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.
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 under the shelter of lofty cottonwoods and ash trees which border the Tobico Lagoon. Picnic tables and fire pits/grills
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 accessible beach mat is in place seasonally while the mobile beach chair is available for use year-round.
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.
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 free, self-pay EV fast-charging stations in the park.
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! Includes over three miles of paved pathways, three observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes. Bicycles and rollerblades are welcome.
Deer, waterfowl and small game are allowed during open seasons.
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.
Three observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes help make wildlife viewing more interactive.
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Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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