Local Loop 2026: Flint and the Bay Region

On May 6-7, 2026, Spartan faculty and leaders connected with and learned from communities in the Flint and Bay Region.

Recap video

Join President Kevin M. Guskiewicz and Spartan leaders as they travel through Flint, Saginaw and Bay City to see how MSU partnerships strengthen communities across Michigan.

Tour route

Learn more about the locations on the Flint and Bay Region Local Loop.

See Locations

Spartan Bus Tour map showing 2026 Local Loop locations in Flint and Bay Region. Locations shown:

1. Flint Development Center, Flint;
2. UAW Sitdowners Monument Park, Flint;
3. Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, Flint;
4. Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Frankenmuth;
5. Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus and The Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, Frankenmuth;
6. Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center, Frankenmuth;
7. USS Edson Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, Bay City;
8. Delta College Planetarium, Bay City;
9. Wenonah Park, Bay City;
10. Michigan Sugar Company, Bay City;
11. Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Saginaw;
12. Capitol Theatre, Flint;
13. Flint Farmers’ Market, Flint;
14. Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Flint;
15. Cowles House, East Lansing

‘Strength of MSU lies in what we accomplish together’

Spartan faculty reflect on the Spartan Bus Tour’s trip to Flint and the Bay Region.

Rooted in solidarity: Spartan Bus Tour explores partnerships and progress in Flint and the Bay Region

Bus tour participants got an up-close, and often hands-on, experience with the people, industries and histories that helped shape the Michigan region.

The Spartan Bus Tour in photos

Explore highlights from the tour that covered 222 miles and 14 locations.

Faculty voice: What the Spartan Bus Tour taught me about leading with intention

After traveling with the Spartan Bus Tour through Flint, Saginaw and Bay City, Jade Mitchell shared these remarks at the closing reception.

Faculty voice: The Spartan spirit across Michigan

Dean Eric L. Hegg shares that this experience reinforced that the work happening at MSU extends far beyond our campus in East Lansing.

Faculty voice: Circling back to what matters on the Spartan Bus Tour

After traveling with the Spartan Bus Tour through Flint, Saginaw and Bay City, Luke Capizzo shared these remarks at the closing reception.

Spartan Bus Tour explores Flint, Saginaw and Bay City connections

Spartans will travel across Flint and the bay region to connect with communities and explore new opportunities to collaborate.

Where research meets the field: Inside the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center

In Michigan’s Thumb region, the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center helps growers solve real challenges by testing what works directly in the field.