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
The price is £207 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
£207
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,391 reviews)
"Very family friendly- staff is very nice, and there are lots of things to do!"

Reviewed on 12 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 £111 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£111
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,084 reviews)
Family trip
"We enjoyed our stay. The rooms were nice. The beds were comfortable. We loved the free breakfast and dinner that was available."

Reviewed on 11 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 £127 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£127
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Very nice accommodations and good value. Breakfast buffet was delicious."

Reviewed on 9 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.
 1950's Themed Historic Homestead In The Heart of Downtown Frankenmuth, Walkable
1950's Themed Historic Homestead In The Heart of Downtown Frankenmuth, Walkable
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 property condition in their reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
June 2025
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

1950's Themed Historic Homestead In The Heart of Downtown Frankenmuth, Walkable
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 Montford - Frankenmuth's Premier Downtown Retreat - Entire Home
The Montford - Frankenmuth's Premier Downtown Retreat - Entire Home
Frankenmuth
Stay at this apartment in Frankenmuth. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and St. Julians Winery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Great place to stay in Frankenmuth
"The house was very clean and well equipped with towels, kitchen items, 2 kinds of coffee makers and more. I highly recommend this property when staying in Frankenmuth."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

The Montford - Frankenmuth's Premier Downtown Retreat - Entire Home
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Frankenmuth

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
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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.

Cities near Frankenmuth