Here are the top must-see attractions and activities to consider when planning your first trip here:

1. Explore Downtown Frankenmuth

Stroll the walkable streets of downtown Frankenmuth for shopping, dining, and taking in the details of our charming Bavarian architecture. Stop by the Covered Bridge off of Main Street for a photo op and then head to the River Place Shops for a German-themed outdoor shopping experience with delicious treats and plenty of activities to keep kids engaged, including a mirror maze and enchanted forest. Or, tour town by Golden Ticket Trolley, PedAle Trolley, or horse carriage!

2. Dine on Chicken Dinners

For the ultimate in comfort food, bring your family together for a world-famous chicken dinner offered by both Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. These mouth-watering meals are served family-style and include delicious sides like mashed potatoes, noodles, stuffing, and other German classics.

3. Make it Christmas-time Anytime

Frankenmuth is home to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the world! Bronner’s offers dazzling twinkling lights and holiday decor all year round. Be sure to visit the Silent Night Chapel and create custom ornaments for your tree at the Paint-N-Go counter. If all this shopping and browsing makes you hungry, don’t worry, there are tasty treats available at Season’s Eatings, the on-site cafe.

📷: @hollynicoletimekeeper

4. Brush Up On Your History

Learn about our unique city and how “Little Bavaria” sprung up right here in Michigan at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. Located downtown, the museum offers interactive exhibits and a family pass is only five dollars. We also recommend the Michigan Heroes Museum, which honors our service people. The only museum of its kind in the U.S., the Michigan Heroes Museum showcases uniforms from six foreign wars along with the largest collection of Medals of Honor in the U.S.

Bavarian Belle Riverboat on the Cass River going under the Covered Bridge

5. Take A Ride On The River

The Cass River winds its way through Frankenmuth, providing a stunning backdrop for our quaint Bavarian architecture. Take a guided one-hour tour on The Bavarian Belle, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat that begins and ends at the River Place Shops. Fun Ships also offers more intimate 12-person boat tours on the Cass River, including wine and chocolate tour options too.

6. Hands-On Food Demonstrations

Try your hand at pretzel rolling, a German baking tradition dating back hundreds of years. The Bavarian Inn Bakery offers interactive workshops that take you through the proper pretzel rolling technique. Guests will enjoy tasting their hot, fresh hand-rolled pretzels at the end of the activity. For more delicious fun, stop by one of our local fudge shops to watch live fudge-making demos. We dare you not to drool as you watch this creamy confection come to life.


Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out the top things to do for family fun or plan a couples getaway with these romantic Frankenmuth love stories.

📷: @Emilykurzer

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About the Author

Christie Bierlein

Marketing Director at Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau