The greeting around Frankenmuth is "willkommen" (the German word for welcome), and you're sure to feel the warm sentiment and German inspiration all throughout your getaway in Michigan's Little Bavaria!
After all, Frankenmuth may only be about three square miles in size, but more than 3 million visitors come each year to experience every memorable inch within it!
While here, will you get your hands into a German pretzel rolling experience, or enjoy being served world-famous chicken dinners by ladies in dirndls and lads in lederhosen? Should you walk the Bavarian Inn Holz Brücke (Frankenmuth's famous covered wooden bridge) or ride across in a horse-drawn carriage? Fudge or taffy, St. Julian Winery or Frankenmuth Brewery? The answer is all of the above... and then some! Let this guide give you a taste of the top things to do in Frankenmuth:
Situated directly across the street from one another, both Zehnder's of Frankenmuth and Bavarian Inn Restaurant serve world-famous, family-style chicken dinners. Both pay homage to German heritage, both serve authentic German delights like Schnitzel and Sauerbraten, and both offer exquisite dining experiences. So, Zehnder's or Bavarian Inn? The answer can only be both! Make time to experience each and be sure to explore their lower-level shops and bakeries.
Dive right into the 50,000-square-foot mecca that is Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark — named one of "30 Top Indoor Waterparks around the World" — or ride the waterslides and enjoy indoor, 18-hole mini golf at Bavarian Inn Lodge, home to the largest family fun center inside any Midwest hotel.
Or, stay dry, but still enjoy the picturesque Cass River that flows through Frankenmuth on a narrated sightseeing tour aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, a Wine & Chocolate Tasting River Tour with Frankenmuth FunShips, or a self-guided paddle with Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures.
The German word for cheers, be sure to raise your glass while at Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie. Dine indoors or out, and build your own charcuterie board to enjoy with wine on tap. And don't leave Frankenmuth without wine tasting at St. Julian, or without slipping into Frankenmuth Brewery — Michigan's oldest microbrewery — for fifteen brews on tap, including nine seasonal special-releases on rotation.
Read More +An absolute must while you're here, snuggle in for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets of Frankenmuth with either Fantasy Carriage Company, just south of Zehnder's Restaurant, or Frankenmuth Carriage Company, by the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower.
Or, book the PedAle Trolley for a city tour of Frankenmuth (perhaps a pub crawl?) on their 16-passenger trolley bike. If you don't have enough riders to fill the trolley, buy single seats on their Thursday or Saturday 9 p.m. tours, or rent the smaller, four- to six-person Circle Cruiser anytime!
Speaking of the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower, a 35-bell carillon and illuminated clock with figurine movement (all imported from Germany), enjoy when it chimes daily at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Not only can you experience the wonder of the Christmas season 361 days a year at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, but the magical location offers more than 50,000 trims and gifts (many customizable) that make perfect souvenirs from your Frankenmuth getaway!
Styled in Frankenmuth's European village theme, experience more than 40 unique storefronts at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Have an old-time photo taken, taste gourmet cupcakes, or even enjoy a wine tasting "mixperience" with Modern Craft Winery while you shop inside Michigan's largest beading supply store, Bead Haven.
From the year-round Frankenmuth Farmers Market to the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus and its chocolate-flavored cheese, to clothing inside Adorn Boutique or White House Boutique (plus fudge and taffy from sweet spots galore), enjoy all the many options for shopping in Frankenmuth.
Whether you'll try ziplining at Frankenmuth Aerial Park or tee off at The Fortress: You're sure to enjoy your getaway in Michigan's Little Bavaria! Learn More
Jen is a writer and small business owner in Saginaw, Michigan. She specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copywriting, branded content articles and blogs, and ad copy. You can find Jen reading, always, camping with her family, or at feelthesewords.com