City of Saginaw
From Old Saginaw City to Riverfront Saginaw, you’ll find a lively, urban stretch of possibilities – where you can both behold a Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra performance amidst the grandeur of the Temple Theatre, and catch an evening concert at the new outdoor Huntington Event Park. Sip Prohibition-era cocktails inside a 1920s-style speakeasy, or watch an OHL hockey game inside the Dow Event Center. Bringing your little ones? Don’t miss the chance to experience 1 of only 5 AZA-Accredited zoos in Michigan, a bright and playful Children’s Museum, and tons of family fun celebrations and events year round. Or, explore our outdoor wonderland, where you can take in nearly 10,000 acres of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge aboard the shallow-draft boats of Johnny Panther Quest Adventure Tours on a romantic outing, a birding excursion, or even a fall color tour!
Paddling in Saginaw
Access: Wickes Park
Suggested Trips: M-13 to Wickes Park
Note: Wickes Park Drive is accessible from M-13 south of Saginaw or off of Douglas Street at the US Naval Reserve entrance.
River Events
Row Ride Run Saginaw – Urban Triathlon through Saginaw, Michigan featuring a kayak/canoe row, bike ride, and run!
Walleye Fishing – Opening weekend of walleye fishing is always the last weekend of April and the Saginaw/Tittabawassee and Shiawassee become quite full of fishermen for about 2 weeks or more.
Bridgeport
Paddling in Bridgeport
Access: Davis Park
Suggested Trips: Davis Park to to M-13 Bridge Launch , Hoffmann Park to Davis Park
River Events
Great Lakes Rendezvous
A reenactment of the 1760’s time frame consisting of period correct camps and dress. This family event located in Davis Park in Bridgeport features an encampment, 18thcentury dress, Native Americans, voyagers, military, muzzleloaders, fur traders, blanket traders, and period craftsmen.
City of Frankenmuth
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 with friends, Frankenmuth is the perfect destination to recharge, renew and refresh. From fantastic festivals, eclectic shopping and wonderful indoor waterparks, to rich historical beauty and culture, it’s the ideal departure from the ordinary every day. Visit anytime and count the ways you can enjoy everything Frankenmuth has to offer. Frankenmuth hotels offer families affordable options for Michigan getaways. Whether you’re coming for the Frankenmuth beer festival, or to take in a German town experience, Frankenmuth is a wonderful destination.
Paddling in Frankenmuth
Rentals: Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures
Access: Memorial Park Boat Launch, Heritage Park, Downtown Frankenmuth
Suggested Trips: Tuscola to Frankenmuth, Frankenmuth to Hoffmann Park, Frankenmuth City Paddle
River Events
Cass River Swim and Paddle
An annual event hosted by the City of Frankenmuth where swimmers and paddlers are invited to come out and enjoy all the river has to offer. This event originally began to publicize the opening of new launches in Tuscola and Frankenmuth and recognize the water quality of the Cass River. Visit the Cass River Greenway website for more information, www.cassriver.org
The Tri Bavaria Triathlon
Frankenmuth hosts one of the region’s best triathlons, featuring a variety of races to suit all age groups and skill levels. The races are in the heart of Frankenmuth and showcases all that makes Frankenmuth the true Michigan gem that it is. Something for the entire family awaits you. See 3 Disciplines Events or Tri Bavaria websites for registration and other information about this unique event.
Tuscola
Paddling in Tuscola
Access: Tuscola Township Park
Suggested Trips: Tuscola to Frankenmuth, Vassar to Tuscola
City of Vassar
Here on the Cass River on March 1, 1849, four men led by Townsend North and James M. Edmunds found a suitable place to build a dam and start a town, which was named for Edmunds’ Uncle, Matthew Vassar, later the founder of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The growth of the town for the next 30 years was based on lumbering and its many related industries. Cork pine, the best variety of white pine, grew in abundance along the mighty Cass River and was in high demand. These trees of the forest grew to a height of 150 feet, often with diameters exceeding three feet. The wood was light and strong and easy to work with. Millions of board feet were marketed all over the world, especially in America’s prairie states. With the forests depleted, Vassar developed a diversified economy that is still evident today in agriculture, manufacturing, and commerical business. The rich history has helped Vassar earn its popular nickname that is known around the state-the Cork Pine City. In 1999 Vassar celebrated its sesquicentennial.
Paddling in Vassar
Rentals: Sivak’s Cass River Boat & Tube Rental, Wesleyan Woods
Access: Riverside Park/Campground, Downtown Vassar
Suggested Trips: M-46 Bridge to Vassar, Vassar to Tuscola
