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Bay City State Park

Bay City view

Bay City State Park

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.

Amenities & activities

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Fishing pier Accessible Icon

visitor center symbol

Interpretive visitor center Accessible Icon

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Modern restrooms Accessible Icon

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Picnic area Accessible Icon

picnic shelter symbol

Picnic shelter Accessible Icon

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Playground Accessible Icon

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Vault toilet Accessible Icon

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Water access Accessible Icon

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Track chair Accessible Icon

spray park

Spray park Accessible Icon

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Visitor center Accessible Icon

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Amphitheatre

a building with the sun behind it

Beach house

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Biking

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Cross-country skiing

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EV fast-charging station

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Fishing

hiking

Hiking

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Hunting

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Metal detecting

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Nature programs

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Observation platform

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Sanitation station

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Swimming

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Wi-Fi

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Fishing pier Accessible Icon

visitor center symbol

Interpretive visitor center Accessible Icon

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.

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Modern restrooms Accessible Icon

picnic area symbol

Picnic area Accessible Icon

Visitors can picnic on the sandy shoreline of the Bay or under the shelter of lofty cottonwoods and ash trees which border the Tobico Lagoon. Picnic tables and fire pits/grills

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Picnic shelter Accessible Icon

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.

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Playground Accessible Icon

The all-new 'Play by The Bay' playground has a giant fish play structure, water spray park, and other nature-themed features.

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Vault toilet Accessible Icon

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Water access Accessible Icon

The accessible beach mat is in place seasonally while the mobile beach chair is available for use year-round.

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Track chair Accessible Icon

The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

spray park

Spray park Accessible Icon

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.

Visitor center Accessible Icon

The Saginaw Bay Visitor Center highlights Tobico Marsh, one of the largest coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, and features renovated exhibits.

amphitheater symbol

Amphitheatre

a building with the sun behind it

Beach house

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Biking

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.

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Cross-country skiing

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EV fast-charging station

There are free, self-pay EV fast-charging stations in the park.

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Fishing

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.

hiking

Hiking

More than seven miles of trails help visitors explore the wetlands! Includes over three miles of paved pathways, three observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes. Bicycles and rollerblades are welcome.

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Hunting

Deer, waterfowl and small game are allowed during open seasons.

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Metal detecting

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.

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Nature programs

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.

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Observation platform

Three observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes help make wildlife viewing more interactive.

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Sanitation station

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Swimming

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Wi-Fi

Stay overnight

  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online
    Number of sites:

    193

    Tags: ADA-only sites available, Electrical service, Modern campground, Some sites with 50-amp service, State park campground, Toilet and shower building, Winter camping
  • For reservations call: 989-684-3020

    Reservations can be made by calling the park office.

    Number of sites:

    2

    Tags: Group-use area, Rustic sites, State park campground, Vault toilet

Trails & area maps

Upcoming events

Recreation Passport required

A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.

Friends group

Thank you to the Friends of Bay City State Park!

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Updates, events, park info and more. View public page even without account.

Recreate Responsibly

Keep yourself, your friends and family, and the outdoors safe.

Great Lakes beach safety

Stay safe. These powerful bodies of water have dangerous currents.

Visitor's guide

Find additional area information, maps and more.

Rules, rates, dates

General state park rules, rates & operating dates, reservations & cancellations, camping rules and more.

Photos