Take part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, take your best swing on a Scottish-inspired golf course, take advantage of great seasonal bargains at the Midwest’s largest outlet mall, take a plunge in a four-story tube slide—Michigan—Pure Michigan—we have it all and so much more.
Cruise past a castle museum, explore German heritage, or marvel at historic architecture. Come along for the ride and discover all this and more as you experience the sights and adventures along this exciting driving tour.
Follow a route that weaves through history, antiques, culture and exploration as you tour several charming mid-Michigan communities—Frankenmuth, Chesaning, Saginaw, Birch Run, Midland and Bay counties. In Chesaning, stroll the boulevard and marvel at lumber barons’ historic homes, pick up collectables, gifts and home décor items at Sarah’s Attic, or experience great music at the Chesaning Showboat Music Festival.
If you’re in the mood for shopping, then you won’t want to miss out on over 145 stores at Birch Run Premium Outlets--just miles away from Chesaning. Find impressive savings at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Guess, J.Crew, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and other brand name designer outlets.
Saginaw will provide you with your own personal gateway to cultural and historical treasures, including the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum and the Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House. The Saginaw Art Museum showcases a number of both historical as well as contemporary cultural traditions and also holds a variety of classes for students of the arts. The Saginaw Valley area provides a variety of ways to explore the great outdoors. Take a walk on the wild side at Johnny Panther Quest Adventure Trips, or bike, skate, walk, or ski on the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail.
In Bay City, you’ll explore the area’s history as you tour some 200 historic residences dating back to the 1840s. Are you looking for something to keep the kids entertained? Then you’ll want to plan a visit to the Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum. This city's tour will also provide you with the opportunity to learn of the area’s shipbuilding legacy, snag the big one on a charter fishing adventure, catch great finds at one of the largest antique marts in the Midwest, or become mesmerized by the charisma and beauty of a historic Appledore tall ship. At day's end, you can relax on a romantic dinner cruise.
Frankenmuth celebrates its German heritage with Old World brews, and other goodies. Frankenmuth River Place combines shopping and entertainment in buildings that resemble a centuries-old German village. The center looks right at home in the community known as “Little Bavaria”.
Frankenmuth's downtown boosts over 30 specialty stores to tempt shoppers. With it's maze of mirrors and nightly laser-light shows in the amphitheater, this community is also a favorite for the younger crowd. Hop aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, docked near the heart of the complex, and you'll be treated to a narrated tour on the Cass River.
A short drive away, you’ll want to tour the extraordinary Alden B. Dow Home & Studio in Midland. Designed by Dow in 1934, this architectural gem is a specimen of organic architecture. Sweeping roof planes of standing-seam copper, geometric forms superimposed on a lush landscape, large areas of glass and well-worked wood joinery are all evident. Be sure to schedule enough time to take the kids to the Children’s Garden at Dow.
Enjoy championship golf at Bay Valley Golf Club, an 18-hole Bay City Desmond Muirhead design course offering stay and play packages. Or tee up at The Fortress, Frankenmuth’s Scottish-inspired course offering bent grass greens and fairways around 75 bunkers on the par 72 course. If you’ll looking for a challenging course for all levels and skilled golfers, you want to head to Sawmill Golf Club--a great course with a combination of wooded and open holes, offering great value.
Discover all of the joys of these exciting mid-Michigan communities by visiting the Great Lakes Bay Region Convention & Visitors Bureau for details and more great getaway ideas.
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