Copyright: Patty Elton-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
New England Aster, Aster novae-angliae
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Description - The Saginaw Bay Travel Region is a manufacturing area in eastern Michigan but is also considered an outdoor paradise. Nicknamed the "thumb," the region is divided by the Saginaw River. Hardwood forests, grass fields, sandy shores, and open agricultural lands where dark loams produce vast quantities of sugar beets characterize much of the region. The Saginaw Bay is an arm of Lake Huron serving as an important industrial ocean freighter route that dates back as early as 1816 when the first European settlers began the fur trading industry. By the early 1820s, a fort had been erected to protect the industry that evolved into a lumbering resource incorporating additional waterways that included both the Cass and Flint rivers. Today, the area is an assemblage of marinas, charters, leisure cruises, dining and lodging facilities.
Attractions
- Saginaw Bay is an outdoor paradise. From walleye harvests in Saginaw Bay to salmon and steelhead rewards in Lake Huron, anglers find success year-round. One of the best birding locations in Michigan is found in the region, the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Here visitors can enjoy observing a great variety of bird life including white ibis, white pelican, snowy egret, black-neck stilt, buff-breasted sandpiper, marbled godwits and many more. Tawas Point State Park is a one of Michigan's most popular state park destinations providing both day and overnight facilities along picturesque shores. The park is also known as one of the Midwest's most popular spots for observing migratory birds. In addition, Tawas Point State Park has long been considered one of the finest sailing areas in the country due to the winds and protected waters. Other park features include an historic lighthouse and cross-country skiing on over 60 miles of groomed trails. Another waterfront park is Port Crescent State Park with views of both Lake Huron and Pinnebog River. Folks enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and meandering along the 900-foot boardwalk. Children in particular love Sleeper State Park where playground equipment, comfortable campground, and beach facilities make for a memorable visit. One of the most interesting public lands within Saginaw Bay Travel Region is Sanilac Petroglyphs State Historic Site where visitors can view petroglyphs, Native American sandstone carvings. Other activities that are commonly pursued in the Saginaw Bay Travel Region include waterfowl hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Recreation - Recreations pursued in the Saginaw Bay area include viewing beautiful scenery, camping, cabin lodging, hiking and biking, fishing, swimming, and an assortment of other water-oriented sports such as sailing. The winter season enjoys snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Climate - Saginaw Bay has mild to warm summers with temperatures averaging above 70 degrees F (above 21 degrees C). Winter temperatures average 18 to 22 degrees F (-8 to -6 degrees C). This is the driest region in the state with yearly precipitation amounts hovering around 28 inches. Location -
Precisely named, Saginaw Bay is referred to as the "Thumb" of Michigan wrapping around the glorious Great Lake Saginaw Bay. The grand cities of Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw are the heartbeat of the region. Interstates 69 and 75 converge in Flint providing a gateway to Michigan's recreation mecca.
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