Located between Hager City and Maiden Rock on Hwy 35, the “Great River Road,” beautiful Bay City was originally named Saratoga. It was home to a steam sawmill built in 1853 by the Phillips brothers. The mill was later abandoned when the buildings were hauled on the ice to Warrenville, a few miles down river. Charles Tyler then bought the town, paid $1,700 in back taxes and renamed it Bay City. For many years, a large fish market operated here, shipping by rail to cities in the East. Commercial fishing, clamming for pearls and shells for buttons were important in the early years.  A special type of silica sand was also discovered nearby. The mine, though, is now closed.

 

Bay City offers a spectacular view of Lake Pepin for eagle watching and fishing. 

                

It is also home to the original Conlin Log Home built in1856 by Conlin an Irish immigrant.

      

 

The area's History Center is located next door to the cabin in a renovated church building.

 

Down the tree-lined street from the Center are the old jail, grain elevator and many of the earlier homes.