Frankenmuth Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB

Enjoy one of the world’s largest Christmas stores, alpine buildings and beer and wine festivals in this enchanting city sometimes called Little Bavaria.

Germanic architecture and customs are what distinguish Frankenmuth, a quaint city of wineries, breweries and Lutheran churches, from other Michigan towns. Set up in the 19th century by Lutheran evangelists, the town presents itself as an old-fashioned and idyllic German village. Attend festivals celebrating such fierce German traditions as beer, Bavaria and Christmas.

For an appreciation of proud local rituals, drop in at a pub or inn in the downtown village-like zone, which is decorated like a typical German hamlet in the 1800s. Charming European façades adorn buildings with antiquated or Germanic names, such as Cheese Haus and Prost.

Explore the seven galleries of the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, which celebrates the heritage and traditions of Germany’s historic Franconia region. Walk along the footpath that crosses the Cass River to reach the modern River Place Shops. The Bavarian Belle Riverboat takes passengers on trips around the downtown district.

On the river’s northern bank stands the Lager Mill Brewing Museum, containing more than 450 artisanal beers from across the globe. Try local wines at St. Julian Winery on the city’s northern outskirts. Head west to see the enchanting 19th-century St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, built to remind worshippers of the city’s Franconian origins.

Nowhere is Frankenmuth’s quaint ambiance better evoked than at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, where you can pet animals as you learn about Bavarian farming traditions. Find out about Grandpa William “Tiny” Zehnder, who is known affectionately by locals as Mr. Frankenmuth. Across the road is the alpine cottage of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, displaying festive treasures year-round beside its large snowman and Santa models.

The city lies between Flint and Saginaw in Saginaw County, Michigan. Drive south from the southern end of Saginaw Bay to get here in about 30 minutes. Visit other landmarks in the area, including Huron-Manistee National Forest, the Roscommon State Forest Area and Detroit.

Frankenmuth is a little slice of old-world Europe in Michigan.

Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth
Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth
3 out of 5
1 Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free parking, 4 indoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,375 reviews)
"New waterpark was definitely the best thing. Room was pretty average. Sink was clogged and drained slow in bathroom. Toilet would randomly run. Bathtub had a weird musty smell in it. Ceiling of room had old cobwebs and dust in the corners. Mattress had weird stain on the side of it. If the waterpark ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth
Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth
Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth
3 out of 5
260 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI
The price is £104 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£104
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,076 reviews)
"Conveniently located. Very nice property, highly recommend."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankenmuth by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankenmuth by IHG
2.5 out of 5
926 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI
The price is £109 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£109
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Very nice! Desk staff walked away before telling me where to park. I had to wait through another check in and a phone call before I could get an answer to my question."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankenmuth by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The  Loft at Rapunzels - The Best Location in Frankenmuth
The Loft at Rapunzels - The Best Location in Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, MI
Stay at this holiday home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and Frankenmuth Historical ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Awesome little place and a perfect location
"I don't know this was absolutely perfect right within walking distance to everything and Frankenmuth downtown area quiet clean and equipped"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

The Loft at Rapunzels - The Best Location in Frankenmuth
The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth
The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, MI
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
Weekend with Family
"Our family was attending a wedding in Flushing MI and we needed a large home for our stay. The house was beautiful and well equipped. We enjoyed 2 nights together. Since the weather was perfect, we decided to take some family photos in the large yard.PROs: Size, location, cleanliness, ability to ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth
The Historical Franklin House
The Historical Franklin House
Frankenmuth, MI
Stay at this apartment in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and patios. Our guests praise the bathrooms in their reviews. Popular attractions Bronner's ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"Great location. Great value. It's an upstairs unit above a permanent residence. Within walking distance of everything. Hoping the porch was a little cleaner and put together. You don't normally need AC but it's loud if you're trying to sleep. Bathroom was very nice but there's no mirror above the ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

The Historical Franklin House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Frankenmuth

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A lovely town. So pretty and charming.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Not your typical American Downtown! A bit commercialised but somehow it works and is very pleasant. The Main Street is well maintained with a profusion of flower beds. Makes you smile.

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