Make the most of your weekend in Frankenmuth with this travel guide to the town’s top attractions and hidden gems.
Frankenmuth, Michigan is one of those places that feels like you stepped straight into a storybook village. It’s charming, cozy and known as Little Bavaria, thanks to its German-style building and old-town vibes.
If you’ve ever wanted a little taste of Germany without leaving the country, this is the perfect spot. There’s so much to see and do, but it’s easy to squeeze into one weekend.
One thing to know before you go, Frankenmuth is very much a daytime town. It’s lively, busy and fun during the day, but once evening hits, things quiet down quickly.
I was surprised at how empty the town felt at night with most places closing by 8pm on the weekend and as early as 6pm during the week. Only a few spots like the wine bar and pizza shop stayed open later.
That said, it makes the perfect getaway whether you’re going for you’re going for romantic, relaxing or family-friendly. Now let’s get on to the fun part, the best things to do in Frankenmuth.
Jump to:
- Walk the Bavarian Style Streets
- Shop Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
- Cross the Holz Brucke Covered Bridge
- Sip German Beer or Wine
- Take a River Cruise or Carriage Ride
- Shop Till You Drop
- Eat Chicken
- Catch a Show or Live Music
- Aboard the PedAle Trolley
- Go for a Swim
- Attend a Festival
- Best Place to Stay in Frankenmuth
Walk the Bavarian Style Streets
Start the day wandering through town and checking out the German style architecture, restaurants and shops tucked in every corner.
Shop Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
The world’s largest Christmas store that is open year-round. Inside is Christmas overload with every kind of decoration and ornament you can imagine from fun and quirky to themed and classic. And don’t skip outside where the massive displays are part of the experience include the three 17 foot tall Santas.
Cross the Holz Brucke Covered Bridge
Super charming bridge that connects downtown Frankenmuth to Heritage Park. It’s a great spot to take photos especially at sunset.
Sip German Beer or Wine
The best place to grab a German beer in Frankenmuth is Frankenmuth Brewery, while the top spots for wine are Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie and St. Julian’s.
Take a River Cruise or Carriage Ride
See Frankenmuth from two perspectives. Glide along the Cass River on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, an old-fashioned paddlewheel, or enjoy a slower, scenic tour of downtown on a Fantasy Carriage pulled by horses.
Shop Till You Drop
Frankenmuth has plenty of shopping to keep you busy. Hit the River Place Shops for boutiques, food and unique finds. Stop by Frankenmuth Cheese Haus for the best cheeses with free samples and grab fudge and treats at Bavarian Inn Castle Shops.
Eat Chicken
You have to try at least one famous family style chicken dinner at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth or Bavarian Inn restaurant. Hearty comfort food with chicken and German sides. Come hungry, leave full and make sure you save room for dessert, it’s a must!
Catch a Show or Live Music
Check out what’s happening at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn’s entertainment venues or the outdoor stage at River Place shops. From live music performances such as polka, classic hits to theater performances there’s often something fun happening.
Aboard the PedAle Trolley
The newest attraction in Frankenmuth is a fun way to explore Frankenmuth while you get some exercise. Two hour tours available for Pub Crawl, River Ride, Main Street Mixer and more.
Go for a Swim
For a more family-friendly weekend, visit one of Frankenmuth’s indoor waterparks. The Bavarian Blast Waterpark is Michigan’s largest waterpark filled with waterslides, lazy river and a family fun center while Zehnder’s Splash Village has indoor/outdoor pools, lazy river, thrilling slides, kids splash zone and arcade.
Attend a Festival
Visiting during festival season makes Frankenmuth more memorable. Oktoberfest (late September-early October) features German food, beer and live music. The Bavarian festival (summer) features parades, crafts and cultural celebrations. The Christkindlmarkt (winter) features European-style Christmas market filled with holiday treats and shopping.
If you have more time to spend in Frankenmuth, add these to your itinerary:
- Frankenmuth Aerial Park: An adventure filled day outdoors on rope courses and zip lines.
- Gnome Hunt: A fun family activity to search around town for gnomes that are hidden in windows, rooftops, tucked away in garden and more.
- Book a Culinary Experience: Learn pretzel rolling at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant or sausage making from Willi’s Sausage Company. Both need a reservation in advance.
- Shop at the Largest Outlet Mall: Birch Run has over 100+ shops and is less than 15 minutes from Frankenmuth.
- Golf: Just minutes from downtown is Fortress Golf Course is an 18 hole course with a beautiful scenic greenery.
Best Place to Stay in Frankenmuth
- Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth: Highly recommend for the free breakfast, free kick back buffet and 2 drinks at night, comfortable rooms and steps away from downtown.
- Bavarian Inn Lodge: One of the most popular places to stay featuring Bavarian-themed rooms, on-site dining options and access to the indoor waterpark and attractions. Be sure to check out the live peacocks located in an enclosed area by the front entrance.
- Zehnder’s Splash Village: Perfect for families, this waterpark hotel combines comfortable rooms with on-site indoor waterpark, arcade and splash zones.
- Springhill Suites by Marriott Frankenmuth: Spacious suites with free breakfast and amenities like an indoor pool and hot tub.
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