Embrace the Cold, Creative, & Crappy During the Annual Saginaw Outhouse Races
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As any native Michigander knows, the cold of winter is something to be embraced, not feared. Braving cold, even downright Arctic temperatures, is a rite of passage in the Great Lakes State, and cold temperatures are the perfect excuse to shake off cabin fever and get outside.
In Saginaw, Michigan the arrival of winter’s chill means heading downtown for the annual Saginaw Outhouse Race. For nearly a dozen years, this unique winter festival has brought out the masses to cheer on competitors in this (ahem, crappy) cold weather ritual as they beat the winter blues.
The annual race will take place on February 15, 2025, at Hoyt Park in downtown Saginaw with races starting at 1 p.m. The event is usually held regardless of weather conditions.
A One-of-a-Kind Event
Outhouse races are nothing new to Michigan. In the snowy Upper Peninsula near Escanaba, the Trenary Outhouse Races have been a welcome part of winter in downtown Trenery for more than two decades.
The object in the races is simple: Two-person teams take their turns pushing ski-mounted, custom-built houses a distance of 500 feet down Main Street.
But an outhouse race in Mid-Michigan in the winter? It’s Michigan, why not? Races like the one in Trenary served as inspiration for the Saginaw race, which adds a few surprise elements of its own — because what’s an outhouse race without a few surprises?
In front of eager, supportive spectators, teams in the Saginaw race their custom-built outhouses from cardboard, wood, and other supplies — complete with a roll of toilet paper — on a Hoyt Park track to see which team can complete the track fastest.
A twist for this race is that a team (made up of between 3 and 5 people) moves its outhouse around the track with one team member sitting on a toilet seat inside. Push bars must be installed on the sides of the outhouse, but teams are encouraged to push and pull their rigs along the track however they can.
The race is actually made up of a few different races. The day starts with time trials, which determine later head-to-head races that usually see photo finishes!
While groups of friends typically work together to give it their best shot at building a speedy outhouse, the event’s challenge and fun spirit also bring non-profits, fraternities, sororities, and local organizations together to build their own snow-worthy outhouses.
For those not competing in the actual race, the day’s festivities include sled decorating and crazy hat contests during the races that are free to enter. Guests can visit the onsite warming house for free hot chocolate and cookies.
A Shot at Fame?
In addition to large supportive crowds, the 2025 races have the chance to be seen by a much larger audience — perhaps even go viral.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Trenton’s Go Live Sports Cast will be on hand to produce a segment on the annual race. If it’s picked up ESPN, the races have a chance to be aired on ESPN: The Ocho, an annual summertime block of programming that highlights different, and downright bizarre sports.
Explore More of Mid-Michigan During Winter
The annual Saginaw Outhouse Races are one of many fun things to experience in Mid-Michigan. But there’s plenty more to see in one of the liveliest areas of the state during one of the coldest times of the year…
Visit the Saginaw Castle Museum
For those interested in Saginaw County History, the Castle Museum is one of the most unique experiences in the area. Once a functional post office, the museum is renowned for its French Renaissance Revival architecture and historic exhibits.
Try Your Hand at Curling
Curling may be synonymous with Canada, but the popular ice sport has an impressive following in Michigan with several curling clubs throughout the state. Facilities like the Greater Midland Curling Center offer Learn to Curl events to help novices learn the basics of the sport.
Brave the Cold For Ice Skating
For those willing to bundle up and brave or embrace the cold, there are plenty of sports in or near Saginaw to enjoy a little bit of ice skating. From mid-January to mid-February, Hoyt Park hosts Bringing Back the Ice, where visitors can enjoy open skating, ice hockey, and sledding.
Get Some Fresh Air on a Winter Hike
Since the outhouse races are held in the afternoon, residents and visitors to the Saginaw area can spend the morning getting back to nature on a scenic winter hike. The Pere Marquette Rail Trail offers 30 miles to explore between Clare and Midland and the For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum provides opportunities for snowshoeing.
Relish the Experience of the Saginaw Outhouse Race
Cold weather and truly unique winter festivals are true things of beauty in Michigan and the annual Saginaw Outhouse Race is no exception.
Whether you want to indulge your competitive spirit and build the perfect race-ready outhouse with friends or cheer from the sidelines holding a cup of hot chocolate in your hands, the race is a fun way to experience all that’s great about Mid-Michigan in wintertime.