Bay City Recreation Area

Bay City State Recreation Area is a 2100acre state park located near Bay City, Michigan in Bay County, Michigan, on the shore of Saginaw Bay. The Tobico Marsh, one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes is located in the park. Other natural features of the park include a mile of sandy beach, over 2000acre of wetland woods, meadows, oak savannah prairies, and cattail marshes. The park is a haven for migratory birds and wetland wildlife.Facilities and activitiesSaginaw Bay Visitor Center - 10,000 sq. ft. building features an exhibit hall with interactive natural history displays, a 100-seat auditorium and a gift shop. Environmental education programs are offered year round for the public, school groups and other groups.Hunting - The park is open to hunting during open seasons.Wildlife viewing from three observation towers, boardwalks, viewing platforms and shoreline spotting scopesSwimmingPlaygroundSpray Park BikingCross-country skiingFishing in the Tobico LagoonPicnickingPicnic AreaPicnic Shelter Metal detecting - Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statutes. Use a map that shows clearly where this activity may take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.