A diverse city in Michigan, from Old Saginaw City to Riverfront Saginaw and with natural attractions like the area’s Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, the city of Saginaw, Michigan has opportunities in abundance for both outdoor and indoor adventures for both locals and visitors alike. From iconic locales to theatres and museums, there’s plenty of things to do in Saginaw, including catching a show at the Dow Event Center or the Temple Theatre, viewing artwork at the Saginaw Art Museum, or spending the day at the Children’s Zoo and much more.
Castle Museum
Formerly known as Saginaw Post Office or Castle Station, the Castle Museum in downtown Saginaw, Michigan is a historic building and current home of the Saginaw County’s Historical Society.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is comprised of three floors filled with displays and exhibits, such as an automotive industry exhibit, the lumbering exhibit, an archeology exhibit, a Saginaw cyclecar from the year 1914, and the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame. There are also changing special exhibits.
Castle Museum, 500 Federal Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 989-752-2861
Children's Zoo at Celebration Square
The Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, also known as the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, is home to a wide array of animals. The zoo is open full-time to visitors between the months of May and September, as well as part-time from October to April.
Animals at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo include miniature horses, river otters, pygmy goats, prairie dogs, capuchin monkeys, and many more mammals, along with a variety of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The Zoo offers more fun for children besides the animals with its miniature train, the carousel, and Fossil Find, in which kids can dig for fossils.
Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, 1730 S. Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-759-1408
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum near Saginaw is an art museum focused on the works and life of the sculptor Marshall Fredericks.
Affiliated with University Center’s Saginaw Valley State University, the museum is located inside the Arbury Fine Arts Center and there is no fee for admission.
The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is made up of a Main Exhibit Gallery featuring around two hundred works of art and temporary exhibition galleries that showcase changing exhibits of Michigan, regional, national, and international artists from the museum’s collection. There is also a Sculpture Garden and the Sculptor’s Studio.
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI, 48710, Phone: 989-964-7125
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses around twenty-five miles of central lower Michigan, just south of the Saginaw Bay. Established back in 1953 as a preserved habitat for migratory waterfowl, the wildlife refuge is more than 9,000 acres in size and offers a peaceful place just outside of the city of Saginaw.
The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, also known by locals as the “Shiawassee Flats,” is situated within the Saginaw Bay watershed, one of Michigan’s most productive and largest wetland ecosystems.
The refuge is a great place to view a variety of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, 6975 Mower Rd, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-777-5930
Hoyt Library, Saginaw, Michigan
The Hoyt Library is located in downtown Saginaw, offering historic architecture, a vast collection, and a variety of activities and events held throughout the year.
This historic library was constructed by Eric Pinchet in the Richardson Romanesque architectural style during the late nineteenth century and houses numerous Mid-Michigan area genealogical records.
The library is one of the city’s beautiful historic buildings, with an oak interior throughout the building, along with an entrance almost identical to the Canterbury Cathedral.
Hoyt Library, 505 Janes Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 989-755-0904
Fashion Square Mall
The Fashion Square Mall is a “neighborhood mall” in the city of Saginaw, Michigan, providing the community with plenty of shopping opportunities.
The shopping destination also happens to be the Great Lakes Bay Region’s largest enclosed shopping center.
Home to many popular stores, the Fashion Square Mall includes Encore Shoes, Buckle, American Eagle, H&M, Macy’s, and JCPenney to name a few.
There are also over one hundred speciality retailers in the shopping center and a 10-screen movie theater. As for dining options, Fashion Square contains a Food Court with several options, as well as TGI Friday’s.
Fashion Square Mall, 4787 Fashion Square Mall, Saginaw, MI 48604, Phone: 989-793-6401
Dow Event Center
Formerly named the Saginaw Civic Center and the Saginaw County Event Center, the Dow Event Center is an indoor event venue in the city of Saginaw, Michigan, consisting of several different parts, including The Arena, Huntington Event Park, The Red Room, The Theater, The Garden Room, and The Atrium. Dow Event Center has also housed multiple hockey teams over the years and is currently the home of the Saginaw Spirit, which is part of the Ontario Hockey League. The Arena regularly hosts sporting events, concerts, exhibits, and conventions, while the Theatre hosts the Broadway In Saginaw Series and other theater events.
Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 989-759-1330
Temple Theatre
Also known by the nickname of the “Showplace of Northeastern Michigan,” the Temple Theatre is one of the most distinguished buildings in Saginaw, Michigan. Featuring seating for more than 1,700 people, the theater has hosted several legends over the years since it originally opened back July of 1927, ranging from George Carlin to B.B. King. The Theatre is also home to the only Barton Butterfield Special organ in its original condition in the world. The most historic theater in the region, legendary performers, famous performing groups, and contemporary stars grace the Temple Theatre stage every year.
Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 877-754-7469
Pride and Country Village, Saginaw, Michigan
The Pride and Country Village in Saginaw is the largest “village of unique shops” in the state of Michigan. Located minutes away from charming Frankenmuth, the shopping village is conveniently accessed just outside of the main area of Saginaw from Interstate 75. The Pride and Country Village is a one-of-a-kind shopping destination offering unique merchandise ranging from accessories and clothing to bath and body products to gifts and home furnishings.
Pride and Country Village, 5965 E. Holland Rd, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-754-5807
Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza
The Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza is dedicated to the men and women of the military from Michigan’s Saginaw County who lost their lives, whether by virtue of military conflict or war, serving the United States. The Veterans Memorial Plaza has its official dedication at the Memorial Day service on May 30th of 2005 with a mission of providing a place for people to come and pay their homage to all veterans of Saginaw County. The Plaza’s origins date back to 2000 when the community wanted to restore Michael Jeffers Park, site of a World War II monument, to its original design.
1574 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-752-4000, See the Map
Saginaw Art Museum
The Saginaw Art Museum, housed inside of the family home of Clark L. Ring, is a museum that maintains a rather impressive permanent collection and hosts an active schedule of art exhibitions, in addition to various programs and special events. The museum’s permanent collection is primarily focused on watercolors, sculpture, and painting created by European and American artists from the eighteenth century through the twenty-first century since 1947. The permanent collection of the Saginaw Art Museum also contains numerous photographs, works on paper, glass, and ceramics.
Saginaw Art Museum, 1126 N Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602, Phone: 989-754-2491
Timbers Bar and Grill
The Timbers Bar and Grill is a locally owned and operated restaurant and bar that has been providing quality food and drinks to the Saginaw Township community since 2001. The family-friendly dining establishment takes its decor and name from the logging history of Saginaw and serves a menu focused on freshly made American fare and on hearty portions. Along with its plentiful menu, the Timbers Bar and Grill offers nightly specials and a bar with as many as twenty beers available on tap, many of which are Michigan-made craft brews. There is also a decent cocktail and wine selection.
Timbers Bar and Grill, 6415 State Street, Saginaw, MI 48603, Phone: 989-790-2345
Jake's Old City Grill
A casual-upscale restaurant in the city of Saginaw, Jake's Old City Grill offers comprehensive wine bar and martini menus, in addition to a classic, yet modernly updated dinner menu consisting of pasta, poultry, exotic seafood, chops, steaks, and vegetarian entrees. Jake's Old City Grill pairs its food and drinks with personalized, gracious service and dynamic presentation. The restaurant’s sophisticated decor is reflective of the Victorian-style architecture of the building, as well as the early Saginaw heritage, in an unpretentious, comfortable, and warm fashion. Jake's Old City Grill is open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturdays for dinner.
Jake's Old City Grill, 100 S Hamilton St, Saginaw, MI 48602, Phone: 989-797-8325
Pasong's Cafe
Pasong's Cafe in Saginaw, Michigan boasts a story rich in tradition. Pasong Saycosie-King, as well as her husband and two daughters, came to Saginaw in 1979 from Laos. Pasong soon found herself supporting her family by selling spring rolls she made in the family’s kitchen. Her traditions and values of service, integrity, and quality are carried on today by her daughters Tina and Nonnie, who believe in the local community and strive to buy ingredients locally whenever possible. The food at Pasong’s Cafe is always prepared to order without using MSG and can be accommodated to all diets.
