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Bay City State Park
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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At a glance
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Detailed view
Fishing pier
Interpretive visitor center
Modern restrooms
Picnic area
Picnic shelter
Playground
Vault toilet
Water access
Track chair
Spray park
Visitor center
Amphitheatre
Beach house
Biking
Cross-country skiing
EV fast-charging station
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Metal detecting
Nature programs
Observation platform
Sanitation station
Swimming
Wi-Fi
Fishing pier
Interpretive visitor center
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.
Modern restrooms
Picnic area
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
Picnic shelter
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.
Playground
The all-new 'Play by The Bay' playground has a giant fish play structure, water spray park, and other nature-themed features.
Vault toilet
Water access
The accessible beach mat is in place seasonally while the mobile beach chair is available for use year-round.
Track chair
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Spray park
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
The Saginaw Bay Visitor Center highlights Tobico Marsh, one of the largest coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, and features renovated exhibits.
Amphitheatre
Beach house
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.
Cross-country skiing
EV fast-charging station
There are free, self-pay EV fast-charging stations in the park.
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
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.
Hunting
Deer, waterfowl and small game are allowed during open seasons.
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.
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.
Observation platform
Three observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopes help make wildlife viewing more interactive.
Sanitation station
Swimming
Wi-Fi
Stay overnight
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Bay City Modern CampgroundNumber 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 -
Bay City Group Use AreaFor 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
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Interactive map
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Printable PDF map