Location: Saginaw
Top Things to do in Saginaw
- 1. Children's Zoo at Celebration Square
- 2. Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
- 3. Castle Museum
- 4. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
- 5. Mid-Michigan Children's Museum
- 6. Japanese Cultural Center
- 7. The Lucille E. Andersen Memorial Garden
- 8. The Hoyt Library
- 9. Pride and Country Village
- 10. Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
The 10 Best Things to Do in Saginaw, United States
Part of the Flint/Tri-Cities area in Michigan, Saginaw is a small city with unique attractions, including a French-style castle, originally built as a post office and now home to the the local historical society. The city also has its own island park sitting in the middle of Saginaw River, a popular destination for picnics and fireworks. The Japanese Cultural Center, built in conjunction with Saginaw's sister city, Tokushima, features an tea house where authentic tea ceremonies are performed.
Restaurants in Saginaw
1. Children's Zoo at Celebration Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By Carol W - Mount Morris, Michigan
We went to the Zoo on Wednesday just to get away for an afternoon. What a good way to do that. We found at the gate that the day was free to seniors and that was a bonus. We bought tickets for the train and proceeded into the zoo. They don't have lions, tigers or bears, but otherwise enough of other animals. They have kangaroos, lama's, emu's, minature horses, goats to name a few. We had a very good time and it was nice to just get away for the afternoon. Please take a chance and go visit. The train ride was refreshing and fun. For 2 seniors over 70 we had a great time and wasn't rushed.
2. Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Anne A
A very cool sculpture museum that operates on donations. The gift store has unique items. The SVSU campus is beautiful in the spring and it's worth it to walk outside and see the sculptures in the gardens too.
3. Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 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 CaseyfromBoston - Home Usa
Really cool building with tremendous architectural detail inside and out. I could skip the grown-up train set in the basement and some other kitchy additions, but the original building has been well preserved and is just gorgeous.
4. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By WindyandSun
We stopped by Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge on our way to Bay City. It offered more than I expected. There're trails for hiking and driving. We drove on wildlife driving for bird watching around the wetland and we stopped at lookouts on the way. One thing you need to keep in mind is that to check out the map at refuge headquarter which is at outside of the refuge, Then figure it out how to get to the Ferguson Bayou Trail and Woodland Trail. Also wildlife driving only open during June-Sept.
5. Mid-Michigan Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
The museum is a place to explore, learn new things, and have fun! Did you know that play is vital to children’s social and emotional growth? Plus, it contributes to fine and gross motor development and body awareness. As PBS’s Mr. Rogers put it, “Play is really the work of childhood.” Every day, we work hard to provide a hands-on, “Play and Learn” environment that engages and motivates children to use their curiosity and creativity to learn about the wonders of our world. We rely on talented staff, dedicated volunteers and generous community support to make our mission a reality. Let’s learn about the museum! • Big and bold: Our bright and friendly building – formerly a car dealership! – has over 16,000 square feet of gallery space. In addition, we have classrooms that we use for field trips, meetings, and birthday parties; a gift shop focused on creativity and learning; and administrative offices. • Designed just for kids: We have 10 galleries designed specifically for guests age 10 and under. Each gallery was developed around Michigan school curriculum with input from children’s museum specialists, educators, and KIDS! • Play for all: From our adaptive play web tool Museum4Me to day camp scholarships to busing assistance, we want to minimize barriers to play. Do you have an idea of how to improve museum access? We are always learning and we would be happy to hear from you! We are privileged to serve a diverse community and we are excited for what the future will bring! Because, unlike traditional museums, the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum is all about the future – future artists, future scientists, future engineers … future community members!
