Sports, Water, Leisure

Saginaw County is a premier destination for sports, water and leisure activities. With over 541 acres of park land, 26 public & private golf courses, fishing and other water activities - Saginaw County is a fun place to live. 

Sports

Minor League Sports – With a national reputation for great sports, top-notch facilities and youth-friendly hospitality, Saginaw County offers the best of all world’s for youth sporting events. We’re home to two professional sports teams – the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Class “A” Midwest League affiliate, the Great Lakes Loons. Canadian Hockey League officials recently approved Saginaw’s bid to host the 2024 Memorial Cup, which is one of the oldest hockey tournaments in the world. The three champions from the Canadian Hockey League compete, along with the team from the host city.

Urban Racquet Sports Foundation - Enjoy 8 new handicap-accessible, tournament level tennis courts and 8 handicap-accessible, tournament level pickleball courts with multi-use clubhouse. Garber Tennis Courts also offer nearby recreational opportunites, such as gathering areas, splash park, skate park, trails and more.  

Saginaw Soccer – Sports are big business in the Great Lakes Bay Region and soccer gives our local economy one of the biggest kicks. The Saginaw Township Soccer Complex is the largest premier complex in the region offering 21 regulation fields.

Water 

It’s easy to enjoy the Great Lakes and the beautiful Saginaw River from Saginaw. Launch your own boat, go sailing or take a cruise for a fantastic day on the water. Saginaw’s beautiful Riverfront provides almost constant nature-watching and relaxation opportunities year-round, whether cruising down the waterway on a summer day, fishing, strolling along the Saginaw Riverwalk, or enjoying “The Freeland Walleye Festival”. 

Saginaw County is home to the 9,400 acre Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and fabulous river-based events. With the largest confluence of rivers east of the Mississippi River – we’re home to one of the largest natural fish production areas in the country and fishermen flock to our rivers and Bay to enjoy many sport-fishing opportunities. Saginaw County is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts eager to participate in birding, fishing, boating, hunting and paddle sports.

Indoor water fun is also available at Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark - the perfect place for a wintertime adventure. 

Leisure 

Great golf is here! – Tee up in Saginaw and the Great Lakes Bay Region, where long fairways, rolling hills, and challenging greens await at more than 20 golf courses. We’re proud to be home to three championship courses: Apple Mountain – Freeland, The Fortress – Frankenmuth, and the Sawmill – Saginaw.

Bowling in Saginaw County – With more than 170 bowling lanes, an abundance of billiard tables and dart boards, this region is a high-energy destination for tournaments and competitions in these always-popular sports.

Hoyt Park is home to the largest outdoor skating rink in the area, complete with a newly renovated warming house.

Great Lakes Bay Regional Rail Trail – The Regional system also offers miles of rail trails for walking, running, biking or blading.

Click here for the Great Lakes Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau!