Whether you have a strong German heritage, or are simply a fan of wursts, everyone is sure to be swept up in the culture and authenticity of Michigan’s Little Bavaria! #FRANKENMUTH
1.) Sample the local cuisine
Looking for some legitimate German cuisine? Look no further than the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Three restaurants are located within the lodging area, all dishing up traditional German meals and ale. Oma’s Restaurant, The Ratskeller Restaurant, the Lorelei Lounge serve German classics such as schnitzel, bratwursts, and rouladen. Wash it all down with one of their 50+ bottles of beer, and enjoy Lorelei Lounge’s outdoor bier garden in the summer! Travel outside the Bavarian Inn Lodge to Kern’s Sausages where they stock 32 varieties of Bavarian-style sausages and bratwurst, You can also find German cheeses, beers, and baked goods. With all of this eating, it’s time to take a walk around downtown Frankenmuth and enjoy the German architecture.
2.) Snap a shot of the Architecture
Enjoy the feeling of wandering around northern Bavaria in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The quaint architecture is the perfect backdrop for a family photo, or selfie! Are you staying in the Bavarian Inn Lodge? Each guest room is decorated to commemorate a particular German family history. Visit their website to learn more about the history of a particular room.
📷: @imthomasbutcher
3. Take a Boat Cruise
Now it’s time for your adventure on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat Tour. This stern driven paddlewheel riverboat offers an hour-long historical narrated tour along Cass River. The riverboat is handicap accessible, and offers a fully enclosed lower deck and is air canopied on the upper deck. The Bavarian Belle serves drinks and snacks, and is fun for the whole family!
4.) Get a lesson on the history
Learn more about the German roots in the area by visiting the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. The immersive displays will paint a vibrant picture of the lives of early German settlers. Learn about their early living situations, means for food, and ways of life. Brush up on your history beforehand and learn more about the story of Frankenmuth here.
📷: @emilykurzer
5.) Beer, beer and more beer
Frankenmuth Brewery is the oldest brewery in Michigan, and creates German style beers such as the Bavarian Brunette Dunkelweizen. Looking for cocktails and beer? Try Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie for delicious beverages and an elegant atmosphere. These bier experiences are offered year round, but certain times of year can be even more sensational!
Every year Bavarian culture is brought into full form in early June with Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Festival. Celebrate traditional German music, dancing, food, and of course, beer! In August, the Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest. Be entertained with Polish, German, and Slovenian style music for an unforgettable weekend (or two) in Frankenmuth. Beer lovers rejoice at the annual Oktoberfest in mid-September. Plenty of beer, food, live music, and Weiner dog races are sure to entertain.
For a truly spiritual experience, attend Sunday Mass at St. Lorenz. On the second Sunday of every month, the entire service is held using the German language. Even though these events happen at different times throughout the year, you can always find a little Bavaria in Frankenmuth!
📷: @elijah.fly.photography