Spend a Rainy Day at the Bay City Planetarium

Historic Webster House

There are so many great things to do downtown, and one of our favorites is the Bay City Planetarium at Delta College. Visiting this local landmark is an immersive experience with its state-of-the-art 360-degree dome theater showing educational and entertaining astronomy programs. The facility includes interactive shows, rooftop stargazing events, and even seasonal exhibits like Michigan’s Northern Lights photography.

The outside of the Bay City Planetarium is iconic; opened in 1997 and designed by architect William Kessler & Associates of Michigan, the colorful structure is modern and bright. The award-winning design represents a rocket exhaust nozzle, kicking off your outer space experience before you even enter the building. The building houses a state-of-the-art Planetarium Digital 360 theater, a large multipurpose two-story room called “The Space Explorer’s Hall,” a rooftop observation deck, a gift shop, and a beautiful lobby with a floor that displays the major star constellations. 

First, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and staying at the Historic Webster House Bed and Breakfast in Bay City, Michigan, offers a luxurious and charming experience in an exquisitely restored 1886 Queen Anne-style mansion. The inn features six beautifully appointed guest rooms, each blending modern amenities with historical elegance, including fireplaces and whirlpool tubs in some rooms. Guests can relax in the cozy library, enjoy a gourmet breakfast each morning, and unwind in the relaxing spa. Book your lodging today! 

Spend a Rainy Day at the Bay City Planetarium & More in Downtown Bay City

Spend a Rainy Day at the Bay City Planetarium & More in Downtown Bay City

The downtown area of Bay City is a hidden gem for antique shopping, delicious dining, and educational stops like the Bay City Planetarium. During your stay at our elegant bed and breakfast, you’ll be in the best location to explore—there’s plenty of parking, and often, our guests leave their cars and head out on foot. 

Here are the best things to do in Bay City on your next adventure: 

  1. Star-Gazing at the Bay City Planetarium: Visiting the Delta College Planetarium offers an immersive experience with stunning star shows and interactive exhibits, perfect for a romantic rainy day exploring the cosmos; you’ll love learning more about our solar system here.
  2. Fall Colors at Bay City State Park: Hiking at Bay City State Park brings you close to scenic views of Lake Huron with the stunning reflection of fall colors along the bay. Easy trails through woodlands and wetlands are ideal for a relaxing outdoor adventure—even on a rainy day! 
  3. Birdwatching at Tobico Marsh: For those into the calming and reflective hobby of birdwatching, this protected wetland provides nature enthusiasts with a peaceful retreat to observe diverse waterfowl and migratory birds in a beautiful marshland setting.
  4. Treasure Hunting at Bay City Antiques Center: This treasure trove for shoppers features three floors filled with unique vintage finds, collectibles, and antiques that appeal to any collector.
  5. Head out Touring on Saginaw River: Climb aboard Princess Wenonah with Bay City Boat Lines for a tour of the shorelines of the Saginaw River. You’ll sail by the Saginaw River Rear Range lighthouse, wildlife, the USS Edson, and many other sites along the riverfront. 
  6. Explore the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum: Enjoy this exciting opportunity to explore the USS Edson, a historic naval destroyer, allowing visitors to dive into maritime history through interactive exhibits and guided tours. It’s a must-see for military history enthusiasts and families looking for an educational and hands-on experience. 
  7. Grab a Show at the State Theatre of Bay City: This local landmark and popular theater is a fantastic place to watch a show, live music, or comedy acts. It’s one of the best things to do in Bay City!
  8. Elegant Dinners at the Best Bay City Restaurants: Dining out is such a fun and important part of any getaway, and Bay City has a long list of fantastic restaurants to try during your stay. We suggest Old City Hall, MI Table, and The Real Seafood Company

During your stay at our bed and breakfast, feel free to ask your innkeepers for more advice on the best things to do in Bay City! 

Spend a Rainy Day at the Bay City Planetarium & More in Downtown Bay City

The Best Mid-Michigan Bed and Breakfast in Bay City

The Historic Webster House is the top-rated bed and breakfast in Bay City, Michigan, for many reasons. If you sift through our amazing collection of reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, guests continue to say similar things, including kind, welcoming, and attentive service, delicious meals, and unique, luxurious accommodations. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and hope that each and every guest leaves with a smile on their face. 

Our vicinity to activities, restaurants, and adventures downtown, like the Bay City Planetarium, offers our guests the perfect location to relax and refresh. You’ll be tucked away on our quiet and historic neighborhood street but close enough to walk to the best things to do in Bay City. It’s a charming reprieve from visiting and vacationing in larger metropolitan areas—you never know what surprises and delights you’ll find exploring small-town city life! 

During your stay, you’ll love our cozy accommodations. Whether you are joining us for a romantic getaway, girlfriend’s trip, solo retreat, or couple’s vacation, we have a lodging option for all of the above. Our Keep Room is ideal for romance, as it’s adjacent to our spa and sauna room with a large whirlpool tub. This is the perfect space for a couples massage during your stay. We can’t wait to host you at our bed and breakfast in Bay City; book your lodging today! 

Harvest Dinner

Join us for our first elegant farm-to-table Chef’s dinner with House of Willard on the evening of November 1st. Seats are limited.

Contact amanda@houseofwillard.com for more information

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Give your loved one a very special gift of a stay at Historic Webster House. Purchase a gift certificate and save 10% through the end of the year.

Stay & Dine Package

When you stay with us for any two consecutive midweek nights from Sunday to Thursday*, we’ll add a $50 gift card to the historic Old City Hall, one of the best restaurants in Bay City.  *This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts.