Things to do in Great Lakes Bay, Great Lakes Bay: The Best Museums

The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is a FREE and open to the public museum which features a unique collection of more than two thousand objects that span the 70-year career of Detroit-based public sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks (1908-1998). He is known nationally and internationally for his impressive monumental figurative sculpture, public memorials, fountains, portraits, and medals.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Saginaw Art Museum is a vibrant cultural institution in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Its permanent collection of art includes nearly 2000 pieces that span 4500 years of art history. The collection is housed in a 1904 Georgian Revival style home, complete with formal Italianate gardens. The Museum has a dynamic exhibition program, educational opportunities, and docent led tours.