Pasong's Cafe, 114 N Michigan Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602, Phone: 989-791-5008
Fuzzy's Restaurant, Saginaw, Michigan
Fuzzy's Restaurant is one of the Saginaw area’s premier family restaurants, offering a casual and pleasant dining experience within a bistro-style atmosphere that’s suitable for kids, adults, and groups alike. The restaurant takes great pride in its delightful ambiance and its extensive, flavorful menu, which includes an all-day full breakfast menu, Angus beef burgers, and the signature Folded Sandwich, which is a hand-rolled bread that’s stuffed with vegetables or meats. Fuzzy’s Restaurant also offers homemade bread and pies baked fresh daily, as well as more than thirty flavors of ice cream.
Fuzzy's Restaurant, 1924 Court St, Saginaw, MI 48602, Phone: 989-790-1719
Mid-Michigan Children's Museum
Opened in 2008, Mid-Michigan Children's Museum aims to provide children with a “Play and Learn” hands-on environment that motivates and engages kids to use their creativity and curiosity to learn about the world’s wonders. Each gallery in the more than 16,000-square-foot gallery space has been built around the school curriculum and included input from kids, educators, and children’s museum specialists. From automotive adventures to wet water exploration, Mid-Michigan Children's Museum features hands-on exhibits for kids from birth to ten years of age. Along with the exhibits, the museum also offers space for birthday parties, special events, and field trips.
Mid-Michigan Children's Museum, 315 West Genesee Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602, 989-399-6626
Japanese Cultural Center
Boasting a mission of promoting peace and intercultural understanding through the art of the tea ceremony, the Japanese Cultural Center near downtown Saginaw has provided demonstrations of a traditional tea ceremony since it opened in 1986. The center also includes the Tokushima-Saginaw Friendship Garden, which stretches three acres and features Japanese rock garden landscapes, such as numerous stone lanterns, an arch bridge, a winding stream, and a waterfall. Visitors can also join one of the daily tours of the teahouse and garden, as well as attend one of the various festivals or programs that showcase Japanese culture and arts.
Japanese Cultural Center, 527 Ezra Rust Dr, Saginaw, MI 48601, 989-759-1648
Kokomo's Family Fun Center
Press Play 989, formerly known as Kokomo's Family Fun Center, offers a variety of attractions for guests of all ages to choose from at this eight-acre outdoor/indoor entertainment facility. Families and friends can spend a fun-filled day playing laser tag, getting bumped around in Bumper Boats, hitting the arcade, and challenging each other to a go kart race or a round of miniature golf at the nineteen-hole course. Laser Tag at Press Play 989 gives the option of nine different game objectives for players to select from before they navigate the maze, dodge obstacles, and tag their opponents.
Kokomo's Family Fun Center, 5200 Kokomo Dr, Saginaw, MI 48604, 989-797-5656
Imerman Memorial Park
Imerman Memorial Park provides opportunities for an array of activities for both locals and visitors in Saginaw, Michigan. Launching boats or fishing from the shore is possible with Tittabawassee River access at the park. Along with the boat launch and fishing dock, Imerman Memorial Park includes restroom facilities, a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, roller hockey court, grills, and sand volleyball court. There is also a year-round dog park open during normal hours and more than a mile of trails for hiking that travel past the park’s four pavilions. These pavilions are available for rent for gatherings and events.
Imerman Memorial Park, 3495 Midland Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603, 989-790-5280
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
Considered a gem of Saginaw County, the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail stretches approximately eleven miles from Saginaw to St. Charles. The trail features several different natural features along the way, such as wetland areas, the Shiawassee State Game Area, and several bridges crossing over creeks and rivers. There are also benches, viewing platforms, a parking lot with restroom facilities, trail shelters, and an equestrian trail. The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail is designed for a variety of recreational uses and provides a great way to explore the area’s landscape and quiet, safe places for nature study, walking, jogging, bicycling, and hiking.
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail, 6225 Stroebel Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609
