Bay City is a lumber-era port with a handsome downtown, and the Sunrise Pedal Trolley is a fun way to take it in. The trolley holds up to fifteen people, eight of whom pedal at any time, with a driver steering while the group cruises through downtown streets and past the river. It departs from the lot behind the museum on Washington Avenue, so check in about fifteen minutes early. Groups of at least eight riders book the vehicle, which makes it an ideal match for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, office outings, reunions and anyone who likes the idea of a private party on wheels. The mood is relaxed, the pace is a stroll and the sidewalk waves back. Because the route is built around downtown, you pass historic storefronts, murals, public art and glimpses of the Saginaw River.
Know the rules. This is a bring-your-own experience. Beer and wine are allowed, but hard liquor and mixed drinks are not, and glass is prohibited except for growlers and full wine bottles. Bring plastic cups or cans, with cans preferred, and one cooler per group, stocked with your own ice. The operator suggests a typical fifty-quart cooler.
The trolley runs rain or shine, and customers who cancel themselves do not receive refunds or rain checks, while trips cancelled by the operator for dangerous weather can be refunded or rescheduled, so read the policy when you book. The trolley can handle a slight incline but cannot cross the bridge uphill, which shapes the route.
The experience works best when you plan a few details. Choose a designated organizer who collects payment and confirms the headcount, since the eight-rider minimum applies. Carpool or arrange a ride home if you plan to drink. Arrive early to park in the lot behind the museum and not in the lot behind the trolley garage, which is reserved for a neighboring business and where vehicles may be towed.
Dress for the weather and wear closed shoes for pedaling. Music, speakers and decorations are common, and the driver can often tell you about the downtown buildings as you go.
Pair the ride with other Bay City stops. The museum beside the departure point tells the story of the county, the Riverwalk and Wenonah Park are a short walk, and the Center Avenue historic district is nearby for a daytime stroll. Plenty of groups finish with dinner or drinks at downtown restaurants.
For a lunch-and-sightseeing day, pair the trolley with a tour of the mansions and a walk along the water. Contact the operator for current schedules, seasonal availability and rates. The business is locally owned, and its phone is the best way to confirm details before you plan around it.
A word on timing and etiquette
The downtown streets are shared with cars, cyclists and pedestrians, and the driver is responsible for safety, so follow instructions about when to pedal and when to stop. Be mindful of volume near churches, hospitals and residential blocks, and keep trash in the vehicle.
Many groups choose a late afternoon departure in warm months so that the golden light improves the photographs, and finish at a nearby restaurant. If you are planning a surprise party, tell the operator in advance so the crew can help with arrival logistics and keep the secret.
What to expect
The experience
A pedal trolley for up to fifteen riders, eight pedaling, that rolls through downtown Bay City with a driver steering.
Best time
Warm afternoons and early evenings from spring through fall.
How long
About two hours including check-in.
Tips
Minimum of eight riders. Bring beer or wine in cans or plastic, one cooler and ice. Park behind the museum, not the trolley garage.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups of eight or more celebrating something.
- Families
- Check age rules with the operator; better suited to teens and adults.
- Couples
- A fun group date night with friends.
- Pair with
- Historical Museum of Bay County, the Riverwalk, Center Avenue.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
How many riders are needed?+
A group of at least eight books the trolley, which holds up to fifteen with eight pedaling.
Can we bring drinks?+
Beer and wine are allowed, in cans or plastic cups. Hard liquor and mixed drinks are not, and glass is limited to growlers and wine bottles.
Where does it start?+
Behind the museum on Washington Avenue in Bay City. Arrive about fifteen minutes early.
What if it rains?+
It runs rain or shine. If the operator cancels for dangerous weather you may choose a refund or rain check.
Can we cross the bridge?+
The trolley cannot cross the bridge uphill, so the route stays on downtown streets.