If you’re in Toronto, Canada like me or the nearby U.S. states, a day trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the perfect way to embrace festive Christmas vibes without traveling too far. For many (myself included), the ultimate travel bucket list during the holidays includes visiting European Christmas markets or exploring festive destinations abroad. But if that isn’t in the cards this year, Frankenmuth offers an easy and picturesque alternative. This charming Bavarian-inspired town brings the magic of the holidays to life with its European-inspired charm and festive spirit, making it the perfect place to get your holiday fix close to home. Just about a 5-hour drive across the border, Frankenmuth is a magical escape with a holiday atmosphere that lasts all year round. Frankenmuth is a dream destination for foodies, history buffs, and anyone who loves small-town charm – especially during the Christmas season, from its storybook architecture to its festive spirit. So keep reading to see how you can spend a cheerful holiday in Frankenmuth, Michigan!
A Little History About Frankenmuth, Michigan
Before diving in, it’s worth knowing a bit about the history of Frankenmuth and why, as soon as you enter its city limits, you’re greeted with Bavarian-style architecture that makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a charming corner of Germany. Frankenmuth was founded in 1845 by 15 German settlers from Franconia, Bavaria, who left behind poor farming conditions and political unrest in search of a better life. Their goal was to establish a close-knit community that mirrored their homeland, and they succeeded in bringing a piece of Bavaria to Michigan. The name “Frankenmuth” translates to “Courage of the Franconians,” paying tribute to their resilience and connection to their roots. Today, the city proudly preserves this heritage through its distinctive architecture, Bavarian-inspired festivals, and traditional cuisine, making it feel like a picturesque Bavarian village frozen in time.
How Much Time Is Needed In Frankenmuth, Michigan
While a day trip is more than enough to soak in the highlights of Frankenmuth, how much time you spend depends on what you’re after. For a relaxed pace, plan to spend about 4 to 6 hours. If you’re visiting during a busy season like Christmas, you might want to allocate extra time for browsing the local shops, enjoying the holiday decorations, or participating in one of the many events. You can easily fill a whole day with sightseeing, shopping, and dining, or, if you’re in a rush, you can still hit all the key spots in just a few hours. It was not busy when we visited on the weekend before Christmas, and there was plenty of parking and no lineups everywhere we went. We spent about 4.5 leisurely hours in Frankenmuth and that was a good amount of time, although I wouldn’t have minded spending an extra hour! Some people stay overnight as well, but it all depends on how much you want to do and how slow you want to go.
How To Get To Frankenmuth, Michigan
Getting to Frankenmuth is relatively easy, no matter where you’re coming from. If you’re driving, the town is conveniently located about 90 minutes north of Detroit. If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan, which is about a 30-minute drive from Frankenmuth. For those looking to avoid driving, local buses and shuttles are available, though renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore at your own pace. But once you park, you’re the city is very walkable and there is no need to drive to explore the streets.
Best Restaurants To Visit In Frankenmuth, Michigan
When it comes to food, Frankenmuth delivers the ultimate comfort dining experience. The town is best known for its German cuisine of course, but you can also find some other variety of foods. Here are a few favorites to check out:
Zehnder’s Restaurant
Built in 1856, this is America’s largest family restaurant and is known for its famous fried chicken and German specialties, Zehnder’s is a must-visit for anyone craving traditional comfort food. It is beautifully decorated and a huge establishment, including enough space to host 1,500 people including event spaces. Servers are dressed in traditional German outfits for a truly immersive experience with so much food. You can order from an a la carte menu or their family-style menu which includes appetizers, sides, mains, and dessert – unlimited! There is so much food that it’s hard to order multiples for each round, but the good thing is, whatever you don’t finish, you can take home! We had leftovers that lasted a couple of days which was amazing. They also have Zehnder’s Marketplace where you can buy lots of delicious food to take home, including their stollen (Christmas bread) that’s served at the restaurant.
The Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Across the street from Zehnder’s is the classic, family-owned restaurant at the inn and they also serve their famous family recipe fried chicken and all-you-can-eat family-style dinners including delicious German-inspired dishes that include bratwurst, schnitzels, and pretzels. Since its founding in 1888 as the Union House Hotel and subsequent rebranding as “Fischer’s Hotel,” the establishment has catered to over 20 million patrons and offers a genuine German dining experience.
Frankenmuth Brewery
If you’re a fan of craft beer, head to the oldest brewery (over 150 years old) in Michigan to sample local brews paired with a great selection of food including burgers, pizza, salads, tacos, and more – all made from scratch! They also feature a minimum of 15 beers on tap with a perennial lineup of 6 core craft brews along with a rotation of 8 seasonal, special release and experimental beers. They have both award-winning German and American craft beer for all to enjoy without having to go across the globe. You can enjoy patio dining during the warmer seasons or even hold a big event in their large banquet space.
N’orlins Beignets And Coffee
It was a little random seeing a New Orleans restaurant, but boy was I excited because I love beignets and they truly have some of the best (heart-shaped) beignets I’ve ever tasted. It is just a sidewalk café with a take-out window here, but their menu features several dishes that are essential to New Orleans cuisine including gator bites, jambalaya, and authentic Cajun gumbo. Their food makes for a great snack on the go while you roam the streets of Frankenmuth, but do beware the powdery sugar from the beignets do get everywhere!
