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Saginaw is a historic river city in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region, set along the Saginaw River a short distance from Saginaw Bay. It boomed in the 19th century as one of the world's great lumber towns, then became an important automotive manufacturing center. Many grand homes and downtown buildings remain from the lumber era.
The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History occupies a former post office built to look like a French chateau, and the restored Temple Theatre presents concerts and shows. Saginaw's sister-city ties to Tokushima, Japan, are celebrated at the Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House, which hosts traditional tea ceremonies beside a tranquil garden.
Families enjoy the Saginaw Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, the Saginaw Art Museum and the Andersen Enrichment Center rose garden. Old Town on the west side has restaurants and bars, and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge lies just south of the city. Bay City and Midland are both a short drive away.
A county history museum inside a former federal post office built in the style of a French chateau, complete with turrets. Exhibits cover the Saginaw Valley's Native American history, the lumber boom and the automotive era. Allow an hour or two and admire the building's exterior from Jefferson Avenue.
A traditional Japanese tea house and garden created with Saginaw's sister city, Tokushima. Visitors can tour the tea house and attend formal tea ceremonies on scheduled days, then stroll the peaceful garden with its pond and stone lanterns. Check the ceremony schedule in advance, as times are limited.
A grand theater opened in the 1920s and lovingly restored, with an ornate auditorium and a historic theater organ. It hosts concerts, classic films, comedy and touring shows throughout the year. Arrive early to look around the lobby, and check the calendar for organ performances.
An art museum set in a stately early 20th-century home and its modern additions, with a permanent collection of American, European and Asian art and changing exhibitions. The formal garden behind the house is lovely in summer. Admission is often by suggested donation; check current shows.
A compact zoo at Celebration Square designed for young families, with exotic and farm animals, a petting area, plus a carousel and a train ride. It is easy to see in a couple of hours. Open seasonally from spring to fall, with special holiday events.
A community event center beside the Lucille E. Andersen Memorial Rose Garden, which bursts into bloom from June through early fall with hundreds of rose bushes. Its walkways and fountain make it a popular spot for photos and weddings. It sits near the zoo and Celebration Square.
A large historic park on the east side near the zoo and Celebration Square, with open lawns, shade trees and room for sledding in winter. It is a relaxed place for a walk or picnic and is part of the city's main recreation district. Combine it with the rose garden and the zoo for a family day.
The historic heart of Saginaw's west side around Court Street, with 19th-century brick buildings now home to pubs, restaurants, shops and music venues. It is the city's liveliest area in the evening and hosts summer events. Walk to the nearby riverfront for views of the Saginaw River.
Downtown Saginaw's large arena and theater complex, home to the Saginaw Spirit junior hockey team, with concerts, family shows and the Heritage Theater. Spirit games draw lively crowds from fall to spring. Buy tickets in advance for big events, and check the parking options nearby.
A large refuge just south of Saginaw where several rivers meet, protecting marshes, bottomland forest and farmland used by migrating birds. Drive the seasonal Wildlife Drive or walk the Ferguson Bayou Trail to spot eagles, herons, swans and ducks. Spring and fall migrations are best.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Jgvannette, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Saginaw Future Inc., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Antony-22, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Saul Vielmetti, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Saginaw Future Inc., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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