Standing sentinel over Bay City, Michigan, since 1876, the Saginaw River Rear Range Light has guided vessels through the Saginaw River channel for 150 years. This active rear range light worked in tandem with a front range light to help sailors navigate the tricky river approach to Bay City’s once-booming lumber port. Its octagonal white tower remains a distinctive landmark along the riverfront. Though the lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, it’s easily viewable and photographable from nearby Veteran’s Memorial Park. Golden hour provides the best light for photography, with the tower glowing against the river. Visitors can explore Bay City’s historic downtown, the Riverwalk trail system, and nearby Bay City State Recreation Area.

Explore Nearby

• Bay City State Park — State Park in Michigan
• Saginaw River Headwaters Recreation Area — State Park in Michigan
• Zehnder’s Holz Brucke Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan
• Whites Bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan
• Woodward Avenue (M-1) – Automotive Heritage Trail — Scenic Byway in Michigan