Rooftop history

Most visitors come to the 暗网吃瓜 Planetarium to look up. From its rooftop observation deck, staff member Tim Murray encourages them to look out.

Between the Saginaw River and downtown Bay City, nearly two centuries of history stretch across the view. City Hall, the riverfront, historic homes and even places that no longer exist become stops on Murray鈥檚 informal trip through the city.

His goal isn鈥檛 to give visitors a history lesson they鈥檒l be tested on. He simply wants newcomers to walk away with the rich history, and locals to leave saying "I never knew that".

Here are a few of the stories you might hear from the rooftop:

	暗网吃瓜 Planetarium The science and history place Opened in 1997, the 暗网吃瓜 Planetarium has become part of downtown Bay City鈥檚 story itself. The NASA-funded facility brings visitors and school groups from across the region to explore astronomy and science. Its rooftop observation deck adds something unexpected: a place to explore the history right outside its doors.
	Wenonah Park A different view from above Some landmarks make more sense from the rooftop. Murray points to the Friendship Shell and oval in Wenonah Park, where their shapes become much easier to see from above. The park itself has occupied a prominent place along the Saginaw River since the early 1900s.
	Bay City Hall A city built on industry The tour almost always starts at City Hall. Built in 1897, the building reflects an era when lumber, milling, shipping and manufacturing were bringing tremendous growth and wealth to Bay City.
	Industrial Brownhoist Made in Bay City, found around the world Where Uptown Bay City stands today was once home to Industrial Brownhoist, part of an industry that sent Bay City-made cranes far beyond Michigan. Murray discovered just how far in 1993 while living in Russia. A man in Siberia who recognized the name Bay City took him to an abandoned crane. Still attached was its nameplate: manufactured in Bay City, Michigan.
	The Saginaw River The river that built a city The Saginaw River wasn鈥檛 always just a backdrop to downtown. It was an economic engine. Logs traveled downriver to Bay City鈥檚 mills, while shipping and shipbuilding helped connect the growing community with the world beyond it. Murray says several shipbuilding companies once operated here, while mills occupied much of the riverfront.