Plan a Visit
How to get here, when to come, and what to know before you go.
Getting here
Bay City is on I-75 in the Great Lakes Bay region: about 51 miles from Flint, 87 from Lansing, 98 from Ann Arbor and 111 from Detroit (roughly 2 hours). MBS International Airport, about 15 miles away, has Delta and United flights. Bay Metro runs local buses, and Greyhound and Indian Trails serve the area. More on the City Info page.
Best time to go
Summer for beaches, festivals and fireworks. Fall for color at the state park. Winter for a quiet downtown.
Where to stay
Riverfront hotels and camping at Bay City State Park. See lodging.
Good to know
Michigan Recreation Passport is needed for state park vehicle entry. Bring bug spray for marsh trails in summer.
Getting around
Downtown and the riverfront are walkable. You'll want a car for the state park and shopping on Wilder Rd and Euclid Ave.
Local flavor
Look for Polish food and paczki, Great Lakes fish, and local craft beer. See where to eat.
Boating
Liberty Harbor Marina has 100 slips downtown, open May 1 through October 15. Marina and boat launch details.
Staying a while?
Trash and recycling rules, utilities, permits and city phone numbers are on the City Info page.