Saginaw: A Historic Michigan City

Saginaw: A Historic Michigan City

If you’re traveling in mid-Michigan, you may want to stop by the city of Saginaw. Located along the banks of the Saginaw River, the city proudly boasts many original buildings from its early history. Originally populated by Native Americans and then French missionaries and traders, Saginaw grew in the mid-1800s. The city enjoyed its first economic heyday in the 1870s and 80s from its lumber and salt production. Economies of other states relied upon lumber from the Saginaw Valley for the construction of buildings and furnishings in rapidly expanding cities. Michigan hardwood was prized for its density and scarce knots—at one point producing ¼ of the nation’s lumber (much of that lumber coming from the Saginaw Valley region). Lumber and salt made many men (and one woman) rich. Those lumber barons endowed public libraries, built extravagant clubs, and constructed magnificent mansions. As lumbering died down in the area, Saginaw entrepreneurs found alternative ways to make money. Numerous businesses kept Saginaw citizens employed and the wealth of the area growing. In the 20^th century, the automobile industry would come to dominate Saginaw’s economy. Today, Saginaw’s history is on display for all those traveling to the area. You can visit the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History (a former post office) to see exhibits about the area’s culture. View a video clip of the Roaming Historian at the Castle Museum. The Saginaw Art Museum, a former mansion, displays works of art of local and national renown. The opulent Temple Theatre is a perfect place to attend a show, or you can grab a drink in a saloon that’s been standing in the same place since the lumbering days—the Schuch Hotel. For whatever reason you may stop by Saginaw, make sure you check out this Michigan city’s historical sites before you leave.

The following photo gallery highlights some of my favorite historical buildings and “can’t-miss” places. The visual tour starts in the downtown area leading you down scenic Washington Ave. where many former mansions are located. After passing these grand buildings of yore, you can choose to visit the Saginaw Zoo or the Japanese Cultural Center before passing by Saginaw’s ornate water treatment plant.  Before you cross the bridge over to the historic “Old Town” area, you may want to have a picnic on Ojibway park (to your right on Ezra Rust Avenue) or explore the rose gardens to your left. Across the bridge are several eateries and shops housed in century-old buildings. Enjoy a little shopping before you head down to see the art collections housed in a beautiful mansion. Explore the English gardens out back of the Saginaw Art Museum–be sure to bring your art materials (or at least a camera)—the view is sure to inspire.  I hope that you get a chance to see some of these gems when traveling to Saginaw, Michigan.

Tip: When traveling to non-touristy areas like Saginaw, I make it a point to stop by local antique stores, artisan shops, and other small businesses. Since merchants in non-tourist areas can’t count on travel dollars, their prices are generally geared to match what the local economy can bear. I’ve found antiques, art, hand-crafted chocolates, and a slew of other treasures for a relative steal while gaining the benefit of being able to support small business owners. It ‘s a win-win travel tip!

The Potter Street Station (501 Potter St.) built in 1881 is a ruin today, but harkens back to the grand old age of railroad travel.

Located a few blocks from historic Potter Street Station is the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History (500 Federal Way). This former post office (dedicated 1898) was designed in the chateau-style to reflect the French heritage of the area. Today, it exhibits artifacts representing the history of Saginaw. Brief video: https://youtu.be/wMN51y6ugD4

Next door to the Castle Museum is a magnificent library opened in 1890, Hoyt Library. Lumber baron, Jesse Hoyt, endowed this library to give back to the people who had made him rich. Inside is a stunning reading room.

Just a few blocks away at 203 N. Washington is the Temple Theatre (1926), This recently renovated entertainment venue transports visitors back to days of Prohibition and the Roaring 20s. Photo by: templetheatre.com

Saginaw’s City Hall on Washington Avenue starts the approach to a mansion-lined section of the street with Hoyt Park on the left.

The former “Home for the Aged” (1446 S. Washington), built in 1872, is now a private residence, but speaks to the grandeur of Washington Avenue’s homes. Many of the former mansions now house offices and lend continual beauty to this section of town.

Holy Family Church (1525 S. Washington) was dedicated in 1924. The grand exterior with its enormous stained-glass window is just as stunning on the inside.

The fifth of 12 reproductions cast from the mold of Michelango’s Pieta (original in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City) sits outside Holy Family Church. Before entering the church’s grand interior, it is nice to sit and ponder Michelango’s work in a setting with far less people around than St. Peter’s.

Holy Family is a historic Saginaw Catholic church. The altar and communion rail inside the church are constructed of Carrera marble. The base of the altar depicts Da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” A fresco of the holy family forms the base of the dome. Stained-glass windows depicting Biblical scenes and paintings of the apostles adorn the walls.

Saginaw Water Treatment Plant (1929). This ornate building houses Saginaw’s water treatment facility. Located at 522 Ezra Rust Avenue, it is in close proximity to Ojibway Island and the Court Street bridge that leads travelers to Saginaw’s historic “Old Town” district.

Saginaw’s “Old Town” area has a rich history stemming back to its earliest time when it was two separate cities. At 303 N. Hamilton is the Perry Schuch Hotel. This former saloon/hotel has been standing since 1868 when it was a popular place during the lumbering area. On Hamilton St. and Court are many eateries and small shops.

The Saginaw Art Museum housed in the Ring Mansion at 1126 N. Michigan holds some neat art treasures. The mansion was designed by Charles Adams Platt in 1903; today the home and its gardens provide visitors with a tranquil place to enjoy the collections.

Disclosure: Although I truly believe that the Castle Museum is a gem, I want my readers to know that I sit on the Board of Directors of this organization. This position is unpaid and I derive no financial benefit from promoting the Castle Museum. I have enjoyed this beautiful building and its collections since I was a child and I would do a disservice to my readers not to let you know about this downtown gem. But in the interest of full disclosure, I do want you to know my role in its operation.

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