About Saginaw

Saginaw is comprised of agricultural land, forests, waterways, and industrial areas. A strong attraction for visitors is Michigan's desirable natural attractions of lakes, recreation areas, and the Upper Peninsula.

Pine-lumbering, fur trading, and agriculture have led the way for Saginaw, to become a city that is a port of entry, and an industrial center. Saginaw Bay is an arm of Lake Huron. Immediately after the War of 1812, the American Fur Company established a trading post on the west side of the Saginaw River and the city began to grow.

Saginaw community is located in Mid-Michigan, in a region known as the Tri-Cities area (Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City). Native American trails once crossed the city's site where native villages were abundant. Lewis Cass negotiated a treaty there (1819) with the indigenous groups, who ceded much of Michigan to the United States. Fur trade was followed by the great pine-lumbering industry.

Accommodations
Saginaw has several options that are close to the activities of the area. The Ramada Inn, a two story contemporary Motor Inn, and the Four Points by Sheraton - a contemporary decor hotel - are a comfortable drive to the city center. The Holiday Inn Express is approximately five miles from the downtown area.

For a change of pace, the Montague Inn, a quaint three-story Inn is housed in a restored Georgian mansion on 8 landscaped acres. The Inn is located in the heart of Saginaw's revitalized district.

Restaurants
There are several home-cooking type of restaurants in Saginaw (or taste like it). Tony’s Original Restaurant serves up appetizing delicatessen choices. The Texan Family Restaurant and the Rib Shack Restaurant are desirable options. The Rib Shack's rib tips boast of a great sauce that makes them a favorite.

Shopping
Fashion Square Mall is the retail hub of east central Michigan. Major shopping areas also include the downtown shopping district, Fashion Square Mall, Green Acres Plaza and the Prime Outlets at Birch Run.

Music/Art
Among the Saginaw area cultural activities numerous choices are offered. The Saginaw Bay Orchestra, the Pit and Balcony Playhouse, the Saginaw Art Museum, and the Saginaw County Historical Museum draw interest for the local community and visitors.

Attractions
Recreational opportunities within and around Saginaw include: the Albert E Sleeper State Park which has 723-acres with four miles of hiking trails; the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, and a farmers’ market that dates back to the turn of the century. Residents and visitors enjoy the annual outdoor athletic events of horseback riding, golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and hunting.

The Saginaw Children's Zoo, various fairs, museums, theaters, a symphonic orchestra are other attractions of interest. Another appreciated spot is the Japanese Cultural Center with its tea house and gardens.

The Junction Valley Railroad brings in railroad enthusiasts, and events sponsored by Saginaw Valley State University offer numerous entertainment options.

Written by: Karen J. Lee