What Can I Do Outdoors in Bay City, Frankenmuth, Midland, and Saginaw, MI in the Spring? A Local Guide

What are some of the best spring outdoor attractions in Michigan?

There are plenty of relaxing things to do outdoors this spring in Michigan when you Go Great Lakes Bay, including: exploring botanical gardens and the United States' longest canopy walk at Dow Gardens in Midland; experiencing a guided walleye fishing charter on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay; or discovering the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge aboard a boating ecotour with Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips.

Outdoors + Nature:

Dow Gardens Find yourself immersed in 110 acres filled with 22,000 budding blooms, and experience the nation's longest canopy walk that soars four stories high through the trees!
Chippewa Nature Center With 19 miles of trails to wander, enjoy a guided bike ride on the Chippewa Trail — or join a Spring Wildflower Walk or Full Moon Stroll.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge See where four rivers converge at one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Michigan and a scenic home to egrets, warblers, and more.
Bay City State Park Put your toes in the sand along the Saginaw Bay shoreline and pack a picnic to enjoy.
Tobico Marsh Save time to explore this scenic coastal wetland that’s home to wildlife, trails, and observation towers.
Frankenmuth Aerial Park An aerial obstacle course with adventures for all skill levels, this wooded park is woven with rope bridges & ziplines for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Boat Tours, Fishing + Paddling:

Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips Boat through pristine nature on a personally guided tour and discover the “Everglades of Michigan” with an expert local guide.
Frankenmuth FunShips Book a Wine & Chocolate River Tour to enjoy wines paired with handmade chocolates while relaxing aboard a 12-passenger tour boat.
Bavarian Belle Riverboat Relax on the canopied upper deck while enjoying scenic views of the Cass River on your one-hour narrated tour of Frankenmuth.
Saginaw Bay Walleye Fishing Charters Experience a world-class walleye fishery when you spend the day catching big ones on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay with the pros!
Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures Paddle yourself along the calm Cass River on a self-guided kayaking tour.
Nor’East Outdoors Pick a pre-set trip to float through Midland's spring scenery on the peaceful Chippewa River.

Tours + Experiences:

Sunrise Pedal Trolley Cruise through Bay City on a pedal-powered trolley! Guests choose drinks, festivities, and music, and each tour can include architecture, shops, and pubs.
PedAle Trolley Bike around Little Bavaria on a 16-person trolley, with 3 - 5 stops at local shops, pubs, and attractions. (PedAle sells single seats, too, on its evening pub crawls!)
Fantasy Carriage Company or H&H Acres and Carriage Service With beautifully carved carriages & extraordinary horses, your leisurely ride with either will include intriguing scenery & insider gems about Frankenmuth.
Great Lakes Loons Grab your lucky baseball & softball mitts, and watch riveting Minor League Baseball from stadium seats — or bring a blanket to cheer from the lawns!
Golf Courses Set your tee time at two of Michigan's must-play public golf courses, Apple Mountain and The Fortress, or your choice from more than a dozen others.

Trails + Biking:

Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail Ride through fields of wildflowers — and even past waterfront scenery — on this trail system that includes the 30-mile Pere Marquette Rail Trail, 21-mile Bay City Area Riverwalk/RailTrail, and 11-mile Saginaw Valley Rail Trail.
Saginaw Bay Birding Trail Bring your binoculars to this birder’s paradise of sprawling shoreline that is a natural habitat for more than 200 species of birds.
Midland City Forest Take on more than 13 miles of winding mountain biking trails, with local Ray's Bike Shop available on-site for rentals.

Outdoor Public Art:

Great Lakes Bay Region Public Art Passport Take a riveting route through outdoor public art on display — with photos, aerial viewing, and Google map locations to guide you!
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum Explore the outdoor Sculpture Garden to enjoy beautiful bronze sculptures, botanical beds, and fountains.

Kid-Friendly Outdoor Attractions:

Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm Pet Rosie the donkey & Simon the rooster, enjoy hands-on learning experiences & hayrides, and discover a real-life working farm.
Saginaw Children’s Zoo Ride the miniature train & hand-carved carousel before meeting more than 150 animals and enjoying lunch at the Train Whistle Café.
Wilderness Trails Zoo Go wild at the Reptile Sanctuary, Parakeet Encounter, and Rainforest Experience at this zoo that's home to more than 200 exotic animals!
Funway Amusements Saginaw Hit the batting cages, race go-karts, or team up for laser tag, then enjoy the mini-golf course, bumper boats, and arcade games!
Buoy 18 Mini Golf Enjoy a waffle cone (and the view) after putt-putting your way through 18 holes, overlooking the scenic Liberty Harbor Marina.
Alpine Mountain Golf Choose between two mini-golf courses, or play both! Ride bumper boats & go-karts, and enjoy the small arcade.
Dutch Village Adventure Park Slap high-fives in the batting cages and golf your way around a waterfall while playing 18 holes of mini-golf.

Things To Do

Top Spring Things to Do in the Great Lakes Bay

Whether you tour gorgeous gardens or take in a ball game, hike new trails or hunt for antiques, discover the best of all that spring brings when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan!

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Top Spring Outdoor Attractions in the Great Lakes Bay