Just north of Bay City, where the Saginaw River empties into Saginaw Bay, Bay City State Park spreads across 2,389 acres of beach, woods, meadow and marsh. It is the city's biggest natural attraction and a rare place where you can swim, camp, watch birds and hike within a short drive of a downtown with restaurants and theatres.
Quick facts
• Address: 3582 State Park Dr, Bay City
• Size: 2,389 acres
• Entry: a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicles
• Camping: reserve through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Managed by: Michigan DNR. Confirm current hours, fees and conditions on the DNR's park page.
A short history
The park began in 1922, when the Michigan Conservation Commission accepted a shoreline tract from Bay City on the condition that it become a state park. It was called Bay City State Park from 1923 until 1994, when about 1,900 acres known as Tobico Marsh were added and the park became the Bay City State Recreation Area. The original name was restored in 2017.
The beach and the spray park
The park has about a mile of sandy beach on Saginaw Bay, along with a spray park, picnic areas and a playground, which makes it a favorite for families in summer. Be realistic about conditions: Saginaw Bay is shallow and its shoreline can collect algae and organic matter, a problem tied to nutrients that run off farms and other sources in the Saginaw River watershed. Water clarity and beach conditions change from week to week, so check the current conditions before you plan a swim. Our kid-friendly day guide shows how to combine the beach with other stops.
Tobico Marsh
Tobico Marsh is the park's wild side and one of the largest remaining freshwater coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes. The U.S. National Park Service designated it a National Natural Landmark in 1976, citing its large size, relatively undisturbed condition and variety of aquatic plants. The habitat mixes open water, cattail marsh, wet meadows, oak savanna and hardwood forest.
Its story is unusual. Logging interests first owned the land, and it later passed to a group that formed the Tobico Hunting and Fishing Club. In the 1950s the club's last surviving members recognized its value as a wildlife refuge, and in 1957 one of them donated the property to the State of Michigan. The state later added adjoining land, and in the mid-1990s the refuge and game area were combined with the state park.
Things to do
- Wildlife viewing from observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes. The marsh is a haven for migratory birds and wetland wildlife.
- Hiking, biking and cross-country skiing on the park's trails. Dress for the weather in winter, since wind off the bay can make it feel much colder.
- Swimming, picnicking and playing at the beach, spray park and playground.
- Camping in the campground. Reserve through the DNR and check season dates. See our campground guide.
- Hunting, fishing and trapping are allowed in designated areas under DNR rules.
Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
The park's 10,000-square-foot Saginaw Bay Visitor Center has an exhibit hall with interactive natural-history displays, a 100-seat auditorium and year-round environmental education programs. It is a good rainy-day stop and a useful place to ask about trail conditions and wildlife sightings. Check the DNR for the center's current hours and programs.
When to go
- Summer: beach days, camping and the spray park. Expect crowds on hot weekends.
- Fall and spring: the best seasons for watching migrating birds. Bring binoculars and bug spray in warm months.
- Winter: quiet, snowy trails and a different view of the marsh. See our winter guide.
Plan the rest of your day
The park is a few minutes from downtown. Pair it with lunch from our Eat page and a sunset walk along the Riverwalk, or read the one-day itinerary. If you need a place to stay, see our Stay page. Pick up groceries and supplies on Wilder Road first if you are camping.
Sources
Facts come from the Michigan DNR's park information and public encyclopedia entries on Bay City State Park and Tobico Marsh. This guide is independent and is not run by the DNR. Always confirm fees, hours and rules with the park.