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Recreation

Leisure and recreation can be found all year in the Bay Area. Being a riverfront community, Bay City has a variety of water activities such as sailing, swimming and fishing which are extremely popular among residents and visitors alike. Golf is another well-liked pursuit, and in the winter, plenty of opportunities for snowmobiling, ice fishing and other cold-weather activities exist.

A great place for outdoor recreation is the Bay City State Recreation Area. With over a mile of shoreline and over 2,000 acres of woods, meadows, marshlands and prairies, the area is home to a variety of birdlife, plants and other wildlife. Fishing, skiing, hunting, swimming, biking, hiking and bird watching are just some of the many activities available; modern facilities include a beach house, picnic shelter, visitor center, playground and restrooms. Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area is made up of 1,400 acres of wetland and is one of the most visited areas of the Saginaw Bay for many diverse species of waterfowl and birds. Aficionados of the Tundra Swan can visit Wild Haven Park in Essexville, which is a dependable place to view this beautiful bird in the autumn. Pinconning Park offers a variety of seasonal activities (such as its famous walleye fishing) with camping facilities, log cabin rentals and RV hookups.

The Saginaw River, a tributary of the Saginaw Bay, is yet another great source of recreational fun. Boaters, fishermen, water-skiers and other water enthusiasts enjoy all that the river has to offer. Its Riverwalk is ideal for leisurely strolls, jogging, biking, rollerblading and more. Additionally, special events and festivals such as boat races and fireworks displays are held throughout the year along the river.

Not all recreational activities in the Bay Area are water-related. The Bay County Civic Arena has both an Olympic and NHL ice surface and offers skate rental, a pro shop, a food service center, a video game arcade and amenities for group outings. Another spot with an abundance of activities is the Bay County Community Center. Facilities for team sports are available, and a gymnasium is ideal for parties, trade shows and tournaments. Meeting rooms are on hand, accommodating up to 240 people. Recreational programs are offered for all ages year-round, and a pool is provided for lessons or public swimming. When it comes to fun with an extra rush of adrenalin, Infinity Skate Park in Bay City is the place to go. Skateboarders and rollerbladers enjoy 17,000 feet of twists and turns at this park, which is open seasonally seven days a week.

The Riverwalk in Bay City has many interesting facets—a two-mile trail with a handicap-accessible fitness course, fishing pier, Victorian gazebo and the “World’s Most Crooked Bridge,” which connects to the Middlegrounds Island and Bigelow Park. Joining with the RailTrail, 17 miles of paved trail provide plenty of space for walking, relaxing and enjoying the landscape.

Golfing is a popular pastime in the Bay Area, and an abundance of courses offer fun and challenges for players of all ages and skill levels. From driving ranges to a Jack Nicklaus/Desmond Muirhead- designed championship course, there is something for everyone in the Bay Area.