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In 1894, a railroad-commissioned pamphlet pitched Bay Port as a summer haven for urban elites—accessible by train, surrounded by pine-scented air, and outfitted with electric bells, mineral springs, boating, and dance halls. The vision it paints is vivid: a “cool retreat” from the heat and grime of the big city.
The pamphlet by the Flint & Pere Marquette railroad from the 1800s that highlighted the Bay Port resort. The railroad and the resort were marking to the well-to-do travelers from as far away as Chicago, Cincinnati, and St.Louis. Bay Port offered a cool retreat from the hot and dirty cities of the time. We took the time to transcribe it and capture the images in a more readable format. Hope you enjoy looking back.
Video – Bay Port Summer Resort 1894: A Railroad-Era Getaway on Saginaw Bay
Discover the Bay Port Summer Resort: A Unique Experience
The Bay Port Summer Resort has been a cherished destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature.
In 1894, the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad pitched Bay Port, Michigan, as the perfect summer escape. Their promotional pamphlet promised fresh air, mineral springs, electric bells in every room, and easy rail connections from Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. This resort was designed for city travelers seeking relief from heat and smoke. What follows is a closer look at this ambitious summer retreat.
At the Bay Port Summer Resort, visitors can enjoy various recreational activities that highlight the beauty of Saginaw Bay.
Luxury Hotel Accommodations
The Bay Port Hotel offered well-ventilated rooms with exterior windows, a large basement with two hot-air furnaces, and electric bells in every room — a rarity in the 1890s. Broad verandas wrapped three sides of the building, overlooking Saginaw Bay. Inside, guests enjoyed spacious parlors, bright rooms, and a dining room with sweeping bay views. Dairy products and fresh produce came from local farms, a selling point for visitors from big cities.
The management of the Bay Port Summer Resort ensures guests have a memorable experience during their stay.
A notable feature of the hotel is its well-ventilated rooms, each with an external exposure. The hotel has a large basement with two hot air furnaces to keep the facility comfortable in damp weather. Guests also have access to electric bells in every room.
Guests at the Bay Port Summer Resort can indulge in locally sourced meals while enjoying panoramic views of the bay.
The Bay Port Summer Resort is also known for its exquisite water supply sourced from the pristine Bay Port Springs.
The Bay Port Hotel operates under the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad‘s management, with George W. Reynolds serving as its experienced manager. Reynolds previously managed resort hotels in Chicago and the southern U.S. His leadership ensures high standards for accommodation and service.
The hotel stands on newly developed land, ensuring clean and wholesome surroundings. The sanitary conditions are excellent, and there are broad verandas on three sides of the building, allowing guests to relax while enjoying the fresh pine-scented air. Inside, the hotel features spacious parlors and well-lit rooms, both single and en suite. The dining room is large and cheerful, offering guests a scenic view of the bay through the surrounding grove. The kitchen and dining facilities are top-tier, with ample cold storage and fresh dairy products sourced from nearby farms.
Visitors often remark on the refreshing quality of water at the Bay Port Summer Resort, which enhances their stay.
Water Supply Mineral Springs and Recreation
The Bay Port Summer Resort is conveniently located on the scenic east side of Saginaw Bay. Bay Port Springs supplied the hotel with exceptionally pure water. Professor R. C. Kedzie of Michigan Agricultural College reported it was nearly free of impurities. Guests also had access to an artesian mineral well, 328 feet deep, believed to have restorative properties. Professor Prescott of Michigan State University confirmed its mineral content included calcium sulfate and magnesium chloride.
The hotel uses fresh water from Bay Port Springs, known for its exceptional purity. Analysis by Professor R. C. Kedzie of the Michigan Agricultural College found the water nearly free of impurities, containing small amounts of lime, magnesia, and sodium chloride.
Additionally, there is an artesian mineral well on the premises. Water flows from a 328-foot-deep source and contains minerals with reputed curative and rejuvenating properties. Professor Prescott of Michigan State University analyzed the mineral content, which includes calcium sulfate, magnesium chloride, and bicarbonate of sodium.
For recreation, guests can visit The Casino, which serves as a venue for dancing and social gatherings. It also houses billiard tables and a bowling alley.
When you arrive at the Bay Port Summer Resort, you will be welcomed by stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
The sandy shore of Wild Fowl Bay gently slopes into the water, making it safe for children. The bay extends four miles in both directions and features North Island and Heisterman Island, creating a sheltered and scenic harbor. Point Charities, a prominent land formation, extends four and a half miles into Saginaw Bay.
Fishing enthusiasts will find black bass, pike, pickerel, and deep-water perch in the bay. Fishing boats and equipment are available for rent, and experienced sailors offer boat services at reasonable rates.
Transportation and Access
Ultimately, the Bay Port Summer Resort stands as a testament to the allure of summer vacations in Michigan.
Bay Port is located on the east side of Saginaw Bay, accessible via the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad. The line runs from Saginaw to Bad Axe, connecting various towns, including Caseville, Sebewaing, Unionville, and Pigeon.
Major rail connections:
- Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad: Connects to Saginaw via Durand or Flint.
- Michigan Central Railroad: Provides access via Jackson or Detroit.
- Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad: Links with Milwaukee, Toledo, and Port Huron.
Passengers arriving from Chicago in the evening can travel via the Chicago & Grand Trunk or Michigan Central Railroads, reaching Bay Port by 10 a.m. the next morning. Travelers from Cincinnati and southern areas can connect via Toledo or Detroit to the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad.
The Western Union Telegraph Company extends its service to Bay Port, and the town receives daily mail service.
Saginaw, a city of 60,000 residents, is just 90 minutes from Bay Port by rail. Visitors wishing to stop over in Saginaw can stay at the Bancroft House Hotel, which offers first-class accommodations.
Bay Port Summer Resort 1894
This pamphlet reflects the highly developed travel network of the late 19th century, showcasing Bay Port’s appeal as a summer destination with easy rail access, luxurious accommodations, and abundant recreational opportunities.
