The larger and more well known Tri-Cities is the region surrounding Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, three cities of roughly equal medium size.

These three counties make up the Greater Tri-Cities, a common term describing this region of Michigan.

Statistically, the region is known as the Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City Metropolitan Area, a combined statistical area composed of these three counties.

The smaller, less known Tri-Cities region lies in Western Michigan's Ottawa County, roughly west of Grand Rapids.

The three municipalities are Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, and Spring Lake.