Just being in the great outdoors is a magical experience. But, when that magic means exploring the longest canopy walk in the country, ecotouring through some of Michigan's richest wildlife habitat, or trekking almost 100 miles of scenic trails — you know you've found a place that'll leave you filled with wonder.
On guided ecotour, rented bike, or just your own two feet — Pure Michigan's unfiltered beauty is yours to feel firsthand. Just bring your sense of adventure. Our Great Lakes Bay trails and treetop adventures, wetlands and wildlife await!
COVID-19 Update:
As we welcome you back, we’ll be doing our best to keep you in the loop on what’s open & closed in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Just look for the orange banners below on our partner listings as you start planning for your next trip!
While we all navigate this new normal, some experiences may be slightly different, and some businesses may only be partially reopened. Please check with the individual businesses for their reopening status, new hours of operation, and updated policies before visiting!
Natural Wonders + Outdoor Adventures
Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens (Midland) The longest canopy walk in the United States — 1,400 feet long, 40 feet above the forest floor, and fully ADA-accessible. Lounge in suspended cargo nets amidst the treetops, pause to reflect inside wooden pod sanctuaries, get a birds-eye view over 54 acres of forest trails, and feel the magnitude of this natural wonder wash over you — maybe while standing on a glass-bottomed overlook, perched high above a four-zoned orchard!
Dow Gardens (Midland) 110 acres of breathtaking botanical gardens, connected to above-mentioned Whiting Forest by pedestrian bridge. Explore everything from the Color Garden to the Rose Garden and stroll the Stream Walk. See over 22,000 flowering bulbs in spring and more than 35,000 annuals in spring & summer, and ponder in nature at Pineside — a secluded grove with a peaceful reflecting pool.
Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips (Saginaw) Ecotours through the "Everglades of Michigan" — over 19,000 combined acres of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and Shiawassee River State Game Area — rich with epic waterfowl migrations and wildlife sightings. Explore it all aboard a shallow-draft boat and alongside this expert local guide!
Bay City State Park (Bay City) One of "The 20 Best Michigan State Parks" (U.S. News & World Report, 2019), with almost a mile of natural Saginaw Bay shoreline along the Lake Huron coast — plus wetland woods, meadows, marshes, and prairies. Enjoy a National Natural Landmark, Tobico Marsh, almost five miles of trails, and two 32-foot observation towers, perfect for wildlife viewing.
Chippewa Nature Center (Midland) One of the largest private, non-profit nature centers in the U.S. — spanning 1,200 acres of wetlands and woodlands — with 19 miles of trails and an observation tower offering birds-eye views over the wetlands. Enjoy two river overlooks, explore the Arboretum's 100+ species of Michigan-native trees and shrubs, and stop to marvel at the Oxbow's mature woods and abundant wildlife.
Frankenmuth Aerial Park (Frankenmuth) Sprawling aerial ropes course and ziplining adventure, designed to give everyone — young and old, rookie to pro — a signature Pure Michigan experience in the trees! Swing through the shaded canopy of this lush forest — climbing and gliding your way along the challenges — and consider a twilight climb to experience the illuminated forest at dusk!
PedAle Trolley and Sunrise Pedal Trolley (Frankenmuth, Bay City) Book these custom-built, eight- to 15-person trolleys — in either Frankenmuth or Bay City — and pedal off into the sunset, surrounded by natural beauty! Don't have eight riders to rent the full trolley? Buy single seats on Frankenmuth's PedAle Trolley (offered Thursdays and Saturdays for the 9 p.m. tour) or try their Circle Cruiser anytime for smaller crews of four to six!
Trails, Hiking + Biking
Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail (Multiple Cities) An almost-100-mile, non-motorized regional trail system — part of the longest designated state trail in the United States, Iron Belle Trail — with miles upon miles just made for hiking, biking, and birding. Enjoy three main trail legs — the 30-mile Pere Marquette Rail Trail, 17.5-mile Bay City Area Riverwalk/Railtrail, and 11-mile Saginaw Valley Rail Trail — then, branch off to the many network trails that intertwine.
Ray's Bike Shop (Bay City, Midland) Comfort bikes to fat bikes, Surrey singles to doubles (and pedicabs, too) — rent here, and ride on!
Jack's Bicycle Shop (Bay City) Affordable full- and half-day rentals and an impressive fleet — singles to tandems, mountain bikes to hybrids.
Birding + Wildlife Viewing
Saginaw Bay Birding Trail (Multiple Cities) 40-site birding trail weaving 142 breathtaking miles along the Saginaw Bay shoreline and the conserved lands that surround — with half of its sites here in Bay and Saginaw Counties! Start off at the official trail hub inside Discovery Preserve — a natural oasis in urban Bay City — and enjoy every epic birding experience that follows, from Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area to Green Point Environmental Learning Center.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (Saginaw) Almost 10,000 acres of marsh, bottomland hardwood forest, and grasslands — designated a U.S. Important Bird Area — attracting over 270 species of birds and peak spring waterfowl populations of almost 20,000! Enjoy four trails and a seasonal auto tour route, plus three wildlife observation decks (two with spotting scopes).
Wildlife Drive (Saginaw) 6.5-mile auto tour route through the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge — open June - September, sunrise to sunset. Wind past forests, grasslands, and marshes, spotting wildlife from the comfort of your car!
Shiawassee River State Game Area (St. Charles) One of Michigan's seven Wetland Wonders, with nearly 10,000 acres adjoining the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Witness everything from abundant waterfowl to swans and shorebirds, and hike the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail that passes through for even more great observation.
Tobico Marsh (Bay City) One of the largest freshwater coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes — named a National Natural Landmark — and an ideal staging area for migratory birds. Hike almost five miles of trails and view wildlife from two 32-foot observation towers.
Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Pinconning) One of Michigan's Wetland Wonders and one of the most visited areas along the Saginaw Bay for water birds. View large populations of migrating waterfowl and one of Michigan's largest and oldest colonies of Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
Green Point Environmental Learning Center (Saginaw) Learning center with a wildlife viewing room, set on 82 acres just outside the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. See migrating warblers or nearly 150 other species observed here, and enjoy two miles of trails that wind through the forest.
