FrankenmuthMichigan

Frankenmuth, German heritage with small-town appeal

Head to this quaint village to experience the best of small-town life, but don’t be fooled: Frankenmuth caters to millions of visitors a year and has rich history, great shopping and tons of culture to explore. With its deep Bavarian roots, this city looks like a German town and offers everything you’d expect from one, including cultural festivals and specialty shops, food and German-inspired architecture. Along with the world’s largest Christmas store, it’s home to two of the largest independently-owned restaurants in the USA, both serving scrumptious fried chicken dinners. Stroll streets abundant with flowers, take a carriage ride through town or glide along the Cass River to experience Frankenmuth’s hospitality and charm for yourself.

One-of-a-Kind Food & Adventure

Delight in comfort food and family fun at neighboringFrankenmuth landmarks. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge and Zehnder's of Frankenmuth face each other on South Main Street but offer slightly different experiences in their spacious dining rooms and beyond. Built in the Bavarian style, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant provides a traditional German dining experience. Fill up on their famous chicken and classic sides like cranberry relish and Stollen (fruit and nut bread). Explore more of the picturesque riverside resort including the Bavarian Inn Lodge – a waterpark hotel – and several charming shops. Head across the street to the Colonial-style Zehnder's Restaurant to try its signature chicken and hearty bottomless sides. Find thrills beyond the award-winning eatery at Zehnder’s Splash Village, Zehnder’s Marketplace and The Fortress Golf Course. While these expansive destinations are proven crowd-pleasers, Frankenmuth’s food scene also includes flavors from around the world. Savor charming scenery and floral aromas on restaurant patios throughout town. Local pubs, breweries and wine bars abound.

Travel Through History in Frankenmuth

There’s no better way to enjoy the slow and easy pace ofFrankenmuth than on board the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, a paddlewheel-style vessel. Your tour guide relays the history of the city as you observe it from the water. Have a date night with Frankenmuth Funships, which offers wine and chocolate tastings as you cruise the Cass River. To take in the cheerful shopfronts here, sign up for one of the city’s horse-drawn carriage tours. For a broader perspective, stop into the Frankenmuth Historical Museum or enjoy a tour of the town – narrated by a knowledgeable local guide – aboard the Golden Ticket Trolley.

Magical Shopping

You’ll feel as though you’re in a true Bavarian village at River Place Shops, which has more than 40 boutiques and attractions. Find everything from fudge to Irish items, as well as a distillery, a maze for the kids and a working blacksmith shop. You can’t visit Frankenmuth without visiting Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, which bills itself as "the World's Largest Christmas Store." Find ornaments, collectibles, trees, lights and much more as you wander through this gorgeously-decorated holiday paradise, which is open year round.