Saginaw River in Bay City | @mi_playground

What are some relaxing things to do on the water in Bay City, Michigan?

  • Summer Walleye Fishing on Saginaw Bay Whether you’re fishing from your own boat or with the pros of a Saginaw Bay fishing charter, get in on the world-class walleye action on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay!
  • Bay City State Park Relax along almost a mile of natural, sandy Saginaw Bay shoreline! Take a break from swimming to enjoy a picnic at the on-site pavilions. You’ll also find a splash pad & playground for the kids, and access to Tobico Marsh — a wetland preserve with walking trails & observation towers.
  • Bay City Boat Lines Find yourself floating aboard the Princess Wenonah! Savor a catered meal on-deck before dancing the night away aboard “Rock the Boat” or “Carefree Cruisin’” themed trips with live bands, or enjoy a Saginaw River Guided Tour for glorious views and the chance to see a lighthouse!
  • Bay City Boat Rental Reserve your pontoon (or kayak rentals) and captain your own relaxing day on the waterways — the Saginaw River, Kawkawlin River, or even Saginaw Bay!
  • Wenonah Park Relax riverside with a picnic at this park with ample green space, snap photos at the fountain of Bay City's iconic Friendship Ring, and watch the boats float by.
  • Veterans Memorial Park Take in views of Liberty Harbor Marina, wander through the gardens of Kantzler Memorial Arboretum, and venture out onto the Riverwalk Pier.
  • Bay City Area Riverwalk/Railtrail Discover 21 miles of paved trails, with a northern section that connects to Bay City State Park and Tobico Marsh, and the Bay City Loop that wraps around the city, with scenic vistas & riverfront boardwalks.

What are some great places to eat on the water in Bay City, Michigan?

  • H2O's Waterside Grill Choose your picnic table down by the river — or a prime spot on the sprawling deck — right next to a bustling marina. Bite into one of O's Famous Burgers or the Hawaiian Coconut Cod, and share a tropical fishbowl drink!
  • Real Seafood Company Enjoy spectacular views of the Saginaw River from one of two levels, indoors or out, at this contemporary seafood restaurant in Uptown Bay City. With premium fresh fish & seafood, dine in an upscale, but relaxed atmosphere with riverside scenery you won’t forget!
  • Riverfront Grille & Lounge Featuring seasonal outdoor seating, enjoy a shoreside meal at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront. Dine at an umbrellaed table, complete with the tranquility of the Saginaw River, and sink into cozy lounge seating by the fire bar with a cocktail!
  • Drift Shoreside Beer Garden Step from ship to shore and enjoy cold brews, wine, and craft cocktails. Dine with a river view on street fare from visiting food trucks — and enjoy a whole new shoreside experience!
  • Castaways Dock & dine at this waterside eatery on the Kawkawlin River. Feast on specialty pizzas, burgers, catch of the day, and cold brews — and watch for live entertainment on weekends!
Doubletree Bay City

What are some great places to stay on the water in Bay City, Michigan?

  • Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront See Great Lakes freighters heading upstream and watch anglers catch walleye right from your room! This full-service hotel on the Saginaw River offers both city & river views, just a short walk from Downtown Bay City’s shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Bay City Find yourself nestled in a stylish space along the Saginaw River. Indulge at nearby waterside eateries (like Real Seafood Company, steps away) and enjoy exploring all of Uptown!
  • Comfort Inn Bay City - Riverfront Situated moments away from the banks of the Saginaw River, enjoy easy access to Downtown Bay City's boutiques, restaurants, and pubs.
Bay City State Park | @mi_playground

What are some great places to go camping on the water in Bay City, Michigan?

  • Bay City State Park Relax by the fire after a day spent swimming & beaching along Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay at this modern, all-season campground, with cabins & pop-up campers available to rent.
  • Linwood Beach Marina & Campground Pull in your camper or pop up your tent on one of 135 sites — then charter a fishing excursion with the pros that launch from Linwood! This modern campground has access to some of the best walleye & perch fishing around, with a fish-cleaning station on-site.
  • Bay County Pinconning Park A sandy beach is one of many highlights at this popular, year-round campground. Set deep in a 206-acre hardwood forest nature preserve with 62 modern & semi-modern sites, bring your boat or rent a kayak to enjoy your prime location along Saginaw Bay.
Boat Tours in Frankenmuth | @michiganaddicts

What are some relaxing things to do on the water in Frankenmuth, Michigan?

