Highlights of the Tri-Cities
By Levi Bright
There’s a lot to love about the Tri-Cities area, and over the last couple years I’ve made it my mission to thoroughly explore it. I can’t call the endeavor complete yet, but so far, a few places stand out. Whether you have a free weekend, a rainy day or just a few hours off work, here are some spots in the region that are well worth a visit.
Historic Masonic Temple | 700 N Madison Ave., Bay City
As the name suggests, this imposing 120-year-old structure was the longtime home of a local Freemasons group. Today, though, part of the building has been transformed into a local arts center. It now plays host to a variety of events — from concerts to movie nights, writing workshops to wrestling, the HMT has you covered. It’s a very cool venue, and there truly is something for everyone. There are plenty of event spaces around, but few are as historic or as grandiose as this one.
Hoyt Library | 505 Janes Ave., Saginaw
Open since 1890, Hoyt Library in downtown Saginaw is a beautiful building and a great spot to relax. It’s always nice to stop by, look around and pick up a few books. Libraries might not be considered the most exciting establishments, but I think that’s part of the appeal. This one is architecturally gorgeous and a perfect place to study, unwind, or just browse.
Electric Kitsch | 2106 Kosciuszko Ave., Bay City
Located in southeast Bay City, Electric Kitsch is a record store with a vast collection of vinyl, tapes, CDs and other music-related memorabilia. The atmosphere is welcoming, the owners are friendly and it’s always a joy to stop by. This place singlehandedly got me into collecting records and CDs — the selection is excellent, and it’s easy to find something you love there. It’s a must-visit for any music lovers or collectors of physical media. Spotify is convenient, but music you can hold in your hand has soul.
Bay City State Park | 3582 State Park Dr., Bay City
A lot of people know the State Park for its beach on the Saginaw Bay, but in my opinion, that’s not the best part. The grounds boast a miles-long network of trails through some of the most beautiful and serene landscapes the region has to offer, and it’s not something to miss out on. Walking or biking, around a lagoon or through the woods — however you prefer your time in nature, you can find it here. You can even enjoy the views at either of the park’s two observation towers! The park is worth visiting just to appreciate the natural beauty, but it’s also a great spot to wind down. Especially considering how nerve-racking college can be, it’s very important to have healthy ways to manage stress. It may sound cliché, but being around nature really does do wonders for one’s state of mind. I’ve spent a lot of hours walking through the woods in the late afternoon sun — there’s no better remedy.
Bigelow Park/Middleground Island |Evergreen Dr./Salzburg Ave., Bay City
This is one of the more unique spots in the area. Middleground Island sits in the Saginaw River between Bay City’s two sides with Bigelow Park located on its north end. The park has the usual amenities, but the real draw is the location — city on both sides, water all around you, and nature everywhere else. There’s also a pedestrian bridge connecting Bigelow Park to the east side of the river and the nearby Veterans Memorial Park. That’s one of the highlights — it doesn’t get much better than walking over the water on a warm summer evening. In addition to the park, the island features a 26-acre nature preserve with trails. It’s a great area to walk, bike, fish, or just sit and mellow out. Even during construction, the island and park are accessible via the western segment of the Lafayette Street Bridge.
Dow Gardens | 1809 Eastman Ave., Midland
This one isn’t exactly under the radar, but Dow Gardens is consistently excellent. Featuring 110 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, streams and walkways (among other things), it’s hard to beat. It’s easy to just wander for hours — there’s so much to look at. There’s not a lot tosay that hasn’t been said already, but suffice it to say that this place is one of the gems of the area. As a bonus, student admission is only $5!
LoLoBee’s Lounge | 106 S Linn St., Bay City
Open until 11:00 nightly, this cozy coffee shop has quickly become a favorite of mine. The baristas are friendly, the drinks and food are good and the venue hosts local musicians and other events frequently. I’ve
never had a bad experience there — it’s the perfect place to wind down after a long day. It’s also one of my go-to study spots. The atmosphere is unmatched, and so are the hours.
Dow Event Center | 303 Johnson St., Saginaw
Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a sports fan, I highly recommend catching a Saginaw Spirit game at the Dow Event Center. Hockey is a very accessible sport, and it’s easy to enjoy the tension and excitement of a game regardless of your prior knowledge of it. Keep your eye on the puck! The venue also hosts concerts and other events.
Midland Street Books | 908 E Midland St., Bay City
This charming used bookstore has only been open for a few years, but it’s already identified itself as one of the best businesses in the region. The space is cozy, the selection of books is wide and the prices are excellent — you can easily walk out with three or four books for less than $20. A used book works just as well as a new one, so why spend more at a place like Barnes & Noble? My shelves are now full of great books,
and after stopping in here, yours will be too.
These are a few of my favorite places, but I also encourage you to get out there and make your own list. This is a great region to live in, and there’s quite a bit to get out there and discover. Be a part of the community! Mix up your routine — find a fresh place to relax, a favorite lunch spot, a new study location, anything — the area has a lot to offer, and life is best when you take full advantage of that. Enjoy!