Bay City State Park, situated on the shores of the Saginaw Bay, is home to one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, the Tobico Marsh. More than a thousand feet of sandy beach and more than 2,000 acres of wetland woods, wet meadows, cattail marshlands and oak savannah prairies make it an ideal staging area for migratory birds. The park has long been known for its outstanding variety of bird life and as a haven for wetland wildlife and plants.
The park is home to a modern campground, trails, a spray park, the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center and much more. The accessible "Play by The Bay" playground features decorative cattails, mushroom stepping stones, acorn-shaped seats and realistic-looking rock walls and logs. A highlight is a giant fish-shaped play structure with a springy balance board tail, climbing bars and ropes.
The park offers a variety of fishing locations throughout the park, including Tobico Lagoon and Tobico Marsh
Start your park visit at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. This award-winning facility offers interactive exhibits, wildlife viewing, a gift shop and educational programs about the unique coastal wetlands.
Visitors can picnic on the sandy shoreline of the Bay or beneath the shade of lofty cottonwoods and ash trees bordering the Tobico Lagoon. Picnic tables and fire pits/grills are available in the day-use area.
Five shelters are available for rent. Shelters can be reserved up to one year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting www.midnrreservations.com.
The all-new 'Play by The Bay' playground has a giant fish play structure, water spray park and other nature-themed features.
The park has 11 vault toilets open year-round.
The park is situated on Saginaw Bay, which is part of Lake Huron.
There's an accessible beach mat and a coastal boardwalk in the buoyed swim area. A beach wheelchair is available, free of charge.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Kids will have fun cooling off at the park's Spray by the Bay splash park complete with interactive water components, umbrellas and lawn chairs.
The Saginaw Bay Visitor Center highlights Tobico Marsh, one of the largest coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, and features renovated exhibits.
Park visitors can enjoy a variety of performances, educational programs and special events at the visitor center stage and activity shelter.
Whether you're enjoying the buoyed swim beach or the spray park, you'll find a beach house with restrooms, changing rooms and an outdoor shower.
The three-mile Andersen Natural Trail follows a railway corridor and connects to the Bay City Trailway System to the south of the park. Bicycles are welcomed on established park roads and on trails designated for such use.
There are 4 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails in the Chickadee Parie and Tobico Marsh loops. We ask hikers to avoid groomed tracks by walking to the side.
There are four self-pay EV fast-charging stations located near the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center.
The Tobico Lagoon provides pike, carp, bass and panfish. An accessible fishing pier makes shore fishing available to all. Additional DNR-managed boating access sites are within a few miles of the park. Ice fishing is just off the park's shore in the winter months.
More than seven miles of trails help visitors explore the wetlands, including three miles of paved pathways (bicycles and rollerblades welcome). Additionally, there are three observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Two observations towers, boardwalk, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes help make wildlife viewing more interactive.
The park’s sanitation station is located at the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
This location is unable to offer sanitation station access to non-registered campers because the park infrastructure can't support additional use.
Visitors can stay connected with three Wi-Fi hot spots in the park.
There's slides and swings for kids to play.
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Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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