20 Attractions to Explore Near Saginaw River Rear Range Light

The Saginaw River is a 77-mile waterway that winds through Bay County. Its picturesque waters are home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, carp and channel catfish. The river is lined by lush forests and rolling hillsides, creating some unforgettable views. Unique attractions like the Infinity Skyspace sculpture add an interesting element to the region as well. Thanks to its majestic beauty and hospitable environment.

The Independence Bridge is an impressive sight. It stands at 80 feet tall, with a longest span of 514 feet and a total length of 583 feet. Constructed in 1939, it traverses the banks of Saginaw River, once connecting the mill towns of Hampton and Zilwaukee. Despite being heavily damaged by ice in 2009 and again in 2014, the bridge was restored to its former glory during a three year period. Today it is recognized as a crucial part of the region's long standing history.

Carroll Park is a beautiful tranquil garden featuring winding walks and neatly kept foliage. The park is a favorite haunt for many of the local birdwatchers as well as lovers of nature photography. The lake that lies at the heart of the park is ideal for fishing, canoeing, kayaking or simply taking a stroll around its scenic shoreline. It’s also renowned as one of the state's finest sunsets watching spots, which adds to its popularity among families.

Liberty Bridge is an iconic structure in Bay County, providing the community with a convenient way to cross the Saginaw River. Built in 1927, this elegant bridge combines steel and concrete to support traffic over the waterway. Placed at the same location as a previous wood truss bridge, Liberty Bridge has become an essential part of outdoor recreation in the area. It is both a symbol of strength and engineering prowess, standing strong against extreme weather conditions.

Third Street Waterfall Park is a hidden gem of the Midwest. Visitors come from miles around to enjoy its stunning outdoor beauty and numerous recreation opportunities, including several waterfalls surrounded by lush ferns and bamboo, two islands connected by wooden bridges, walking trails, and fishing spots with plenty of delicious trout. The park also features a picnic area nestled in a shady corner, offering an ideal spot for family meals or small gatherings.

The State Theatre is a unique venue that offers something for everyone. This unique theatre combines classic elements of live theater and film entertainment to create a fun and memorable viewing experience. Audiences can enjoy plays and musicals Put on by local performers or movies projected on the large screen. There are also special events throughout the year like magic shows, dance performances, comedy acts and more.

The Delta College Planetarium, is a fantastic attraction for people of all ages. Aside from hosting several educational and entertaining science programs every month, it also houses an impressive collection of artifacts relating to space exploration. It has the distinction of being home to a state-of-the-art digital projection system that displays celestial images at the highest possible resolution. The planetarium also boasts a large nighttime observatory dome.

Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell is an exciting and beautiful place to visit. Surrounded by the Saginaw River on one side and a variety of wildlife on the other, the park offers gorgeous views, fishing opportunities and plenty of recreational activities. The park is also home to a large amphitheater which hosts various concerts throughout the year. Visitors can participate in nature walks and explore miles of walking trails along with playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic areas.

The Veteran Memorial Bridge is a major transportation hub, connecting the cities of Bay City and Bangor Township. Built in 1957, this bridge has been a source of pride for the locals. The views from it are nothing short of amazing: as travelers cross the bridge, they can enjoy clear views of the Saginaw River and its tributary, Wenonah Park. It is also unique in that it includes medallions of different branches of military service to honor local military veterans who have served this country.

Bay City Hall, is the hub of government activity for the county. Situated on Saginaw Street at the intersection of Center Avenue, City Hall oversees many committees dedicated to bettering the Bay County community. The Mayor and Council serve full-time roles at City Hall and are responsible for making decisions that affect the entire county. Additional resources available at City Hall include building permits, trash collection services, public records, events information, and development plans.

Bay City State Park boasts 2,000 acres of freshwater shoreline and is home to scenic marshes, wetlands, and a variety of wildlife. There are several activities to enjoy in the park such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, birdwatching and camping. The trails offer breathtaking views over Lake Huron, where you can search for hidden treasures among its many creeks and islands. Visitors can also stay overnight in camping cabins or rustic camping throughout the summer months.

Tobico Marsh Nature Area is a unique and stunningly beautiful marshland. Over two thousand acres of wetlands make up this nature area, with it being one of the largest freshwater estuaries in the state of Michigan. The area is characterized by a wide variety of vegetation including tall native cottonwood trees, cattails, and bulrushes as well as other species like bullfrogs, painted turtles, and great blue herons that can be frequently sighted in the area.

The Marshall M Fredericks Sculpture Museum is one of the most renowned sculpture museums in the nation. This stellar cultural site offers an array of features – from art galleries displaying captivating exhibits, to educational events and prestigious visiting scholars. Over a dozen of Fredericks' public sculptures at the museum invoke movement and emotion, making it an exciting place to visit and learn. The grounds that host the museum also include a peaceful outdoor garden.

Zilwaukee Riverfront Park, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Boasting expansive grounds with trails and open spaces, the park is ideal for families looking to explore the great outdoors. Zilwaukee Riverfront Park provides an array of amenities, including a boat launch area, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and fishing areas. Additionally, visitors can rent kayaks and paddle boards in order to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding rivers.

Fashion Square Mall is an impressive place for friends, family, and visitors to experience a shopping gallery like no other. Featuring over 160 brand-name stores, including prominent national retailers like Macy's and Dillard's, Fashion Square Mall has all the latest shoppers can ask for. The mall is equipped with five restaurants to choose from with both indoor and outdoor seating, so visitors are sure to find something tasty when it comes time for a break.

Potter Street Station, is an up-and-coming tourist destination that offers visitors a unique and memorable experience. Located on the banks of the historic Saginaw River, Potter Street Station is housed in a charming Victorian mansion and houses several attractions ranging from historical displays to art galleries. Tour goers can take a leisurely stroll through the station's beautiful gardens or visit its captivating museum for a look at memorabilia depicting the area's rich cultural heritage.

The Dow Event Center is an exciting venue for entertainment and sporting events. Spanning over 185,000 square feet, the center houses two theaters, a ballroom and multiple meeting spaces. With a seating capacity of up to 3,500, the main auditorium has hosted popular acts such as Alice Cooper and Ron White. It is also the venue for many basketball games from high school tournaments to semi-pro leagues.

The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History is a fascinating place to explore the region's past. Visitors can take in artifacts, exhibits, and displays that illustrate the unique cultural heritage of Saginaw County. The museum contains collections of objects from hundreds of years ago, as well as more recent materials and photographs that provide insight into the way life used to be. Additionally, the building itself is a historical gem – it was built in 1906.

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.

The Hoyt Public Library is a modern facility that serves the community's educational and recreational needs. With a wide selection of print and digital materials as well as research resources, this library is a great resource for students, teachers, and their families. It also offers regular programming such as storytime sessions, career workshops for adults, and craft-making classes for kids.