Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Saginaw Children's Zoo is a wonderful place for kids of all ages. Kids can get up close and personal with animals from around the world, including red pandas, lemurs, sloths, tamarins, kangaroos and more! There are also several interactive textured play surfaces and water features which provide hours of fun. The Zoo also has educational exhibits and daily animal enrichment activities to help bring out the natural behaviors of the resident animals.

Ojibway Island, is a hidden gem for the city of Saginaw. When entering Ojibway Island you take in breathtaking views from the walkway that intertwines between the island and mainland. The area provides many amenities such as a playground for children to enjoy, picnic tables, and a fishing dock. Newly developed trails provide peaceful walking routes to indulge in nature's beauty while admiring the local wildlife.

Hoyt Park is a charming park just off of Sheridan road. It boasts two large picnic shelters as well as plenty of barbecues and grills for outdoor cooking. Hiking trails run around the park, leading visitors through picturesque woods and meadows populated by butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. In addition to the natural beauty that Hoyt Park has to offer, there are also six tennis courts and two playgrounds set up for entertainment.

The Saginaw Art Museum is a cultural destination with an expansive collection of close to 5,000 works of art. Spanning centuries and representing a variety of mediums and styles, the museum's collection is particularly strong in 19th and 20th century American prints. In addition to ever-changing special exhibits of art from around the world, visitors can attend educational classes for children and adults as well as lectures about contemporary artists presented by curators.

The Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption is a spectacular example of 20th century architecture. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style and constructed using granite, marble, and plaster, it stands at an impressive 125 feet high. A symbol of strength for the entire region, it is viewable from up to a mile away. The main entrance is particularly beautiful with its intricate sculptures which stand delicately against two grand towers that flank either side of the entryway.

SVRC Marketplace, is one of the region’s premier shopping destinations. With over 110 specialty stores, shoppers can find all the latest fashions, electronics and home décor items. For those interested in unique finds and antiques, there's an expansive mall-style multi-level marketplace scattered throughout 34 acres of space. In addition to high quality merchandise, SVRC Marketplace provides an enjoyable shopping experience with family-friendly features.