From the Shores of Lake Huron to the cities and forests of Mid-Michigan, the Great Lakes Bay area offers an array of activities ranging from sports and outdoor adventures to the commerce, culture, and nightlife of the cities. Enjoy concerts, theater, and the arts in cities such as Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City. Hell’s Half Mile, a celebration of independent films and music, takes place on Bay City’s waterfront every September. From the bustling city center, you still have easy access to the countryside, where you can enjoy hiking trails, rivers, lakes, forests and the beauties of nature. If you long for life by the water, you can stay in a cabin or hotel on the shores of Lake Huron. The excitement of discovery and adventure awaits you in the Great Lakes Bay Region!
Sports
Cheer on the Saginaw Spirit as they compete against other teams in the Ontario Hockey League. With 34 home games each season, the Saginaw Spirit offers plenty of excitement. Share the thrill as you watch up-and-coming hockey players, some of whom will play for the NHL. Do you love baseball? In Midland, you can root for the Loons baseball team and watch fireworks after many of the games. In Isabella County, the Isabella Community Sportsplex houses the I.C.E Arena for hockey and ice-skating; Morey Courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and racquetball. If you love golf, the Great Lakes Bay area offers 62 scenic golf courses. At Alma College, The Stone Center for Recreation provides a fitness room, swimming pool, track, climbing wall, areas for inline skating, and courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and other sports.
Parks
Do you love the outdoors and enjoy exploring nature’s wonders? Then the Great Lakes Bay area will captivate you. Clare County has 56,000 acres of state forests, 300 miles of rivers, 28 miles of snowmobiles trails, 55 miles of off-road vehicle trails, and over 81 lakes—including many with public access for boating and fishing. Midland’s Whiting Forest features a 1,400-foot canopy walk, the largest of its kind in the United States. The Arenac Blue Water Trail will take you on a grand kayaking or canoeing trip along the northern coastline of the Saginaw Bay. If you prefer gliding through the tree tops, try ziplining at Frankenmuth’s Aerial Park. If you enjoy water sports and fishing, explore Gladwin’s 57 lakes and 473 miles of streams and rivers. You also can explore Isabella County’s wildlife sanctuary and parks, which offer over 150 campsites, 10 cabins, three beaches for swimming, pristine picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails.
Nightlife
The Great Lakes Bay Area offers a vibrant nightlife. If you love the excitement of casinos, check out the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Isabella County or the Saganing Eagles Landing Casino in Arenac. Do you enjoy going to the movies? Choose one of the region’s many theaters for great seating, tasty popcorn, and new releases. Boasting a 70-foot wide screen, the Saginaw Quality 10 GDX Theater delivers an electrifying movie experience. If you enjoy live performances, then attend a play or concert at the Midland Center for the Arts or the Temple Theatre in Saginaw. Do you love to dance? Then show off your moves at Encore, Isabella County’s top-rated dance club. Be sure to visit the region’s local bars, breweries, and restaurants to enjoy an unforgettable evening with your friends.
Find Out More!
Visit the counties page to learn more and discover what each county has to offer!