Bay City, Michigan – What to do here? Here’s a list!
Bay City, Michigan is located near the base of the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. The city is geographically divided by the Saginaw River, and travel between the east and west sides of the city is made possible by four modern drawbridges which allow large ships to travel easily down the river. The city is served by MBS International Airport, located in nearby Freeland, and James Clements Municipal Airport. Well what’s there to do when you get here?! Heres just a few of my favorite things to do.
Daytime family fun ~ FREE
The Islander
Bay City Boat Lines provides narrated tours and private charter service aboard the excursion vessels Princess Wenonah and Islander. Free rides are offered weekdays at 10:00 a.m. during the summer season. Dinner cruises and special events are offered periodically and the vessels are available for private charters. The Princess and Islander depart from their dock on the east bank of the Saginaw River, south of Veterans Memorial Bridge.
I have done the free tour and its a great way to spend a couple hours and you get a great history lesson of Bay City. It is kid friendly and handicapped accessible. Dress for the weather as the top is open, however the bottom is enclosed. It is a free (seriously FREE), roughly 2-hour tour of the Saginaw River; Narrated by local TV persoanlities. Snacks and beverages (alcohol if you fancy that) are available for purchase as soon as the boat leaves port. Tours are Monday thru Friday from 10am – 12noon. Reservations needed. I give this 2 thumbs up. Did I mention this is FREE!?
Night life entertainment
The All-New Big House on Midland Street
The All-New Big House is an all 80′s & 90′s dance club located on Midland Street, in downtown Bay City!!! Featuring open mic night on Wednesdays, Jedi Mind Trip on Thursdays, and Impact Sound Entertainment on Friday & Saturdays!!! Bay City’s only retro bar!
This party is totally gnarly! The drinks are well made, cheap, and delivered by great waitstaff. Oh yeah, NO COVER – EVER! That’s right, they don’t charge to get in. Dressing retro is highly encouraged!
They offer a slightly tilted pool table (believe you, me it helps), darts, neon lights, a huge painting of pac-man, and a rubix cube. Enjoy the party. Don’t forget to tell them matthew Z sent you.
Dining
Brady’s Sports Diner
Best pub chips! Let me repeat this – BEST PUB CHIPS! This is a classic sports diner. Great food (might I recommend the Doyle burger or the Tuna Steak!?), cheap prices, cold beer, and lots of TV’s. The bar area has a great view of Midland St with a huge front window. Breakfast is served all day long and they have daily lunch/dinner specials that are definitely worth it.
Gulino’s
There is something to be said about the ‘ole hole in the wall’ type diner, but this is more like a diamond in the rough. Gulino’s opened at the worst time possible. The Henry St. construction nightmare. With the road closed to traffic for WAY TOO long, they made it. If they can withstand the horrific scenario of that, something must be said for the food! It’s great Italian cuisine. The owners are extremely friendly and make for great conversation. The dishes are HUGE and the prices are more than reasonable. Oh, and they deliver! Call em up, you won’t be disappointed!
Events
River Roar – update coming soon!
Fourth of July Festival – update coming soon!
Be Cool Car Show – update coming soon!
Pig Gig – update coming soon!
Beaches
Sanford Lake Park – update coming soon!
Places to visit
St. Lawrence Brothers – update coming soon!
I hope this gets you started on your next visit to Bay City. Until anon, matthew Z.
