Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau www.gogreat.com
We have collected information and web links related to the area and combined them here with photos we took and video clips from the show in what we hope will be a helpful guide as you plan your trip. Feel free to select only one or two activities per day according to your family’s interests. For assistance or for more information, call the Saginaw Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau -
800.444.9979 Have fun!
» Shiawassee National
Wildlife Refuge 1
(24 photos)
» Shiawassee National
Wildlife Refuge 2
(30 photos)
Video Clips
Related Information & Links
SAGinaw
The Saginaw Valley, specifically Saginaw County, is 814 square miles of rich agricultural land, woodlands and waterways. Thanks to the area's convenient location off Interstate 75 (I-75) and its five primary tourist areas (Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Saginaw City and Saginaw Township), Saginaw County ranks as the third most visited County in the State of Michigan. Each area of the County has its own distinct personality and offers its own brand of sophisticated culture or down-home entertainment.
There are a great number of things for you and your family to do in Frankenmuth. With festivities year round the town welcomes visitors with Bavarian hospitality regardless of the season. Whether it’s a day trip for the family or a weekend retreat for friends, Frankenmuth is the perfect destination to recharge, renew and refresh. From fantastic food, eclectic shopping and entertainment, to rich historical beauty and culture, it’s the ideal departure from the ordinary everyday. Visit anytime and count the ways you can enjoy everything Frankenmuth has to offer.
Location: Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge is located in Saginaw County, Michigan. The refuge’s headquarters is located about 5 miles south of Saginaw off of highway M-13 on the corners of Curtis and Mower Roads.
6975 Mower Road -
Saginaw, MI 48601 Phone: (989) 777-5930 Office Hours: 7:30am - 4pm, Monday – Friday and closed all federal holidays
The refuge spans 9,501 acres of bottomland-hardwood forests, rivers, marshes, managed pools, fields and croplands. It lies just south of the City of Saginaw. Located in the MIssissippi Flyway, the Refuge hosts over 270 species of birds each year. Thousands of ducks, geese and other waterfowl stop to refuel at the Refuge during the spring and fall migration. The American Birding Association designated the Refuge a "U.S. Important Bird Area" because of the southern James Bay Canada geese that use the Refuge. Thousands of people visit the refuge each year to enjoy its diverse wildlife and habitats.
Location: 5395 Midland Road (M-47) -
Freeland, MI 48623 Hours: Mon-Sat
8am - 7pm, Sun 11am - 6pm
Bayne's is a retail orchard operation complete with a Cider Mill where you can view the operation from Sept-Oct (call for times and days). The orchard has a large bakery specializing in fresh caramel apple walnut pies, fresh glazed apple cookies and much, much more. We also make the best caramel apples, just ask Marie Osmond! We also have home accents, polish pottery & gift items.
Dixie Motor Speedway has been a showcase of Auto Racing Talent from its beginning over 60 years ago. Many a driver, now household names, have graced the asphalt (and dirt) at The Dixie during their formative years. These drivers were and are the best of the best. Come out and enjoy some of the best racing action around on Friday Nights and watch tomorrow’s champions compete here today at The Dixie Motor Speedway - Michigan's Premier High Banked 4/10's Short Track featuring Pro Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Bombers, Factory Stocks, Figure 8's,
and Outlaw Super Late Model "Dixie Cup" Series.
Location: 4715 N. Portsmouth Rd - Saginaw MI, 48601 Hours: Open Daily September & October 9am - 7pm
See over 250 pumpkins on display, enjoy a 3-acre corn maze, wood carvers, gift, face painting, fall displays while munching on fresh farm donuts. Pick your own pumpkin during our fall season (open September 15-October 31). We also offer several seasonal events-great for "kids" of all ages! Visit our gift shop which offers crafts, delicious food items and decorations.
Location: 11895 Frost Road -
Freeland, MI 48623 Hours: July 4th through Labor Day Daily 8am - 8pm
If you live in mid-Michigan, Russell's Blueberry Farm and Nursery is the best place to get fresh, delicious blueberries. On our 40 acre farm, located about 8 miles west of Saginaw, near Hemlock, we have over 25,000 blueberry plants from 10 different varietals. This large variety means we have a longer growing season than most other farms (from July 4th through Labor Day, and often longer) and we also have the right type of berry for you, depending on whether you're planning on making a pie, jam, muffins, or just eating the berries plain! We also have a 10-acre pond, picnic tables, and refreshments for sale - so bring a picnic lunch and make a family day of it!
Location: Santa's Village North Pole, USA, 11350 Peet Road, Chesaning (989) 845-2143. Steam Railroading Institute Visitor's Center & Museum -
405 South Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867 (989) 725-9464
Hours: Steam Railroading Institute - Summer Hours Wed – Sun 10am to 4pm, Winter Hours Fri – Sun 10am to 4pm
The Steam Railroading Institute is pleased to announce the return of its expanded North Pole Express program. Passengers will board at the Steam Railroading Institute's Visitor Center in Owosso, Michigan for a memorable journey to the North Pole. Before departure, the North Pole Express train arrives, pulled by the Pere Marquette No. 1225, with lots of steam, bell ringing and whistle blowing. Guests will then board the train for a trip to Santa's Village. Santa will greet the North Pole Express upon its arrival and invite the children to come play at Santa's Village. The train will stay at Santa's Village for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, after which the North Pole Express will then return to the Steam Railroading Institute, drop off its passengers and disappear into the night.
The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail covers 9.55 miles of abandoned rail corridor in Saginaw County, stretching from St. Charles to Saginaw. It incorporates a number of natural features including: Seven bridges over various rivers and creeks, The Shiawassee State Game Area, Many wetland areas. Designed for various recreational uses, the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail provides safe, quiet places for hiking, bicycling, jogging, walking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and nature study.
