20 Attractions to Explore Near Shay Lake

Barnes Lake is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From fishing and boating to hiking and swimming, there is no shortage of activities. The clear blue waters provide stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests, while also providing ideal conditions for aquatic wildlife. For those looking to explore the great outdoors on land, the nature trails nearby are a great way to experience the beauty of nature at its finest.

The Thumb Octagon Barn & Agricultural Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction. Built in 1923, the octagonal shape of the barn was designed to provide ventilation and increase efficiency in handling livestock. Today, the barn serves as a museum, showcasing agricultural artifacts and educating visitors on the history of farming in the area. The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, providing hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.

The Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park is a hidden gem located in Sanilac County. The park is home to ancient carvings or petroglyphs that were created by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago. The petroglyphs depict a variety of images, including human figures, animals, and abstract shapes. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park to learn about the history and significance of the petroglyphs. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a small museum.

Richfield County Park is a wonderful place to explore the great outdoors. Beautifully situated on 200 acres of land, the park has two lakes, a beach area, and many trails for walking or biking around them. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and canoeing in Long Lake or swimming and sunbathing at Edgewater Beach. The picnic areas offer plenty of room for a family gathering along with six grills and three pavilions. Additionally, the park features beautiful natural scenery along.

Heritage Park is a picturesque place of natural beauty and history. Visitors can take walking or biking trails that stretch 1.5 miles along the Shiawassee River and through lush forests with panoramic views of the river valley. The park also features picnic tables, baseball fields, playgrounds, ball courts, and abundant wildlife. History enthusiasts will be especially delighted to visit the historic Haslett House in Heritage Park.

Frankenmuth Autofest is an annual car show held in Saginaw County. It is one of the largest classic car shows in the state, drawing an estimated 15,000 visitors each year to admire over 1,200 classic and vintage cars. From hot rods to muscle cars and even antique automobiles, there's something for everyone at Frankenmuth Autofest. It's a great opportunity for classic car enthusiasts of all ages to kick off the summer season in style.

The Holz-Brücke Wooden Bridge is an absolute marvel of engineering. Built in 1882, this suspension bridge spans 143-feet and is the only one of its kind remaining in either Michigan or Ohio. It was built with old-growth redwood beams and stringers that have been without a major repair since it was originally constructed. This structure has been well maintained throughout its history, resulting in its unusually long lifespan and resilience against weather elements.

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is a wondrous place that captures the traditional Christmas spirit. It is a holiday paradise for visitors of all ages, with more than 50,000 lights and countless dazzling displays, perfect for photo ops. Inside the store are more decorations than you can imagine- including more than 1,000 styles of decorated trees and over 40 varieties of Nutcrackers. Most famously, Bronner's is known as the home of World's Largest Christmas Store.

St Lorenz Lutheran Church is a historical landmark, and has been a beacon of faith and spirituality for over 150 years. Founded in 1867, the church bears testament to the monumental effort that German immigrants put into establishing their own community. Today, St Lorenz Lutheran Church stands as an awe-inspiring space of worship two stories tall, made up of US red brick and renowned stained glass windows.

Fish Point Wildlife Refuge is a stunning ecosystem that's home to more than 200 species of birds and waterfowl. The refuge spreads across 1000 acres of land in Tuscola County, Michigan, and includes wetlands, marshes, and even three miles of shoreline along Saginaw Bay. Birdwatchers and nature lovers alike will find plenty to admire in Fish Point Wildlife Refuge. The refuge also offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.

The Masonic Temple is a structure steeped in history and tradition. Built over 100 years ago, the temple has seen three major remodels in its lifetime. Today, the temple stands proudly at just over five stories tall. Inside, members enjoy spacious and comfortable meeting areas where they can come together to share their Masonic ideals and practice their rituals. Outside of the meeting space, members can take advantage of banquet halls and other amenities.

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is a wonderful combination of days gone by and modern adventure. The village offers 25 original buildings depicting a typical Michigan small town of the late 1800s. In addition to these well-preserved homes, visitors can explore the antiques, museums, activities such as panning for gems and blacksmithing demonstrations that make this such an interesting experience. The village also features several eateries.

Lake Lapeer is a beautiful destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With a maximum depth of 43 feet, waterskiing and fishing are popular activities on the lake. Visitors can take advantage of several public access sites around the lake or find a rustic cabin to rent along its shores. The miles of scenic trails host hikers, cyclists, and snowmobiallers while local boat launches provide access to kayaks and paddle boards.

The Flint River Trail spanning nearly 30 miles and four different towns, this extensive trail follows alongside the Flint River and is perfect for exploring key historical sites in the region. Whether you choose to tackle a small portion of it on foot or its full length by bike, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views along the way. From glimpses of the rolling hills along its western banks to appreciating historic landmarks on its east side, there's something for everyone here.

The Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Spanning over 2,000 acres of woods, marshland, meadows, and ponds along the Shiawassee River, the recreation area provides opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. There are also several picnic areas perfect for a family get-together or an outdoor lunch with friends. Visitors can also explore local wildlife.

Seven Ponds Nature Center is a beautiful, serene destination perfect for anyone looking to spend a day or two away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Boasting over 6 miles of walking trails that are open year-round and lakes teeming with fish, it's an ideal spot to explore nature and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Onsite activities include fishing, bird watching, biking, picnicking as well as educational programs.

The Dort Financial Center is a first-class business and leisure destination for tourists and locals alike. From its rich history - attributed to the development of General Motors in the 1920s - to its contemporary facilities, you will find something to keep your attention. Along with a variety of restaurants, lodging options, and retail outlets, there are green parks, an amphitheater, walkways throughout the grounds, magnificent artwork at every turn and plenty of events year-round.

Kearsley Park is a popular destination that boasts acres of lush green space with wetlands, woodlands and meadows, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching. Other features include three playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas and a pond stocked with fish. During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy free outdoor concerts in the pavilion. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate on the rink or venture into the nearby trails for snowshoeing adventures.

Flint Park Lake is a hidden gem among the natural beauty present in the state. With its peaceful surroundings, the lake is perfect for relaxing, fishing, and swimming. Boaters and jet skiers also frequent the lake due to its size and features like boat ramps and beaches. Because it is so close to Flint, it also makes it a favorite among locals who don't have to travel far for all that the lake has to offer.

Whiting Auditorium is an amazing entertainment venue that always brings something special to the table. From top-of-the-line musical concerts and plays, to riveting stand-up comedy shows, every event held at Whiting's auditorium is one to remember. With comfortable seating as well as nearby parking facilities, it's no surprise that this landmark has been a staple in the local community for over 60 years!