Escape to a city with German charm without leaving the United States! Head to Frankenmuth, often referred to as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” to save yourself a long plane ride. Frankenmuth is a town in Michigan founded by German settlers in the 1800s. It makes for a great trip and is filled with interesting things to do, sights to see, and good food to try! In this guide to Frankenmuth, I will walk through these things.
Keep reading to learn more about Frankenmuth, Michigan. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’ll guide you through the best things to do and even suggest an itinerary to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, Frankenmuth has something special in store for everyone.
Where is Frankenmuth, Michigan Located?
Frankenmuth is about an hour and a half drive from Detroit, just over an hour from Lansing, and about 30 minutes from Flint. Its location makes it an ideal day trip from many cities in eastern and central Michigan.
How long should you spend in Frankenmuth?
There is enough to do in Frankenmuth for a day trip, but it could also be a great weekend trip! I spent one day in Frankenmuth and did almost everything I wanted to do during that time. There is more left that I would like to do, and I want to return for a day trip or even a weekend trip in the future to explore more of the area.
What is there to do in Frankenmuth?
Grandpa Tiny’s Farm
Grandpa Tiny’s Farm is known as the “oldest farm in Little Bavaria”. There are farm animals, interesting artifacts, and seasonal events throughout the year.
More information about Grandpa Tiny’s Farm can be found here.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Did you know that the largest Christmas store in the world is located in Frankenmuth, Michigan?
Head to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland to experience something truly like nothing else. It was opened in 1945 and contains a huge selection of all things Christmas. You can stop by Bronner’s 361 days per year, and it’s worth visiting at any time of year. From personalized ornaments to decorations from around the world, if there is anything Christmas-related that you are looking for… Bronner’s probably has it!
There is also a replica of the Silent Night Chapel, as in “Silent Night” the song! It is a replica of the chapel where the carol was sung in Austria for the first time. How awesome is that! You can visit it for free during your trip to Bronner’s.
Frankenmuth River Place Shops
Frankenmuth River Place Shops is a shopping center filled with activities, shops, and food! It features German-themed architecture, and there is so much to do and see.
Bavarian Inn
The Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth not only provides dining and hospitality but is also home to the famous Glockenspiel clocktower. This iconic landmark adds to the charm of the Bavarian-themed surroundings
Holz Brucke Covered Bridge
The Holz Brücke Covered Bridge in Frankenmuth, Michigan, crosses the Cass River, embodying the town’s Bavarian charm since its construction in 1980. Its rustic beauty and scenic location make it a beloved to enjoy a walk across the river.
Downtown Frankenmuth
Head to downtown Frankenmuth to enjoy shops, restaurants, and views. It is a fun area to walk around filled with German activities and new places to discover.
Wilkommen Park
Wilkommen Park is a memorial park that was dedicated in 1995 as a tribute to Frankenmuth’s veterans. It is a small and nice park that is worth stopping by on your trip to Frankenmuth.
Frankenmuth Historical Museum
Visit the Frankenmuth Historical Museum to learn more about the history of Frankenmuth. There are special exhibits, and it was only $1 for students ($5 for adults) when I visited! More information can be found here.
Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
Fantasy Carriages offers enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides through the picturesque streets of Frankenmuth, Michigan. Experience the town’s charm while enjoying a leisurely ride drawn by horses.
Bavarian Belle Riverboat
If you are looking for a relaxing activity, take a cruise on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat! These cruises last about an hour and are available between May and mid-October.
Cheese Haus
The Cheese Haus is a charming cheese shop located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, known for its wide selection of artisanal cheeses. Visitors can explore an array of cheeses from around the world, including local Michigan favorites and international varieties.
Jello Shots?
Something interesting I noticed in Frankenmuth was the availability of jello shots. Signs touting jello shots caught my eye at two separate places in Frankenmuth. Since I was driving, I refrained from sampling one. However, I hope that next time I visit, I can go with a friend who will drive, allowing me to try one!
Where should I eat?
No guide to Frankenmuth would be complete without food recommendations. While I only had one “real meal” during my time in Frankenmuth, I conducted research and passed by a couple of famous restaurants. I also stopped for some treats along the way. Here are some places to eat during your trip to Frankenmuth.
La Crepe Du Jour
Enjoy French-style crepes at La Crepe Du Jour! It is located in the River Place Shops and makes for a quick and delicious lunch.
Bavarian Inn
Bavarian Inn offers German cuisine in a charming Bavarian-style setting. Don’t miss their famous chicken dinners!
Zehnder’s Restaurant
Zehnder’s Restaurant is renowned for its all-you-can-eat chicken dinners, making it a beloved local spot.
Kaffee Haus
If you are looking for some coffee, check out the Frankenmuth Kaffee Haus!
Zak & Mac’s
Check out Zak & Mac’s for a large selection of chocolate and toffee! I tried a few things, and everything I had was delicious.
Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen
If you’re a fan of fudge, be sure to visit Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen! The aroma inside is amazing, and the fudge is fresh and tasty.
Guide to Frankenmuth- Additional Information:
There is parking available near the River Place Shops.
While you’re exploring, please exercise caution. I’m not sure why, but I encountered several reckless drivers during my time in Frankenmuth. Many failed to yield to pedestrians. I nearly had an accident while crossing the street with the walk signal, as a driver turned without checking for pedestrians. Stay vigilant!
Day-Trip Guide to Frankenmuth (sample itinerary):
1. Start your day at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm
Kick off your day with a visit to Grandpa Tiny’s Farm. Situated right inside the Frankenmuth Welcome arch, it’s conveniently located for your next adventure.
2. Next, head to Bronner’s
Bronner’s is just a stone’s throw away from Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, making it the perfect next stop! Take some time to wander around, explore the unique Christmas-themed items, and be sure to check out the Silent Night Chapel.
3, Drive to the Riverfront Plaza to Park
Parking is available free of charge at the Riverfront Plaza, although it can get a bit chaotic at times. Once parked, take some time to explore the Riverfront Plaza before heading to your next destination on foot.
4. Get some crepes for lunch at La Crepe Du Jour
By this point, you’re probably ready for something to eat. For a quick and delicious lunch option, stop by La Crepe Du Jour located in the Riverfront Plaza and treat yourself to a savory crepe.
5. Walk through the covered bridge to downtown
As you stroll from the River Place Shops to downtown, take a moment to walk through the charming covered bridge.
6. Go to the Frankenmuth Historical Museum
Take a leisurely stroll through downtown, pausing to explore anything that catches your eye on your way to the Frankenmuth Historical Museum.
7. Beat the afternoon slump with coffee and/or a sweet treat
Recharge with a coffee or a sweet treat from one of the local spots such as Kaffee Haus, Zak & Mac’s, or Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen to fuel up for the rest of your day.
8. Have a horse carriage ride or ride the boat
Give your feet a break and enjoy a relaxing horse carriage ride or boat ride through the picturesque scenery of Frankenmuth.
9. Finish the day with dinner at Zehnder’s
Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at the renowned Zehnder’s Restaurant, where you can savor their famous all-you-can-eat chicken dinners.
Final thoughts
This guide to Frankenmuth was created based on personal experiences and research to provide you with an overview of what this charming town has to offer. From its rich history to its delicious food and unique attractions, Frankenmuth truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, let this guide be your companion as you explore all that Michigan’s “Little Bavaria” has in store for you.
I hope this guide to Frankenmuth is helpful for planning your trip!
Happy travels! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment.
