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City in Michigan, United States
Photo: NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Saginaw is a city in Central Michigan; it is the largest of the "Tri-Cities" of the Saginaw Bay area with Bay City and Midland. About 50,000 people (2019) live in this town, which survived an economic downturn when the logging industry ended at the turn of the 20th century. As with many Michigan cities, it is struggling to adapt to the challenges of having an economy based on the automobile industry.
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Educational and cultural programs for guests of all ages. One of only five of its kind in the country.
Zoological facility featuring hands-on exhibits where you can let the kid in you out, whether you're 2 or 92. Facility includes: train, playground, Awareness Amphitheater, gift shop, and concessions. Home of Michigan's only new hand-carved carousel. Seasonal with special weekends in October and December. Handicap accessible.
1805 Gratiot. Visit the home of famed Pulitzer Prize-Winning Saginaw poet Theodore Roethke and view the historical marker. Educational and cultural tours, slide presentations for organizations, occasional picnics and concerts. Call to make arrangements and obtain information.
University Center. Saginaw Valley State University's permanent exhibition of more than 200 works of art, spanning the career of Marshall Fredericks, internationally known sculptor. A fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Handicap accessible.
Ancient and modern art, formal gardens, tours, classes and children's area.
Depot, railroad tower, trackage, diesel locomotive, three historic cabooses, two boxcars and limited hours. Call in advance.
Hours vary. 24 lanes, family-friendly environment.
Seasonal; hours vary. 18 holes, driving range, open to the public.
Seasonal; hours vary. 18 holes, driving range, Grill on the Green lounge, open to the public.
Easily one of the coolest things to happen to this post-industrial town in quite some time. Weekly free showings of excellent domestic, independent, and foreign films during the summer months. Shows start at dusk; all that's required is your own lawn chair (hence the name of the festival!)
Community theater.
See and hear some of the best musicians in the area performing in the Temple Theatre often.
University Center. Comprehensive season, including youth theater. Call for schedule. Handicap accessible.
Beautiful historic theatre in downtown on Washington. Concerts, films, plays, and more are shown here. It's been redone and the interior is absolutely breathtaking.
Arena, theater, conference and hall complex in Downtown Saginaw. Formerly the Saginaw Civic Center.
"A" affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ontario League hockey team.
Fine dining and spirits. Classy, upscale restaurant. Italian and American food. The service and the food is excellent.
Newer sandwich shop located in Old Town Saginaw. Absolutely fantastic sandwiches, utilizing fresh and quality ingredients.
Excellent Chinese cuisine. The sesame tofu is absolutely outstanding. Highly recommended. Locally owned and operated.
Legendary steak sandwiches. Breakfasts are also amazing.
Looking for a good old diner with home cooked meals - all fresh, not frozen? Bringers is not fancy but there's a reason it's always packed. Good food and low prices. Order the Big Mike (with mayo and green olives). Also have great steak sandwiches (see above). Many homemade pies made daily.
Has placed two years in Torani's National Barista (Coffee Bartender) contest. Serving Manhattan-style bagels, scones, pastry. Entertainment includes poetry readings, and local art. Not a full service restaurant.
4787 Fashion Square Mall. The Tri-Cities' premier shopping destination. With great shopping destination like Macy's, JC Penney, Sears, over 100 specialty shops including Talbot's, Yankee Candle, Hollister, Children's Place and an eight-unit food court.
In an 1860s livery stable. Skis, snowboards, bikes, kayaks and in-line skates.
Located in Frankenmuth, claims it is the World's Largest Christmas Store.
Frankenmuth. Mini European hamlet with 30 shops and attractions including a laser show and the Bavarian Belle paddle wheel boat. Have fun at A-maze-n Mirrors mirror maze, BeeBee's Fun Place, A Magical Town sculpture and hologram village or enjoy time at the Day Spa.
Frankenmuth. Michigan's oldest and largest wine company. Best selection. Free tastings of Michigan's best wines, champagnes and sparkling juices.
The Midwest's largest outlet center, with 170 shops, with discounts of 25-65% off manufacturers' prices. Stop by the Customer Service Center in Fir Run to receive a current listing of discounts available to shoppers. I-75 adjacent.
By plane
MBS International Airport (MBS) is in nearby Freeland, about midway between Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw.
You'll need a car. Public transportation is limited. The Saginaw Valley has five primary tourist areas: Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Saginaw City and Saginaw Township.
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Freeland · Regional · MBS
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