Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Start at Bay City State Park for a 1½-hour shoreline walk along Saginaw Bay. The beach and trails are a good way to stretch your legs before a late night; October can be breezy by the water, so bring a warm layer. Park access is generally free, though check current Michigan state-park rules for any vehicle fee. Head back toward town for a mid-afternoon stroll through the Center Avenue Historic District. Its grand old homes are best appreciated at an unhurried pace; keep to the sidewalks and remember they’re private residences.
Aim for H2O’s Waterside Grill around 6:30 p.m. for the planned dinner—budget roughly $25–45 per person and allow about 1–1½ hours. Then get to The Edson Incident around 7:45 p.m. for the 8 p.m. attraction; allow extra time for parking, check-in, and the queue, and book tickets ahead. The listed ticket price is about $27. If you’re out early and still have energy, Factory of the Dead in Saginaw is a possible add-on: it’s roughly a 25–35-minute drive, but check that it’s open and still admitting guests before setting out. Its stated closing time is 11 p.m.; factor in the drive, queue, and time inside rather than assuming you’ll make it. The listed ticket price is about $28.
Allow the planned drive from Bay City to put you in the Troy area around late morning, then take an easy 1½-hour walk at Stage Nature Center. Check its current hours before setting out, since nature-center schedules can vary seasonally; wear shoes that can handle damp trails, especially after rain. Keep the afternoon unhurried before heading to Madison Heights.
Have a relaxed meal at Redcoat Tavern in Madison Heights, budgeting about an hour and roughly $20–35 per person. It’s a good chance to eat before the haunted houses; check the day’s hours and allow a little extra time if you’re arriving during the dinner rush. From there, drive to Azra Chamber of Horrors for your preferred 7–8 p.m. start. Confirm its schedule and ticket options in advance—the listed prices are $43 regular or $57 fast pass, and even the fast-pass estimate includes about a half-hour wait. Leave time for check-in and the queue.
After Azra, drive about 18 minutes to Erebus in downtown Pontiac, then add time to park, check in, and wait. Save this one for last as planned, but verify the current ticket price before booking: the supplied $2 regular admission looks likely to be an error, while the fast-pass price is listed as $52. Book ahead if timed entry is offered, and don’t count on getting in without confirming availability.
No packing list attached yet.