Don’t Miss Bay City State Park Near Our Michigan Bed and Breakfast

Historic Webster House

Located near our Michigan Bed and Breakfast, along a mile of sandy shoreline on Saginaw Bay, Bay City State Park is a breathtaking gem where lush wetlands, bubbling marshes, and wind-swept dunes converge to create an unforgettable escape for nature lovers. It’s the perfect place to view wildlife from observation towers, boardwalks, and viewing platforms. The park offers swimming, picnic spots, and trails for hiking and biking.

Bay City, Michigan, is a charming small town along the Saginaw River. It is perfect for rekindling romance amid Victorian architecture and river views. Bay City blends natural beauty, historic charm, and cozy sophistication, offering a relaxed and refined retreat that is ideal for a romantic escape, where every moment feels uniquely yours.

The Historic Webster House is an elegantly restored 1886 Queen Anne-style mansion featuring six uniquely appointed guest rooms, one of which is a luxurious private spa suite with a sauna and whirlpool. Our bed and breakfast in Michigan is also an ideal venue for small weddings, anniversaries, or any other romantic occasion. Our award-winning bed and breakfast is Mid-Michigan’s premier destination for couples seeking a refined and intimate escape. Every room has been meticulously renovated to preserve the home’s rich history while incorporating modern touches of comfort and sophistication, creating a truly timeless setting for your most memorable moments.  Book your room now!

Lily pads and cattails in Tobico Marsh Nature Area, in Bay City State Park, near Bay City, Michigan .

Explore Bay City State Park and Beyond

Bay City State Park will capture your heart whether you’re birdwatching at the marsh, sunning or splashing at the beach, or hiking the trails. It’s a true Michigan treasure, diverse, accessible, and endlessly inviting.

What to know to plan your visit to Bay City State Park near our Michigan Bed and Breakfast:

  1. The award-winning interpretive Saginaw Bay Visitor Center features interactive exhibits about the wetlands, wildlife-viewing windows, a gift shop, educational programs, and a 100-seat auditorium.
  2. At over 2,000 acres, Tobico Marsh is one of the largest freshwater coastal wetlands in the Great Lakes. It’s a vital stopover for migratory birds, herons, egrets, ducks, and more, making it a hot spot for birdwatching.
  3. Roughly 7 miles of trails wind through meadows, woods, and marshes. Fan favorites include the flat, bird-rich Tobico Marsh Trail (~2.8 miles) and the longer Andersen/Nature Trail (~4.8 miles), ideal for both walkers and cyclists.
  4. Three towering platforms in the marsh offer panoramic wildlife views, along with viewing scopes and boardwalks, providing opportunities for up-close encounters.
  5. A mile of sandy shoreline at the Saginaw Bay Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation under the shade of cottonwood and ash trees.
  6. A well-maintained fishing pier on Tobico Lagoon yields bass, pike, perch, panfish, and carp. Boating access is available for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, which can be rented from the Bay City State Park office.
  7. The Bay City-Andersen Nature Trail follows a railway corridor and connects to the Bay City Trailway System south of Bay City State Park. Bicycles are welcome on established park roads and designated trails.
After going to the Bay City State Park, visit the floating museum, USS Edson, seen here.

More Things to do Near our Michigan Bed and Breakfast

Bay City, Michigan, is a scenic riverside destination that blends outdoor adventure, rich history, and inviting small-town charm. Whether you’re taking a relaxing stroll along the riverfront, exploring local parks and wetlands, browsing unique antique shops, or enjoying one of the many vibrant festivals, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences just moments from our Michigan Bed and Breakfast in Bay City.

  1. Take a romantic sunset sail on Schooner Appledore. Guests are welcome to bring their food and drink to enjoy during a three-hour sunset excursion on a traditional tall ship around Saginaw Bay.
  2. Take a peaceful walk hand-in-hand on the Riverwalk, taking in the pier and riverfront parks. The well-maintained trail along the  Saginaw River is perfect for a sunset stroll or bike ride, with benches, lush gardens, and riverside views.
  3. Wander through the Center Avenue Historic District on a guided or self-guided tour and step back in time to Bay City’s golden age. This beautifully preserved neighborhood features more than 250 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including stunning Victorian homes and grand mansions once owned by the city’s prosperous lumber barons.
  4. Get lost among 60,000 sq ft of vintage finds at the Bay City Antiques Center. It’s a fun place to browse and reminisce.
  5. Adjacent to the Riverwalk, the 97‑acre Veterans Memorial Park offers a marina, an arboretum, picnic spots, and even mini‑golf at Buoy 18. Grab an ice cream and people-watch. 
  6.  Climb aboard the USS Edson, a historic naval destroyer, and get a hands‑on dose of military history at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum.

After a day of hiking or paddling at Bay City State Park, unwind at our Michigan Bed and Breakfast, where luxury and comfort come together to create the perfect romantic escape. Each room is thoughtfully designed for relaxation and reconnection. Treat yourself to time in our private spa room, with a soothing soak to melt away life’s stress. Every detail is crafted to pamper you during your stay, from a welcome basket in your room to a gourmet breakfast served each morning. Reserve your room 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

Give The Gift of Historic Webster House This Christmas

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.