What amenities did the Bay Port Hotel offer during its operation in the late 1800s?

The Bay Port Hotel was considered one of Michigan's finest resorts in the late 19th century. It featured a three-story structure with 117 heated rooms, hot and cold baths, and modern conveniences for its time. Guests could enjoy a dining room with views of Saginaw Bay, a women's parlor, a gentleman’s smoking room, a billiard room, and a spacious veranda. The hotel also offered recreational activities such as a bowling alley, croquet lawns, and access to boating and fishing on Wild Fowl Bay.

Why did the Bay Port Hotel close down in the early 1900s?

Several factors contributed to the closure of the Bay Port Hotel in the early 20th century. A tragic incident around 1900, where a young man committed suicide in one of the rooms, led to rumors of the hotel being haunted, causing some guests to avoid the establishment. Additionally, changes in management policies, declining lake levels that affected the beach's appeal, and the discontinuation of excursion trains from major cities led to a decrease in visitors. These challenges made the hotel financially unsustainable, leading to its closure and eventual demolition in 1907.

Are there any remnants of the Bay Port Hotel that can be visited today?

Today, the Bay Port Hotel no longer stands, as it was demolished in 1907. However, visitors to Bay Port can still find the remains of the hotel's front steps, which serve as a historical marker of the once-grand establishment. This site offers a glimpse into the area's rich history and the bygone era of luxurious resort hotels in Michigan's Upper Thumb region.

The Bay Port Hotel – A Top Luxurious Michigan Resort of the 1800s

The story of the luxurious Bay Port Hotel and the railway resort era in the late 1800s was short lived. Was the untimely demise of one of its guests the cause if its downfall?

by Michael HardyJanuary 2, 2025January 30, 20251

Michigan Resorts

Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 as a fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Since then, he has expanded sites and range of content and established a loyal base of 60,000 visitors per month.

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