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Bay City State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 4,474 Google reviews · Running trail in Bay City, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bay City State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This destination for a range of activities, including biking, fishing & hiking, also has campsites.
What runners say about Bay City State Park
“The campground was well maintained and had many sites which were perfect for pitching my tent.”
“The beach area isn’t your typical spot for swimming or sunbathing, but it offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere that photographs incredibly well.”
“The beach area isn’t your typical spot for swimming or sunbathing, but it offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere that photographs incredibly well.”
Park has an entrance fee of 11 dollars for out of state and 20 annual for locals. It’s worth getting the pass for recreation in this case. Park includes a decent beach area however it was muddy closer to shore. The park includes trails which was beautiful and observation decks.
I have been going to Bay City State Park since I was very young. This place is great, peaceful and so many trails to walk or bike on 🚴♂️. This place also has a nice beach that has improved a lot of the years/decades. I really like all of the activities that are available here at this park.
This is one of the most beautiful Michigan State Parks we have ever been to. They have an amazing splash pad for the kids. Great place for birders. Well maintained trails long and short. A must stop for anyone in the Bay City Area..
Bay City State Park is a wonderful place to spend the day! The park is clean, spacious, and well maintained. The playground is adorable, and the splash pad is a huge hit for kids on warm days. There are plenty of open areas to relax, walk, or enjoy a picnic, making it a great destination for the whole family.
Trail conditions & character
“The beach area isn’t your typical spot for swimming or sunbathing, but it offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere that photographs incredibly well.”
“The beach area isn’t your typical spot for swimming or sunbathing, but it offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere that photographs incredibly well.”
Plan your run at Bay City State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemichigan.gov
- Phone(989) 684-3020
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
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