Hotels in Bay City

Bay City grew rich on white pine in the late nineteenth century, when sawmills lined the Saginaw River and lumber barons built the grand Victorian mansions that still stand along Center Avenue, one of Michigan's largest historic districts. Today it is a modest river town near where the Saginaw empties into Saginaw Bay, the doorway to Lake Huron, and its waterfront, drawbridges and periodic tall-ship festivals give it more character than its size suggests.

This is Rust Belt Michigan, with a population well below its industrial peak, some tired blocks between the handsome ones, and long, grey winters that thin out visitors. It works best as a base for the Great Lakes Bay region, alongside Saginaw and Midland, or for summer days at Bay City State Park on the shore. With only around ten hotels, choice is limited, so book ahead for event weekends. Stay downtown near the riverfront, where the restored brick storefronts, restaurants and river walk put most of the town's appeal within walking distance.