9 Things to Do in Saginaw, MI, Before Graduating College
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From sports to music festivals and the great outdoors, there’s so much for college students to explore and experience in and around the Saginaw, Michigan, region.
The Great Lakes Bay Region of Central Michigan is one of the state’s hidden gems. Home to several colleges, including Saginaw Valley State University and Central Michigan University, the thousands of college students in the area make for a vibrant community with plenty to experience both before and after graduation.
So slam your textbooks shut, because we have rounded up the ultimate bucket list of fun things to do in Saginaw, MI, before graduating.
In This Article
Spend an Evening in Downtown Mt. Pleasant
Downtown Mt. Pleasant is full of nightlife, good restaurants and shopping. “Make sure to shop at Art Reach for locally made or Michigan-made items, have lunch at Max and Emily’s and get a dirty soda from the Soda Lounge,” says Chris Rowley, executive director of the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sushi and martinis at Midori are also a must.
Zipline at Frankenmuth Aerial Park in Frankenmuth
Get your heart pumping and test your agility at Frankenmuth Aerial Park’s ropes course and ziplines. The park offers six courses that range in difficulty from beginner to expert, so there is a course for everyone. If you dare, the park’s newest course, dubbed FrankenZip, is made of seven long zips that are up to 35 feet off the ground.
Cheer on the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Team in Saginaw
Don your midnight blue and red, and catch a home game on the ice at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, MI, where you can spot some future NHL stars in action. A major junior team in the Ontario Hockey League, the Saginaw Spirit offers games that are fast-paced and the energy in the stands is always high. “You don’t need to drive to a big city to get a big-city game-day experience,” says Kayla Pionk, director of public relations and leisure tourism for Go Great Lakes Bay.
Catch a Great Lakes Loons Baseball Game in Midland
Head to the Dow Diamond in Midland and root, root, root for the home team. In this case, it’s the Great Lakes Loons, a High-A Minor League Baseball team and an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tickets are affordable and won’t break the bank for a college student. The atmosphere is electric and the hot dogs are plentiful. What more could you want?
Attend Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival in Bay City
For the artsy types, Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival is a must-do. Dubbed Hell’s Half Mile thanks to the 1800s debauchery that occurred at saloons along this half-mile strip of downtown waterfront, the festival has embraced the area’s history. Every year at the end of September, four days and nights are packed with music and independent films. It’s a feast for your eyes and ears and a cornerstone for the community.
Grab Local Produce at Midland Area Farmers Market
For a chill weekend activity, stroll along the booths at the Midland Area Farmers Market and stock up on local treats. Located in the Dow Diamond East parking lot for the 2026 season, the market runs from May to October and features local flowers, produce, cheeses and baked goods galore. “A sense of community shines at the Midland Area Farmers Market, where you’ll find locally grown and made products and can connect directly with the entrepreneurs putting fresh, quality food on your table,” Pionk says.
Play a Sport at Morey Courts Recreation Center in Mt. Pleasant
Where you’re into tennis, basketball, volleyball or pickleball, Morey Courts has a court for you. “Students can get active at Morey Courts and connect with local community members. It’s truly a community center that welcomes all,” Rowley says. The recreation center offers student discounts on memberships and is a great place to let off steam after a hard final.
Peruse the Sculptures in Downtown Clare
The Destination Clare Art Sculpture Walk is a rotating yearlong art exhibit that features 10 sculptures from local artists and businesses. Each May, pieces are installed throughout the downtown area, and it’s fun to go on a sculpture scavenger hunt to see if you can find all 10. You can even vote for your favorite!
Go for a Spin at Leota Trail in Clare County
If you have a need for speed or just want to have a blast on the trails, Clare County is the place to be. The area boasts several hundred miles of trails for snowmobiles and ORVs (off-road vehicles), with one of the most popular paths being the well-groomed Leota Trail. Additionally, the Fur Farm snowmobile trail links up with the Leota Trail system for more fun.