your gratitude to those who have fallen in defence of our nation.
7. Children's Zoo at Celebration Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By mattfieldman - Cleveland, United States
Small and manageable zoo, lots of cute animals. Good place for young children. Love the prairie dogs!
8. Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Since 1979, the Castle Building has been preserved by the Historical Society of Saginaw County and is home to the award-winning Castle Museum of Saginaw County History. Within its walls, you will discover a celebration of the diversity and richness of the community's heritage through dynamic exhibits and programs. When you visit, you will learn about Saginaw's archaeological past, the community's evolution from trading center to the lumber capital of the world and its development and continuing history as a manufacturing and farming center.
Reviewed By ael48601 - Seattle, United States
A little gem in Saginaw. The exhibits covered the history of the area well in a cool looking building. I enjoyed learning about the lumber and auto industry in Saginaw. It was also good to see they were transparent about the Treaty of Saginaw and how the US gov basically reneged on paying the Chippewas their money for what is now 1/3 of the lower peninsula.
9. Silent Night Chapel at Bronner's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Y9534GHkathyd - New Kensington, United States
This is an exact replica of the chapel in Austria and it is so beautiful. Once you enter a calm and peaceful feeling will envelo you. It is even more beautiful when lit at night.
10. Birch Run Premium Outlets
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 584 reviews
Located 90 miles north of Detroit and just minutes from Frankenmuth, Birch Run Premium Outlets is the largest outlet center in the Midwest, attracting shoppers from all over Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and southwestern Ontario, Canada. Birch Run Premium Outlets is located off I-75, the main artery to Northern Michigan, which serves as a popular destination for resorts, camping, fishing, wine tasting, golf courses and more. Local Shop & Stay packages are available.
Reviewed By n9kux - Gatlinburg, United States
Went to a number of the shops and was always warmly greeted. A good place to good to walk off a good lunch or dinner and be able to shop a number of shops all in one place.