Reviewed By Cynthia W - Freeland, Michigan
Great price for an active and educational venue. Easy to get to, and lots of parking. I took my 18 month old grandchild. If you child likes water, you may consider a change of clothes. The water activity has aprons that repel water but somehow the kids always get wet. Because it was winter and negative temperatures, I was glad for the change of clothes before going home. Just little things seem to draw them in. . . A stick to hit tin cans,, Oh lets pull the string that makes the neat bell ring. Well, now lets race the cars down the wood track. . Dependent on age, , your child will find their interests peaked. Who would have thought it was fun to try on lots of different eye glasses. There is a little gift shop, a few items of interest. Restrooms clean and large. Did you know you can bring a lunch and eat at the picnic tables near the front?? yup,, saw a family doing that. The one thing I would recommend is a good hand washing before going home. This appeared to be good for children under 10, and if an older sibling had younger ones to play with I presume everyone would have fun. . Us Adults had fun. Note: Don't forget that camera, and if you are staying a while, a bottle of water may be helpful. Have fun. We spent about 1 hr for my 18 month old grandchild.
6. Japanese Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By preppygirl56 - Midland, Michigan
We really enjoyed the presentation recently at the tea house. The ceremony was demonstrated by three ladies. It was presented in front of the audience. During the ceremony, there was no talking. But they demonstrated how the tea was poured and how the tea and sweets were served. After the ceremony, they served Japanese sweets and green tea to everyone. The pace was very relaxing. The sweets were not very sweet, but made with kidney beans and other authentic products. The tea house is actually constructed on land that was deeded to their Japanese sister city. The history of the tea house construction was interesting and informative.
We were allowed to take photographs. The gardens around the tea house are also open to visit. They have two bridges, a nice water view and some statues.
There is no kneeling for people in the audience. We sat at very low tables on low benches. It was very comfortable. There is room for about 25 people in the audience. Reservations are needed. We were on a wait list and were called earlier in the day and were able to attend. The tea house is air conditioned and the doors were kept closed during the presentation.
7. The Lucille E. Andersen Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Experience the award winning Andersen Enrichment Center for meetings, weddings, receptions, and other life events. The center is located in the heart of Saginaw's park district and adjoins the beautiful Lucille Andersen Rose Garden. Our on-of-a-kind atmosphere accommodates up to 150 guests. You may provide your own food and refreshments or select a caterer of your choice to suit your food service needs. A wall of french doors creates an elegant entrance to the Garden Room, which offers a panoramic view of the rose garden.
Reviewed By UberLiciousVintage - Tri Cities
I go here often and LOVE it!
From the incredible wisteria in bloom in spring to the huge variety of Roses in Bloom throughout the summer...
It is awesome any time you visit!
The fountain has a Marshall Fredrick sculpture!
Peaceful and eye candy all around!
Never disappoints!
8. The Hoyt Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By LJB049 - Saginaw, Michigan
While this is a Classic Library with great architecture that also has the normal library fixtures of books, magazines, and computer labs it also houses one of the finest genealogy department in the state with thousands of reference books as will as Microfilm of newspapers bating back to the early 1870's. There are plenty of people to help you out with your research, as well as show you the ins and outs of the systems. Sorry but after over 100 visits I have yet to see a ghosts or specters!
9. Pride and Country Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Philosophyguru - Dover, Delaware
A nice little village of gift shops between the Frankenmuth area and Saginaw. Not the tourist trap looking shops like in the Frankenmuth area, higher quality shops with gift items, home decor, and some furniture. Also a nice little restaurant. North on route 83 out of Frankenmuth then west on route 46.
10. Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Paul R - Deltona, Florida
Brought my road bike with me from Florida on a trip to visit family in Saginaw. Used the TrailLink App to find rail trails located in central Michigan. This trail was located within 10 minutes of where I was staying. Unfortunately, the freezing/thawing effects in this part of the world usually results in paved surfaces degrading fairly quickly. The folks in charge of this trail have done a wonderful job keeping the trail surface repaired and smooth.
The trail transitions between farm fields and woods throughout it's length. There is adequate signage that will be much appreciated for first time trail users. You will have to slow down and/or stop when the trail crosses roadways. While there are no restrooms/water at the eastern terminus of the trail, there are facilities and another parking area about 3 miles up the trail. Restrooms/water are also located at the western terminus of the trail at Lumberjack Park in St. Charles ...a distance of about 9.5 miles from end to end. Road bikes can ride the trail from one end to the other and back in a bit over an hour. It will take folks using mountain/cross bikes a bit longer. If you enjoy riding or hiking, you need to check this trail out. I don't think you will be disappointed.
TAGS