  • Frankenmuth FunShips Float away on a Wine & Chocolate River Tour to experience a relaxing boat ride that includes five wines expertly paired with five handmade chocolates! Or, book a 30-Minute or 1-Hour River Tour and glide along the scenic Cass River on these ultra-quiet, 12-passenger boats.
  • Bavarian Belle Riverboat Board this 150-passenger paddlewheel riverboat, departing from the waterfalls of Frankenmuth River Place Shops, and enjoy a one-hour narrated sightseeing tour from the canopied upper deck as you discover fascinating facts about Frankenmuth.
  • Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures Paddle along the calm waters of the Cass River on a self-guided kayak tour, and experience the tranquility of the river as it winds its way through Little Bavaria.
Frankenmuth Brewery | @frankenmuthbrewery

What are some great places to eat on the water in Frankenmuth, Michigan?

  • Frankenmuth Brewery Take in beautiful vistas over the Cass River from one of two levels of outdoor seating at Michigan's oldest microbrewery. With heated decks & an enclosed patio featuring ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the river, you’re sure to discover memorable bites, brews, and views!
Kayaking the Cass River | @krista_b_fitness

What are some great places to stay on the water in Frankenmuth, Michigan?

  • Marv Herzog Hotel Witness views of the beautiful Cass River right from your room at this boutique hotel in Downtown Frankenmuth, and stroll to nearby shops & eateries from this central location in charming Little Bavaria.
  • Bavarian Inn Lodge Nestled on the banks of the Cass River, this indoor waterpark hotel features Michigan's first swim-up bar, nightly entertainment in the Lorelei Lounge, and the perfect setting for moonlit walks along the water.
  • The Mill at Zehnder Park Immerse yourself in ultimate luxury at this four-suite, four-story boutique hotel on the banks of the Cass River, situated on the site of a historic 1848 flour mill!
Chippewa River in Midland | @keeley.kenny

What are some relaxing things to do on the water in Midland, Michigan?

  • Nor’East Outdoors Book a scenic kayaking trip on the Chippewa River in Midland. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or just ready to get your feet wet, instructional sessions & shuttle service come with each pre-set trip.
  • Chippewa Nature Center Situated along the Pine and Chippewa Rivers, explore this expansive nature center's woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife along 19 miles of trails, especially the River Trail.

What are some great places to stay on the water in Midland, Michigan?

  • The H Hotel With the confluence of two rivers just outside your window, be pampered in a setting of modern elegance. Enjoy walkable paths along the water — or over the water, on Midland’s unique, three-legged bridge, The Tridge — and explore shopping & dining right outside your Downtown door.
Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips | @johnnypantherquests

What are some relaxing things to do on the water in Saginaw, Michigan?

  • Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips Experience the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge on a guided ecotour. Discover one of the richest wildlife habitats in Michigan and a one-of-a-kind boating adventure where guests are welcomed to bring picnics, beverages, and even pets.
  • Haithco Recreation Area Hit the beach at this picturesque park with a 40-acre lake, splash pad, and playground. Drop in a line from the fishing pier, and even rent paddleboats, rowboats, canoes, or kayaks on-site!

What are some great places to stay on the water in Saginaw, Michigan?

  • Montague Inn Linger along the banks of Lake Linton and step back in time at this spacious mansion turned B&B. Experience the ambiance of a roaring 20s mansion and relish a getaway amidst stunning gardens and gorgeous waterfront views.
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Jen W. O'Deay + Go Great Lakes Bay

By: Jen W. O'Deay | Updates: Go Great Lakes Bay | Jen is a Saginaw native and owner of Feel These Words, an independent copywriting studio & home to the free "5 Day Website MiniBoost". Jen specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copy, branded content articles, and WingWoman writing services. You'll find Jen camping with her family, laughing, and at feelthesewords.com