Summer in Frankenmuth marks the beginning of what we like to call “Festival Season” #FRANKENMUTH

Summer in Frankenmuth marks the beginning of what we like to call “Festival Season” with a different festival or big event happening nearly every other weekend. It also means the Frankenmuth FunShips and Bavarian Belle Riverboat are in the water, ready to take you on a cruise down the Cass River, and The Fortress Golf Course opens for those who want to spend a day on the green!

No matter the weather, there’s something to do in Frankenmuth during the Summer time, whether you want to spend an evening out with friends, or you’re looking for something to do with the kids during the break.

Here’s a list of just a few ways to spend the first day of Summer in Michigan’s Little Bavaria.

📷: @doug_bowns


1.) Grab a bite to eat

Enjoy a view while filling your stomach at one of the many patios throughout Frankenmuth. Dine at Michigan on Main Bar & Grill’s outdoor raised patio to get the ultimate view of Main Street while eating dishes prepared with local, Michigan grown products. And just across the street at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, they recently added outdoor seating just outside their Tap Room Bar. Don’t forget about Tiffany’s, daVinci’s Italian Restaurant, T.Dubs Pizzeria & Pub, Poblano's Mexican Grill and Cantina, Slo Bones BBQ Smokehaus and Pasty Haus; all are also home to outdoor patios!


2.) Shop ’til you drop

Whether you’re walking down Main Street or strolling the River Place Shops, Frankenmuth is full of places to shop. From clothing boutiques sporting the newest fashions, to health-focused shops selling organic and natural goods, Frankenmuth has something for you.

3.) Go with the flow

Remember that bridge you drove over to get to Downtown? There’s an amazing river under there! If your idea of a Summer day involves a day on the water, grab your kayak, paddleboard, or small boat and bring it to the Cass River Boat Launch off of Tuscola St, or the kayak & canoe launch to the north of Heritage Park. Didn’t bring one? Don’t worry. Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures has you covered. Not only is a day on the water peaceful, but you’re sure to see deer or other wildlife along the edges of the river during your ride. If you’d rather let someone else drive, the Bavarian Belle Riverboat and Frankenmuth FunShips are perfect for you.

📷: @ready_set_paddle

4.) Sample a local brew

If you’re interested in trying a seasonal craft beer, sampling award-winning spirits, or tasting wine from the oldest winery in Michigan, Frankenmuth is ripe with choices. The Frankenmuth Brewery has a minimum of 15 of their in-house brewed beers on tap at all times, and offers a beer flight to those looking to explore their tastes. St. Julian Winery’s beautiful tasting room is open every day, and their standard tasting comes with six samples and complimentary logo glass, all for under $10. On the water or in the shop, Frankenmuth FunShips presents a special kind of experience, pairing various wines with homemade chocolate treats. Don’t miss out on the Grand Traverse Distillery, offering spirit samples ranging from Vodka to Whiskey. Or the newest edition to Frankenmuth, Modern Craft Winery, where you can create your own “mixperience.”

5.) Keep it outdoors

Visit Grandpa Tiny's Farm for some fresh farm air - this historic petting farm is the perfect spot for some educational family fun. Or You can spend a day on the green at both The Fortress or on the mini course at Jellystone Park Camp Resort. Want to take a bike ride down Main Street with all your closest friend? Jump on the new PedAle Trolley, a 16-person pedal powered trolley.

📷: @x_stina

6.) Bring your fur-friend

Did you know Frankenmuth has it’s own dog park? Spend the Summer beside your furry friend at the park jumping and running, or walking down Main Street and through town. Many shops place water bowls outside their entrances so your pup never gets dehydrated. And several places inside the River Place Shops allow your pet to walk in with you, just look for the paw-print sign on the door!

📷: @winterpomsky

7.) Move it to the music

The Lorelei Lounge in the Bavarian Inn Lodge hosts live music every night throughout the year, but it’s even better in the Summertime out at their Schnitzelbank Bier Garten. Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie also invites various artists throughout the week to perform out on their beautiful outdoor patio. Slo’ Bones BBQ Smokehaus offers live music nearly every weekend from rock to bluegrass artists (and their food is pretty good too!) And don’t miss out on the Fischer Platz, a Summer time bier garten just outside the Bavarian Inn Restaurant! If you can’t catch a live group during the week, our festivals are always hopping with live bands.



How do you spend Summer in Frankenmuth? Share with us in the comments, or post your experiences on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #Frankenmuth. Your photo might show up in our next blog post!

Summer Fun
Summer Fun
Summer Fun
About the Author

Ashley Smith