Sailing Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay on a breathtaking tall ship, wine tasting on a tranquil river cruise, or channeling your inner beach vibes on soft, sandy shores — warm, salt-free waters and dreamy summer days are calling you here to Pure Michigan's eastern shoreline.
Tucked along the base of Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay, our freshwater paradise stretches out more than a thousand square miles. World-class walleye fishing to freshwater sailing, boating to beaching — dive in here. The inland lakes, rivers, and streams you'll find woven throughout this waterfront region only add to the cool, blue serenity served up with every sunrise.
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!
Freshwater Sailing + Guided Boat Tours
BaySail (Bay City) Freshwater sailing excursions on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay, aboard the Appledore tall ships. Depart on an adventure where picnic-style dinners are served on-deck — and tuck away the memory of beautiful, billowing sails against a sinking sunset. Or, board late-night for Celestial Excursions under the stars — where the night sky comes alive with cozy quilts on laps, constellations overhead, and live presentations by local astronomers.
Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips (Saginaw) Soft adventure, shallow-draft boat tours through one of our state's richest wildlife habitats — the "Everglades of Michigan" — led by a legendary local guide. Wildlife sightings, scenic waterways, and sheer Pure Michigan bliss with every trip — from educational ecotours to relaxing outings and family adventures.
Frankenmuth FunShips (Frankenmuth) 30-minute or one-hour river tours of Frankenmuth, where wine and chocolate tasting on the water isn't a summer daydream, but a reality too incredible to resist! Sip five wines paired with five handmade chocolates — then enjoy a full glass of your favorite and two more samples — while you see Frankenmuth from the Cass River on this iconic summer outing.
Bay City Boat Lines (Bay City) Public cruises on the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay aboard two towering excursion boats — Princess Wenonah and The Islander. Try a Free Narrated History Tour (offered weekdays), a Friday Evening Cruise (with live, on-deck entertainment and a dinner buffet), or a Saturdays on the Saginaw River Tour (where a live guide highlights wildlife and what to see and do while here).
Bavarian Belle Riverboat (Frankenmuth) 150-passenger riverboat with docks at Frankenmuth River Place Shops' iconic waterfalls, departing for one-hour narrated history tours of Frankenmuth on the Cass River. Relax on the canopied upper deck or in the fully-enclosed lower salon, and enjoy a snack bar, soft drinks, and restrooms, all on-board.
Beaches
Bay City State Park (Bay City) Almost one mile of natural Saginaw Bay shoreline, with boat launches, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, and a swimming beach. Let the kids cool off at Spray by the Bay spray park, then explore Tobico Marsh — one of the Great Lakes' largest freshwater coastal wetlands and a National Natural Landmark — together.
William H. Haithco Recreation Area (Saginaw) 40-acre, man-made lake and sandy, supervised swimming beach — tucked inside a picturesque, 76-acre park. Rent paddleboats, rowboats, canoes, or kayaks on-site, fish along the shores or from the docks, then grill up some eats and enjoy at a shaded picnic table before a game of horseshoes or beach volleyball!
Walleye Fishing + Saginaw Bay Fishing Charters
World-class Walleye Fishing (Saginaw Bay) Hands down one of Michigan's best walleye fisheries, Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay is alive with trophy walleye and other great catch from perch to bass — whether you take to the waters solo or go with a guided charter.
Guided Saginaw Bay Fishing Charters (Linwood, Bay City) From The Michigan Experience Charters to Fishin' Finn-Atics and so many more, premier Saginaw Bay charter fishing lives here — and there's no shortage of avid anglers who are ready to take you out trolling. Expert guides provide the craft, gear, and local know-how; our fishery offers up the unbelievable catch... and the unforgettable experience to match!
Kayak Rentals
Ike's Mobile Kayak Rentals (Midland) Relaxing sunset paddles to all-day kayaking excursions, rent sit-in or sit-on crafts here — and consider a paddle that passes under Midland's iconic, three-legged footbridge, the Tridge, found at the confluence of two rivers.
Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures (Frankenmuth) Self-guided kayaking on Frankenmuth's scenic Cass River, with pre-set trips or hourly rates on single (sit-in or sit-on) kayaks and double kayaks, too.
Float Paddle Center (Bay City) Single or tandem kayak rentals, plus stand-up paddleboards, too! Rent your craft of choice or book a guided ecotour and "go with the float".
Cattail Kayak Rental (Pinconning) Single and double kayak rentals setting out from Pinconning Park's shoreline, with affordable hourly rates.
Waterfront Restaurants + Waterfront Hotels
Restaurants on the Water (Multiple Cities) Enjoying top-catch seafood with panoramic waterfront views at Real Seafood Company in Uptown Bay City, cozying up on the riverfront deck of Castaways for Famous Hand-breaded Walleye and Cajun Catfish Dinners, or overlooking the scenic Cass River with Frankenmuth Brewery's craft beer and comfort food in-hand — there are plenty of places to dine with jaw-dropping waterfront views.
Hotels on the Water (Multiple Cities) Staying at Bavarian Inn Lodge, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, or Marv Herzog Hotel in Frankenmuth will put the Cass River right outside your window, while a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, or Comfort Inn — all along Bay City's riverfront — will leave you with sweet, summer dreams of the Saginaw River... and of BaySail's Appledore tall ships sailing by!
