Frankenmuth is a small city in Michigan that is nicknamed “Little Bavaria.” The city was founded in 1845 by a group of German immigrants, and it has maintained its Bavarian heritage in the years since. Visitors to Frankenmuth can enjoy German food, architecture, and culture, as well as seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest. Read on to discover top 10 things to do in Frankenmuth.
Chicken Dinner
Frankenmuth is known for a lot of things, but one of the best things to do in Frankenmuth is to grab a chicken dinner at one of the local restaurants. Chicken dinner is a world-famous dish that originates from the German city of Frankfurt. It consists of chicken served with potatoes, carrots, and green beans.
There are plenty of places to choose from where you can get it in Frankenmuth, but there are a few that stand out. One of the most popular places for chicken is Zehnder’s, which has been serving chicken dinners since 1929. The restaurant uses a secret recipe that includes marinating the chicken in a special mixture overnight before frying it to perfection. Another popular spot is Bavarian Inn, which offers all-you-can-eat chicken dinners as well as an impressive German buffet.
Carriage Ride
Carriage rides are a must when visiting Frankenmuth! They are a great way to see the town and get a little bit of history at the same time. The carriages are horse-drawn and can seat up to six people. They take you on a tour of the town, pointing out all of the important landmarks along the way. The carriage rides are very reasonably priced and well worth the money. They are a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. So, be sure to add a carriage ride to your list of things to do when you visit Frankenmuth!
Frankenmuth River Place Shops
Solitude, sweet and serene, awaits you at the Frankenmuth River Place Shops. This group of shops is located along the Cass River and next to the Bavarian Inn Lodge. These independent shops sell souvenirs, candy, clothing and a variety of other products. It’s a great place to find gifts for yourself or others. The shops are open year round, so you can enjoy shopping in this quaint setting even on cool summer days, with their large windows that provide plenty of light without letting warm breezes inside.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. Walking into Bronner’s is a wonderland experience: you’re greeted by miles of garlands and wreaths – each carefully crafted and strung together by hand. You name it and they have it: from ornaments and collectibles to gifts and decorations; from religious items to outdoor decor and even delicious chocolates, there’s something for everyone here at Bronner’s! Best of all, admission is free! Located at 25 Christmas Lane (yes, really) in Frankenmuth, Open daily 9am to 8pm, year-round for your shopping pleasure.
Frankenmuth Historical Museum
One of the best places to learn more about the history and culture of Frankenmuth is at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, located on Main Street in downtown Frankenmuth. The museum, which is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building that was once used as a post office, features a variety of exhibits on local history, including hot air balloons, Native American relics and artifacts from Colonial times. It’s also home to changing exhibits that give visitors insight into life in Frankenmuth throughout different eras. The admission price for adults is $7, while seniors and children under 12 can enter for $5.
Cheese Haus
If you’re ever in Frankenmuth, Michigan, make sure to stop by the Cheese Haus. This local shop has been around for over 40 years, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination. The Cheese Haus offers a wide variety of cheeses, as well as other German specialties like sausages, mustards, and jams. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and they’re more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the products. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or just want to try something new, the Cheese Haus is definitely worth a visit.
Bavarian Belle Riverboat
Another great thing to do in Frankenmuth is enjoying a relaxing riverboat narrated cruise on the Cass River. The Bavarian Belle is a well-loved attraction in Frankenmuth, featuring both lunch and dinner cruises with dancing onboard. It’s a good time for guests of all ages and has been bringing people together for years. It’s super kid-friendly, offering an exciting new perspective to those who might be bored with the usual sights around town.
The sightseeing cruise will take you through 10 miles of stunning landscape, while music cruises feature live bands that will get even the shyest guests out on the dance floor. If you want something more low-key, try one of their private charters and enjoy a romantic supper cruise with your beloved or host a party on the water.
Glockenspiel
For our next thing to do in Frankenmuth, we’re going to take in a show! The glockenspiel is located in front of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, One Covered Bridge Lane. It’s a mechanical clock that features a show twice daily (11:00am and 5:00pm) telling the story of the Pied Piper. The glockenspiel also has 43 bells that play each day at noon and 6:00pm. You can watch the show from outside, but it’s also possible to pay admission to gain access to an observation deck above the restuarant where you can get an awesome view of it all!
Frankenmuth Brewery
Frankenmuth Brewery is one of Michigan’s most popular craft breweries. Located in the historic downtown of Frankenmuth, the brewery offers a wide variety of beers, as well as a restaurant and beer garden. The brewery also offers tours, which provide visitors with an inside look at the brewing process. The Frankenmuth Brewery is a great place to visit for anyone who enjoys craft beer. The beer is brewed using traditional methods, and the brewers are always experimenting with new recipes. The brewery also has a commitment to environmental sustainability, and all of the beers are certified organic.
Michigan Heroes Museum
Last but not least on our list of things to do in Frankenmuth is The Michigan Heroes Museum. It’s a great place to learn about the people who have made the state what it is today. From early pioneers to civil rights leaders, the museum highlights the stories of men and women who have fought for Michigan. The museum is also home to a number of artifacts, including a piece of the Berlin Wall and a signed letter from President John F. Kennedy.
Things to Do in Frankenmuth
There are so many interesting and fun things to do in Frankenmuth and this list is just the start. There are tons of other places to go, but here is a list of a few more attractions to see:
- The Frankenmuth Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, baked goods and other treats.
- Richfield Park for outdoor activities and picturesque views of the Cass River.
- A tour at the Bavarian Inn Lodge or Zehnder’s Splash Village Waterpark Hotel for some family fun.
And there are plenty more! Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy your stay in Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
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