Bay City grew up on the Saginaw River, and the river is still the best way to understand it. Parks line the banks, freighters slide past downtown, and about ten miles of trail connect it all. Here is how to explore it, from the main parks to the boat launches, the bridges and the history underfoot.
Riverfront at a glance
• Parkland: about 238 acres in 25 park areas, plus roughly 10 miles of Rail Trail and Riverwalk, maintained by the city
• Marina: Liberty Harbor Marina, 100 slips, open May 1 to October 15
• Biggest events: Fireworks Festival (next on July 1-3, 2027) and the holiday tree lighting in late November
• Accessible play: Play City in Veterans Memorial Park
Wenonah Park and the World Friendship Shell
This downtown park on Center Avenue is the city's front porch. The World Friendship Shell is the stage for concerts and festivals, including the Fireworks Festival, which the organizers have scheduled for July 1-3, 2027. At other times it is simply a pleasant green space beside the river, open around the clock. In late November it hosts Santa's arrival and the holiday tree lighting, and in December it hosts the Krampus Walk.
Veterans Memorial Park and Play City
Just upriver, Veterans Memorial Park runs along the shore with room for events, picnics and sports. It has a ball diamond among its many amenities, and a pavilion can be reserved through the city's Parks Department for $150 a day. Play City, a destination playground that opened in fall 2020, is built to be fully accessible, with ramps, slides, swings and climbing areas so children of all abilities can play side by side. The park is also the home of the Liberty Harbor Marina and the Trombley House, a historic Greek Revival home.
Liberty Harbor Marina
The city runs a 100-slip marina at the north end of Veterans Memorial Park, a short walk from downtown. It is open from May 1 through October 15 and offers water, electric, restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, grills, picnic tables and a pump-out. Transient boaters can reserve slips, and the marina can be reached at (989) 894-2800. Staff hours vary by season, so check the marina page before you arrive.
Boat launches and the water
Public boat launches include Cass Avenue (620 Harrison Street) and the Edward M. Golson Boat Launch & Nature Area on N Johnson Street. The state DNR launch is at 1 Shady Shore Road. A rowing club boat house sits on W Lafayette Avenue. Fishing is listed as an amenity at Bigelow Park and the Ted Putz Nature Area. For a full list of launches, see Michigan Water Trails.
Kantzler Memorial Arboretum
This 12-acre landscaped plaza sits along the riverfront near the Community Center. Its north edge borders the Davidson Dry Dock, a 500-foot inlet that was once used for shipbuilding, and a pedestrian bridge crosses its mouth to join the Riverwalk. It is a popular spot for weddings; requests go to the Parks Department at least 90 days ahead. Volunteers can also adopt a pocket garden through the city's partnership with Bay City in Bloom.
The Riverwalk and Rail Trail
Roughly ten miles of Riverwalk and Rail Trail loop through the city, with benches, a gazebo and a walking track along the way. Highlights include the Third Street Waterfall Park, a river overlook at the end of Third Street, and Riverwalk Pier, a riverside boardwalk with viewing points. Bigelow Park, on Middleground Island, offers skyline views looking back at downtown, and the Ted Putz Nature Area has a boardwalk through the wetlands.
Bridges and passing ships
The Saginaw River is a working waterway, and bridges here open for freighters. The Veterans Memorial Bridge opened in 1957, and the Liberty Bridge is a landmark in its own right. Photographers like the moment a bridge lifts for a ship. The city also hosts a Tall Ship Celebration every three years, a big four-day event; in 2010, tall ships passed beneath the raised Liberty Bridge.
History on the water
The riverfront tells the story of Bay City's industries. In the 1800s, Lower Saginaw's deeper water let larger ships dock, which drew early pioneers away from the older settlement at Saginaw. Lumber was floated down the river to the mills, and shipbuilders such as Defoe turned out Navy vessels until 1975. Industrial Brownhoist was well known for building giant cranes. Today the USS Edson, a retired destroyer, serves as a museum ship you can tour. Learn more on our history page.
Best times to visit
- Summer: concerts in Wenonah Park, marina season and the Fireworks Festival.
- Fall: cooler walks, color in the parks and events such as Hop Riot.
- Late November and December: Santa's arrival, the tree lighting and carriage rides downtown. See our holiday guide.
- Winter: a quieter riverfront. Dress warmly, since the wind off the water can be cold.
Rules and reservations
Pavilions and shelters at some parks can be reserved through the city; fees run from $100 to $150 a day, depending on the park. The city posts its park rules, revised in January 2026, on its website. Contact the Parks, Buildings & Grounds Division at (989) 894-8314 or ParkReservations@baycitymi.gov.
Plan your riverfront day
- Park downtown and walk to Wenonah Park.
- Follow the Riverwalk past the arboretum to Veterans Memorial Park.
- Let kids loose at Play City.
- Tour the USS Edson, then eat at a riverside restaurant. See the Eat page.
- Check the map for park locations and the Things to Do page for everything else.
Sources
Park, marina and trail details are summarized from the City of Bay City's Parks page, Marina page, Arboretum page and Play City page. History comes from the city's history page. Details may change; see City Info for contacts.