Frankenmuth holds a special place in our hearts—it’s where we got married! But even if you’re not planning a wedding, this charming German-themed town in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay area is worth a visit. Located between Flint and Saginaw, it’s the perfect stopping point on any Michigan road trip.
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A Touch of Germany in Michigan
Founded in 1845 by missionaries from Franconia, Germany, Frankenmuth has evolved into Michigan’s Little Bavaria. While the town’s Bavarian theming is mostly for tourism (those original missionaries weren’t even Bavarian!), it creates a delightful atmosphere that transports you straight to Germany—or at least makes you feel like you’re there.
Shopping Paradise
The crown jewel of Frankenmuth shopping is Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store. And when we say largest, we mean it—picture a department store filled entirely with Christmas decorations, ornaments, and holiday cheer. It’s the Buc-ee’s of Christmas stores! Pro tip: Visit between Thanksgiving and Christmas for the full festive experience, but expect crowds. Go in February and you might have the place to yourself.
Don’t miss the River Place Shops either, featuring everything from Cherry Republic to the Popcorn Wagon, Bead Haven, and Sticky Situations (trust us on the fancy honey). Downtown, you’ll find the Cheese Haus with its iconic mouse statue, Kern’s Sausages, and plenty of fudge shops. Nearby Birch Run has a giant Outlet Mall with brands such as Nike, Avon, and Michael Kors.
Where to Eat
Frankenmuth is famous for its dueling all-you-can-eat chicken dinners at Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn. Both are owned by different sides of the same family and offer similar experiences with roasted chicken, buttered noodles (a Michigan staple!), and endless sides. It’s a quintessential Frankenmuth experience—though we’ll admit the dark meat is better than the white.
Our favorite spot? Prost Wine Bar. With wines on tap, incredible charcuterie featuring meats and cheeses from around the world, and an amazing outdoor seating area (complete with a fire table for cooler months), it’s where we head most often. Their creative COVID-era greenhouse dining setup remains one of our favorite memories.
Also worth checking out: Frankenmuth Brewery for authentic German beer and pub food, and Sugar High Bakery for award-winning cupcakes (they won Cupcake Wars and made our wedding cake!).
Festivals Year-Round
From Snow Fest in January (featuring incredible snow sculptures, above) to Oktoberfest in September (the first officially sanctioned Oktoberfest outside Germany!), there’s almost always something happening in Frankenmuth. Be sure to check out the annual festival calendar to see what’s happening when you’re in town. The holiday season is particularly magical with the town fully decked out in Christmas lights.
A photo from Christopher & Ashleigh’s Frankenmuth wedding. Photo by Shone Foto
Where to Stay
The Marv Herzog Hotel is our top pick—themed after the famous polka band leader, with rooms representing different years of his life. Each room has a balcony, and there’s a nightly happy hour. If you’re traveling with kids, consider the Bavarian Inn Lodge or Splash Village, both featuring waterparks. For a budget-friendly stay, check out the Franknemuth Motel or one of the chain hotels in nearby Birch Run.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or weekend getaway, Frankenmuth offers shopping, dining, festivals, and that special German charm that keeps us coming back year after year.
Thanks for stopping by! Have you been to Frankenmuth? Let us know your favorite things to do in the comments! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here.