Bay City is a vibrant waterfront community set on the shores of Lake Huron. It combines a proud nautical heritage with on-trend shopping, dining and entertainment. Explore the lovely Uptown and Downtown districts, visit a maritime museum housed on a retired United States Navy destroyer and discover the city’s fantastic urban trail system.
Things to do in Bay City
From hip coffee houses to eclectic boutiques, Downtown Bay City is a hotspot for small businesses. You’ll find all kinds of treasures at the famous Bay City Antiques Centre. Housed in a historic building, it’s one of the biggest antique malls in Michigan and features hundreds of stalls. Uptown Bay City wins over visitors with tree-lined streets, historic brownstones and waterfront eateries.
Board a tall ship and enjoy a scenic cruise around Lake Huron. Depending on the tour, you can sip champagne on the sundeck or roll up your sleeves and learn the ropes. Other cruises take a more leisurely approach and offer five-course meals and onboard entertainment.
Stretch your legs and enjoy the views on the Bay City Area Riverwalk and Rail Trail System. The trail network takes you through woodlands, farmland and charming townships. The scenery is diverse and ranges from woodland and farmland to marshes and wildflower-strewn fields. The Bay City State Recreation Area is a great starting point and boasts sweeping views over Saginaw Bay.
Learn about the city’s maritime past at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. It’s housed on the USS Edson, a retired United States Navy destroyer and National Historic Landmark. Climb aboard and learn about the lives of the officers who served on the ship.
Getting around Bay City
Bay City is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, especially in the Downtown, Uptown and waterfront districts. The city is in Bay County, a two-hour drive from Detroit and 20 minutes from Saginaw. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a two-hour drive away.