The city of Bay City, Michigan is located near the Saginaw Bay at the juncture of two major freeways: U.S. 10 and I-75. Once known as “The Lumbering Capital of the World,” Bay City is now a major recreation and entertainment center. As the county seat and largest municipality in Bay County, Bay City has been a center of commerce, industry, government and culture. Bay City was originally known as "Lower Saginaw" and fell within the boundaries of Saginaw County until Bay County was organized in 1857 and changed its name. Rapid economic growth took place during this time period, with lumbering, milling and shipbuilding creating many jobs. The early industrialists in the area used the Saginaw River as a way to float lumber to the mills and factories and as a consequence amass large fortunes.
Bay City’s Center Avenue Historic District provides an architectural treasure trove of National Register-listed buildings – more than 250 of the district’s nearly 900 old houses, churches and mansions of the lumber barons and shipping magnates. The architectural styles include Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival, Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Italianate, Mid-Century Modern, Neoclassical, Queen Anne, Richardson Romanesque, Second Empire, Shingle Style, Tudor Revival and Victorian-Era Stick. You can explore more history on board the USS Edson DD-946, permanently moored in Bangor Township and at the Bay County Historical Society, which was formed with the intent of promoting the study, collection and preservation of Bay County's story.
Family activities you can enjoy in Bay City include studying the stars at the Delta College Planetarium and a trip to the Dobson Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum, where children of all ages will have a hard time discerning the fire engines from the toys. Bay City hosts several cultural celebrations and festivals which are mainly in the summer months such as the St. Stan's Polish Festival, River Roar, the Pig Gig Rib Roast, the Independence Day Fireworks Festival and the River of Time. While you’re taking a stroll by the riverfront or enjoying a late night cruise, you’ll be enjoying this city’s thriving attractions with accommodations waiting that fulfill all of your travel needs when you call it a night at one of our Choice Hotels in Bay City, MI. Book a room online now!