20 Attractions to Explore Near Fish Point Wildlife Refuge

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 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 Saginaw River Rear Range Light is a remarkable example of marine engineering and lighthouse design. Built in 1906 and still functioning to this day, the light marks the entrance of the river located near the southern shoreline of Saginaw Bay in Michigan. The light has retained its original appearance since its construction, with its traditional white masonry cylindrical tower sitting atop an octagonal tan brick foundation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 Gravelly Shoal Light, is a historic reminder of bygone days. On the shores of Saginaw Bay, this lighthouse has stood since 1872 and served to provide safe harbor for passing ships for decades. Its unique design features a square tower lined with vertical red brickwork, with a black lantern at the top. Just a short distance away from the shoreline, it is still visible to this day and serves as an iconic landmark in Michigan’s maritime history.

Charity Island is a small island only accessible by boat, the scenic beauty and wildlife make it an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors to the island often come here for bird watching, fishing, and swimming. The natural harbor of Charity Island also makes it a popular destination for boaters in need of docking or anchoring. Historically, the area has been used by governments and militaries as the base of operations into Lake Huron.

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.

Sleeper State Park, is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to visit. The park is filled with plenty of activities such as camping, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. Nature lovers can explore the trails that take them through expansive forests and grasslands filled with local wildlife. For those looking to cool off in the summer months, swimming is allowed in many different areas within the park. Other recreational activities include basketball courts and playgrounds.

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.

Rush Lake is situated in Huron County,and serenely rests 75 feet above sea level. Surrounding its calm waters are incredible views of untouched marshes, rolling terrain, and an abundance of wildlife amongst a plethora of vegetation. This alluring lake presented an opportunity for recreational fishing and blissful summer days swimming with family. It also has access to pontoon boat cruises and social gatherings at the on-site restaurant located right on the lake’s edge.