Bay City Waterfront
Escape to
Calm Waters
+ Cozy Stays
+ Cozy Stays
Welcome to Pure Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region
Hold out your left hand. See where the thumb meets the rest of the hand? That’s where you'll be when you Go Great Lakes Bay. It’s a place where Lake Huron’s sparkling waters roll in off Saginaw Bay to wash the freshwater coastline, and rivers just as cool and pure thread six nature-rich cities together.
One where you could spend an iconic Bavarian day in Frankenmuth, and yet be sailing on a tall ship in Bay City by sunset. Where adventure might take hold within National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw, then fully blossom in Midland gardens where the country's longest canopy walk soars in red pine forest.
Here for the weekend or the night, bringing the whole family or just you two — you’ll find this waterfront, six-city region an unexpected Midwest dream trip. Start exploring!
Featured Trip Ideas
From bucket lists broken down by city to trip ideas curated for each of four Pure Michigan seasons, all your essential travel prep starts here.
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Go Great Blog
Breeze through this waterfront region with the confidence of a native when you get to know our six cities through these stories.
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Saginaw River in Bay City | @mi_playground
Feet on the Street in Bay City | @marjojaroch
Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival
Dow Gardens | @schoolnest
Dow Gardens | @sallyannrudy
Bay City Waterfront | @jakerytlewski
Dow Gardens
Kayaking on the Bay City Waterfront
Go Great
Refreshing & cool, salt-free & scenic: the Great Lakes Bay is hands-down and all-in the place to be for affordable waterfront vacationing in Michigan!
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Go Great
With intentional street closures paving the way for vibrant new “green spaces” and inviting outdoor spots, be sure to hit the streets of our Great Lakes Bay cities to fully enjoy this summer!
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Go Great
Fair rides, street food, and fireworks, live music and locally brewed suds: summer is just around the bend, which means the Great Lakes Bay will soon be bursting and all-around alive with festival fun!
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Go Great
If there’s one thing that’s abundant in the Great Lakes Bay, it’s the opportunity to get outside and explore! Chances to paddle a river or pedal through town — wind in your hair, and maybe a cold brew in-hand — all here.
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Go Great
Get to these 25 magical places where toddlers giggle and teenagers come alive (and parents have just as much fun as the half-pints)! Bring your camera and your sense of family adventure — big smiles are just up ahead in the Great Lakes Bay!
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Go Great
When talking “bucket list” in the Great Lakes Bay, let’s tackle a biggie right up front: pack the bigger suitcase! Because here, you can explore six eclectic towns bursting with all from boat tours to craft breweries, artisan boutiques, antique shops and markets — including one of the largest farmers markets in Michigan!
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Go Great
Spend a long weekend in the Great Lakes Bay checking items off this bursting bucket list — and have a four-day adventure your family will never forget! Because here, it’ll be a toss up: who had more fun, the parents or kids?
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Go Great
Sailing Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay on a breathtaking tall ship schooner or wine tasting on a Frankenmuth river cruise — salt-free waters and summer days are calling you to Pure Michigan's freshwater coastline!
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Great Lakes Bay Region of Pure Michigan
In the Great Lakes Bay, a summer breeze is blowing... where it's headed is Pure Michigan.
