Are you looking for a picturesque town that looks like it was plucked straight out of a Hallmark movie?
Welcome to Frankenmuth, Michigan. This charming Bavarian village offers visitors a unique blend of Old World charm, rich history and modern attractions. Frankenmuth is a must-visit destination with Bavarian style architecture and deep German roots.
Things to do in Frankenmuth
Shopping:
If we had to pick two things to do while downtown, it would be to shop and eat. Frankenmuth is a shoppers paradise, offering a diverse array of specialty stores and boutiques. There are many quaint shops along Main Street and in River Place Shops, a Bavarian themed shopping plaza.
*Did you know River Place Shops was the main set for “A Christmas Movie Christmas” a made-for TV holiday special released in 2019!
River Place Shops has over 40 stores alone. Whether you’re in search of unique artwork, artisanal crafts, or gourmet delights, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye here. While strolling through downtown and River Place Shops you will also be entertained by street performers and events going on throughout the day.
Food:
Grab a warm beignet from N’Orlins Beignet and Coffee for breakfast and then a crepe from La Crepe du Jour for lunch. They offer both sweet and savory crepes. We recommend trying one of each. They also offer gluten free and vegan options.
Frankenmuth is practically synonymous with “world famous chicken dinners”. Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth and Bavarian Inn Restaurant are two of the nation’s largest independently owned restaurants. Together they serve more than two million chicken dinners a year. For a fun little twist, the two restaurants battling for the World’s Best Chicken are owned by the same family and across the street from each other.
After eating all this amazing food during the day, did you leave room for a bedtime snack of fudge? We love to get homemade fudge when we travel. Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen did not disappoint. They have been making handcrafted fudge since 1964 and it is amazing! They had so many different flavors to choose from including seasonal, sugar free, and dairy free/vegan options.
Glockenspiel Tower:
In the heart of Frankenmuth stands a charming structure reminiscent of the clock towers found in traditional German towns. The original German word “glockenspiel” is literally translated into English as “bells play”. The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon, figurine movement and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany.
Before striking the hour, and on each quarter hour, the clock sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime. At Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. each day the Glockenspiel plays several selections which are immediately followed by figurine movement depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln. This is a 13th century story of rats that plagued the town. The story is very interesting and something to see at least once during your visit.
Explore The Magic of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
If you are unaware of Bronner’s, it is the world’s largest Christmas store. This is a must see when in Frankenmuth. Covering 27 acres, you will be able to find everything you need for the holidays. You know the store is large when you are given a map to navigate the store. We found the store to be well organized among all the ornaments, stockings, outside decor, Christmas trees, villages and more. If you want to see how amazing Bronner’s store is before you go, head to their website for a virtual tour.
outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, Frankenmuth has plenty to offer. Explore the scenic beauty of the Cass River by embarking on a leisurely riverboat, Funship Tasting & Tours, kayak adventures, or take a horse drawn carriage ride through the town.
If you prefer something more physical try Frankenmuth’s Aerial Park. They have 6 separate trails with 5 difficulty levels, 21 ziplines and almost 100 challenges. We were definitely feeling how out of shape we were the next day. But this was a lot of fun for the whole family.
During the winter months, Frankenmuth transforms into a winter wonderland, offering snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh rides for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Plan your visit
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure, romantic getaway or a solo retreat, Frankenmuth promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who visit. With its Old World charm, rich history, and vibrant culture, this Bavarian gem is truly a destination like no other.