Frankenmuth MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Frankenmuth, Michigan.
1. Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
WORLD'S LARGEST CHRISTMAS STORE
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland stands as the largest Christmas store in the world, attracting millions of visitors since 1945. Visitors can explore over 300 decorated trees, purchase from 250 different types of nativity sets, and admire 100,000 lights along the half-mile Christmas Lane. The store offers everything imaginable for Christmas celebrations, including 34 types of s'mores-shaped ornaments.
2. Frankenmuth River Place Shops
BAVARIAN-THEMED SHOPPING VILLAGE
Frankenmuth River Place Shops offers a charming Bavarian-themed village with a variety of family activities and shopping opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic riverside walks while browsing through unique shops for souvenirs and local specialties including honey and cherry products. The picturesque setting combines German architecture and Michigan hospitality for a memorable shopping experience.
3. St. Julian Winery
MICHIGAN'S OLDEST WINERY
St. Julian Winery offers visitors a taste of wines made exclusively from grapes grown in the fertile Lake Michigan Shore Appellation region. The winery provides tastings of their unique vintages in a welcoming Bavarian-themed setting in the heart of Frankenmuth. Visitors can learn about Michigan's winemaking traditions while sampling award-winning varieties crafted with local ingredients.
4. Michigan Heroes Museum
HONORING MICHIGAN'S MILITARY HEROES
Michigan Heroes Museum is dedicated to honoring, respecting, and remembering Michigan residents who served in America's seven foreign wars. The museum preserves personal stories and artifacts that showcase the courage and sacrifice of Michigan's military heroes throughout history. Visitors can explore exhibits that bring to life the experiences of local servicemen and women who answered the call to duty.
5. Bavarian Inn Holz Brucke Covered Bridge
ICONIC WOODEN COVERED BRIDGE
The Bavarian Inn Holz Brucke Covered Bridge stands as an iconic landmark connecting the main street to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant across the Cass River. This authentic wooden bridge showcases traditional German craftsmanship and provides picturesque views of Frankenmuth's riverfront. Visitors can walk across this architectural gem while appreciating its detailed woodwork and the scenic river below.
6. Frankenmuth Brewery
HISTORIC CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Frankenmuth Brewery welcomes guests to relax, drink, and dine from an exciting menu featuring craft entrées and classic favorites in a historic setting. The taproom provides beer enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy 21 different draft beers complemented by an inspired craft-centric food menu. Visitors can experience the full brewery atmosphere while learning about one of Michigan's oldest brewing traditions.
7. Bavarian Belle Riverboat
SCENIC CASS RIVER CRUISES
The Bavarian Belle Riverboat offers a one-hour historical narrated tour of the Frankenmuth area aboard a fully restored 150-passenger vessel. Cruising along the peaceful Cass River, passengers learn about Little Bavaria's rich history and cultural significance while enjoying scenic views. The riverboat operates from early May to mid-October with departures every 90 minutes, providing a relaxing way to experience Frankenmuth from the water.
8. Frankenmuth Aerial Park
THRILLING TREETOP ADVENTURES
Frankenmuth Aerial Park provides visitors with the thrill and excitement of a combination ropes course and zip line adventure for all-ages family entertainment. Participants can navigate through challenging aerial obstacles while safely secured in the treetop canopy high above ground. The park offers various difficulty levels to accommodate everyone from beginners to experienced adventure seekers looking for an adrenaline rush in Michigan's Little Bavaria.
9. Wilderness Trails Zoo
EXOTIC ANIMALS IN NATURE
Wilderness Trails Zoo takes visitors through 56 acres of natural surroundings to see exotic animals such as primates, zebras, lions, reptiles, and parrots. The zoo features special interactive areas including a petting zone and parakeet encounter for up-close and personal experiences with friendly animals. Families can enjoy a day of wildlife education while strolling through the beautifully maintained grounds just outside Frankenmuth.
10. The Iron Gate Emporium
VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE TREASURES
The Iron Gate Emporium presents a diverse marketplace filled with vintage, antique, shabby, and industrial items that capture Michigan's rich heritage. Shoppers can browse through an extensive collection of 'Made in Michigan' goods alongside eclectic treasures from various eras and styles. The emporium offers a treasure-hunting experience where visitors might find anything from rustic farmhouse décor to unique handcrafted souvenirs representing local artisans.
11. Shopping
BAVARIAN-INSPIRED RETAIL THERAPY
Shopping in Frankenmuth offers a distinctive Bavarian-themed retail experience with dozens of specialty shops throughout the charming downtown district. Visitors can discover unique German imports, handcrafted gifts, gourmet foods, and Michigan-made products in storefronts featuring traditional German architecture. The pedestrian-friendly shopping areas invite leisurely exploration while immersing guests in the authentic German atmosphere that has made Frankenmuth famous as Michigan's Little Bavaria.
12. Dining
WORLD-FAMOUS CHICKEN DINNERS
Dining in Frankenmuth centers around the world-famous family-style chicken dinners served at iconic restaurants like Zehnder's and Bavarian Inn. Visitors can savor authentic German cuisine including schnitzels, sausages, and strudels prepared using traditional Bavarian recipes passed down through generations. The dining experience is enhanced by German-themed décor, servers in traditional dirndls and lederhosen, and the warm hospitality that has made Frankenmuth a culinary destination for decades.
13. Hiking
SCENIC RIVER VALLEY TRAILS
Hiking in Frankenmuth offers peaceful nature experiences along scenic paths that wind through the picturesque Cass River valley and surrounding woodlands. Trails range from easy riverside walks perfect for families to more challenging routes that showcase Michigan's natural beauty through changing seasons. Hikers can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities, native plant species, and panoramic vistas of the rolling countryside that surrounds this Bavarian-themed town.
14. Fishing
CASS RIVER ANGLING ADVENTURES
Fishing in Frankenmuth centers around the gentle Cass River that flows through the heart of town, offering opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, northern pike, and various panfish species. Anglers can enjoy fishing from the riverbanks, public access points, or launching small watercraft for a more immersive experience on the water. The peaceful river setting provides a relaxing outdoor activity with the charming Bavarian townscape serving as a unique backdrop for a day of fishing.
15. Camping
BAVARIAN COUNTRYSIDE GETAWAYS
Camping near Frankenmuth allows visitors to extend their Bavarian experience by staying at scenic campgrounds nestled in the beautiful Michigan countryside just minutes from downtown. Campers can choose from full-service RV sites with modern amenities or more rustic tent camping options surrounded by natural woodlands. The nearby camping facilities provide a perfect home base for exploring all of Frankenmuth's attractions while enjoying evenings under the stars with campfires and outdoor relaxation.