Come Visit Bay City, Michigan

Are you looking for a new place for a mini-vacation? Are you tired of going to the same attractions as everybody else? Are you tired of all the long lines for a two-minute thrill? Are you ready to slow down? Are you ready to go somewhere your entire family can enjoy? If you answered yes to these questions, you should check out vacationing in Bay City, Michigan.

Bay City is located on the Saginaw River, just inland from where the river pours into the Saginaw Bay. The town is built on both sides of the river and currently has four bridges connecting the two sides. In the last 25 years, Bay City has been shifting from industrial town (auto manufacturing and sugar beet processing) to more of a tourist town.

Bay City's riverfront used to be filled with rundown warehouses and factories. Now the river has parks and a bustling downtown to enjoy its beauty. Downtown Bay City is on the east side of the river. Downtown has numerous specialty and antique shops. Many area residents as well as tourists will spend a whole day browsing the shops and eating at the diners and cafes.

Another draw to the Bay City area is all of the parks. There is Bay City State Recreation Area, which is outside of the city limits but on the Saginaw Bay. The park has campsites and a public beach as well as access to Tobico Marsh. Tobico Marsh is an 1800 wetland preserve with over five miles of trails to explore and two observation towers.

Bay City has a 9-mile long rail trail, with two of the miles in a park across from the Downtown area, called the River Walk. The River Walk, along with Veteran's Memorial Park and Wenonah Park, (across the river in the downtown area) hosts many summer festivals and concerts. Other parks in the area have places for skateboarding, duck watching, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and many other events.

Families can also drive about 20 minutes north of Bay City to a small amusement park called Deer Acres. The park is open in the summer and has a storybook theme to it. There is also a petting zoo and a picnic area. The kids can also enjoy a merry-go-round, a carousel, and a vintage car ride.

If you are into sports, Bay County has over 10 golf courses and driving ranges. There the Tri-City Motor Speedway about 6 miles west of the city. The Bay County Civic Arena is open all year for ice-skating. The Civic Arena also likes to boast that it was where 2006 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Alex Izykowski (Izzy) started his speed skating career. A vintage baseball team plays regular games in Bay City against many neighboring city teams.

If you like swimming, there is the Bay City State Recreation Area. There is also the Bay County Community Center, which is an outdoor pool and the Delta College Fitness and Recreation Center, which is an indoor pool and open all year.

Fishing, boating, and jet skiing are also fun pastimes in the Bay City area. The Princess Wenonah and the Appledore Tall Ships will take you on tours of the river and the Saginaw Bay. There are daytime, sunset, and stargazing cruise packages available but you should try to pre-book the cruises because they are popular.

There are so many festivals in Bay City that the residents always have something to do. The major festivals include the River Roar in June. The River Roar is a speed boat race on the river comparable to NASCAR. Another festival is the Forth of July Fireworks Festival, which lasts for 3 days and nights. In August, people come from all around for the Pig Gig, which is a Barbecue Contest. There are also numerous smaller festivals throughout the year in Bay City and in the surrounding county.

History buffs like to go to the River of Time Living History Encampment in Bay City during September. The River of Time showcases the time periods from the French and Indian War all the way through the Civil War.

There are many more ways for history buffs to spend their time in Bay City. The downtown area has seven antique shops. The historic Center Avenue has Bed and Breakfasts to stay in. There are museums such as the Bay County Historical Museum, Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum, and the Bay City Motor Company to explore. On the west side of the river a small family owned antique shop Eichorn Antiques which is rumored to be a stop along the Underground Railroad. Some of the cemeteries along Ridge Road are the resting grounds for Civil War Soldiers.

If you are looking someplace that has a little bit of something for everyone and a friendly atmosphere, Bay City is for you. You will not wait in the long lines and you can have a fun vacation experience for the whole family.