In Bay County, nature watching, local history and maritime themes come together. You can choose different focuses as you plan your trip: observation towers and trails in a nature preserve, landscapes along the Riverwalk/Railtrail System, or exhibits and a planetarium in Bay City. A county fair held annually in early August may also be worth considering when choosing your travel dates.
Nature on Saginaw Bay
Pinconning Park and Campground is on the shore of Saginaw Bay in northeastern Bay County. Its 206-acre nature preserve offers opportunities to observe numerous bird species, including migratory waterfowl. Which species can be seen varies by season. The area includes three observation towers, two observation platforms, five miles of trails and boardwalks, and a floating fishing pier. Since facilities may change, it is a good idea to check current information before visiting.
Another natural area is the Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Bay County. It is located three miles north of Linwood, Michigan, on the western shore of Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. Tobico Marsh, in Bay City State Park, is one of the largest remaining freshwater coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes. Alongside birdwatching in the nature preserve, Bay County’s nature highlights therefore include a significant wetland and its place in the surrounding landscape.
Trails through varied landscapes
The Bay County Riverwalk/Railtrail System runs through Bay City and through residential and agricultural areas in the townships of Portsmouth, Hampton and Bangor. Along the route, landscapes range from forests and wetlands to river views and ball fields. The system includes dozens of access points with parking, facilities and clear signage to help visitors find their way. Routes and facilities may change, so check current trail information before planning your visit.
The trails and landscapes described here offer a different focus from the observation towers and platforms at Pinconning Park. If you would rather plan your time around a route than around particular observation points, the Riverwalk/Railtrail System offers a distinct perspective on Bay County. The access points and signage mentioned are part of the system; this does not mean that all sections follow the same route or have the same facilities.
History, a planetarium and maritime themes
The Bay County Historical Museum is housed in Bay City’s former National Guard Armory, built in 1910. The building is listed in the state and national historic registers. Its two permanent exhibits, “Bay County: Trails Through Time” and “Bay City: Seaport to the World,” explore Bay County’s unique heritage and the development of Bay City into a prosperous international port. The museum is also the official location of the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame exhibit.
The Delta College Planetarium is in downtown Bay City and has welcomed more than 650,000 visitors since opening in 1997. Its digital planetarium theater uses a Digistar full-dome projection system beneath a tilted 50-foot dome. It has 140 unidirectional seats. The museum and planetarium offer different cultural themes: the history of Bay County and the development of its port at the museum, and a digital theater beneath the dome at the planetarium.
Maritime activity is another local theme. The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum brought the USS EDSON (DD 946) to the Bay County riverfront as a unique attraction. Bay City Boat Lines operates from Wenonah Park in downtown Bay City and is known for its river tours. Schedules are seasonal and may change, so check current dates in advance if you plan to take a tour.
Planning around the Bay County Fair
The Bay County Fair is held annually in early August at the fairgrounds. The Bay County Fair & Youth Exposition is designed to showcase the county’s agriculture. If you would like to plan your trip around a visit to the fair, check the dates for the relevant year.
More destinations
Explore more destinations: Bay City, Auburn, Pinconning, Kawkawlin, Leelanau County, Delta County, Luce County, Livingston.
For the main travel overview: Michigan.