SugarHigh Bakery
For a sweet treat, stop by this bakery for their scrumptious cupcakes, cookies, and baked goods that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They have creative flavors of desserts along with homemade gelato and are also a Food Network’s Cake Wars and Cupcake Wars winner.
Must-Visit Places in Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth may be small, but it’s packed with a variety of German-inspired activities that will make your Christmas vacation one to remember. Here are a few spots you can’t miss:
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours, but some spend even 3 hours or more
Why You Should Visit – This is the world’s largest Christmas store at 320,000 square feet and it has been opened since 1945 for 361 days a year. It is a holiday’s lover’s paradise and a magical place to explore no matter the season. They literally have something for everyone available at this store – from ornaments and all kinds of trees, to nativities, collectibles, Advent calendars, stocking, and more.And of more than 6,000 styles of ornaments they have here, half of the glass ornaments are Bronner’s exclusive designs so you can find some pretty one-of-a-kind Christmas items here. Surprisingly, we didn’t buy anything and when we were going across the border back to Toronto, even the border agent didn’t believe us.
Silent Night Chapel at Bronners
Time Spent – 15 to 20 minutes
Why You Should Visit – About 150 meters outside the east entrance of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the Silent Night Chapel. With the approval of the Austrian government, they replicated the ancient chapel in Oberndorf, Salzburg, Austria, where the hymn “Silent Night” was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818, and the landmark stands 56 feet tall.
Frankenmuth River Place Shops
Time Spent – 2 hours
Why You Should Visit – Step into a charming German-inspired outdoor shopping village, home to over 40 unique boutiques and specialty stores that offer something for everyone – be it quirky souvenirs, exquisite handmade crafts, or delectable treats. Throughout the year, this vibrant locale transforms with enchanting festivals, including the world’s largest Olympic-style festival for dogs! The fun doesn’t end there, you can also set sail on a delightful journey aboard the Bavarian Bell Riverboat.
Holz-Brucke Wooden Bridge
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This iconic wooden covered bridge is a marvel of Bavarian craftsmanship, offering picturesque views across the Cass River. Built in 1980, it spans an impressive 239 feet and showcases traditional Bavarian design and techniques. Constructing this bridge required a whopping 163,299 boards of Douglas fir and cedar, along with nearly 1,000 pounds of non-wood materials. One of the most fascinating details is how a team of oxen painstakingly pulled the bridge into place over 12 days at a slow and steady pace of just 3 inches per minute, adding a touch of historical charm and ingenuity to your visit. They also have a shop across the bridge where you can browse the local souvenirs and other gifts.
Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel
Time Spent – 15 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This enchanting 35-bell carillon (percussion instrument played with a keyboard and normally has 23 bells) was imported from Germany and stands as a symbol of Frankenmuth’s cultural pride. Each day, the Glockenspiel comes to life with performances of traditional German folk songs and a re-enactment of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. It is located right at the Bavarian Inn, so you can enjoy this marvel and get a chance to pet one of the horses standing outside.
Rau’s Country Store
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Why You Should Visit – Step back in time at this nostalgic country store, filled with an eclectic mix of vintage treasures, quirky souvenirs, and old-fashioned candies and chocolates. They carry unique items that is rarely found elsewhere and is a fun stop for both treasure hunter and those looking to relive childhood memories. Here, you can also find the large Michigan-grown pickles for a very low price right at the register too.
Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen
Time Spent – 15 to 20 minutes
Why You Should Visit – You can witness the art of fudge-making at this beloved sweet shop and you can even smell the yumminess from the outside! Rich, creamy fudge is crafted in small batches right before your eyes and you can select from a variety of flavors to sample and take home. It is another must-visit for those who have a sweet tooth.
Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus
Time Spent – 15 to 20 minutes
Why You Should Visit – Indulge in hand-crafted chocolates and confections at this family-owned chocolatier. From classic truffles to chocolate-covered strawberries, and other seasonal sweet treats, the quality and taste are sure to satisfy chocolate lovers of all ages. You can also watch the chocolatiers at work through the viewing window and get a chance to try some samples.
Frankenmuth Historical Museum
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Why You Should Visit – Located in a former hotel from 1905, this museum allows you to learn about Frankenmuth’s origins, from its German-American heritage to the unique people who shaped the community. A great stop for history buffs where you can dive into the rich history and culture of the city at this engaging museum. You can find interactive exhibits and artifacts to help you learn more about the German settlers, their traditions, and how Frankenmuth evolved into the community it is today.
Frankenmuth Cheese Haus
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Why You Should Visit – Cheese Haus has been around for over 50 years and is a cheese lover’s paradise, where it boasts over 120 varieties of cheese, from classic cheddars to adventurous blends like chocolate cheese. You can watch the talented staff craft cheese spreads and hand-dip cheese balls and get free samples as well. It’s a fun and friendly atmosphere where you can try new flavors, and bring home unique treats, and lots of other types of souvenirs. They also have a variety of unique drinks that can only be found here as well as their popular butter pretzels and seasonal snacks.
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