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 AU$319 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$319
12 Nov - 13 Nov
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! (2,478 reviews)
GREAT TIME!
"Everything was WONDERFUL!"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 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 AU$206 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$206
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,161 reviews)
Perfect stay!
"All meals offered a great variety"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 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 AU$214 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$214
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,019 reviews)
"Convenient location to ferry shuttle, restaurants, and shopping! Nice rooms and breakfast... amazing cinnamon rolls!"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 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.
2-Bdr Main St. Loft, Pet Friendly!!

2-Bdr Main St. Loft, Pet Friendly!!

Frankenmuth
Stay at this condo in Frankenmuth. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and River Place Shops are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (348 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Very clean. Convenient to downtown."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

2-Bdr Main St. Loft, Pet Friendly!!
Viola's Place - Full Home Vacation Rental In Frankenmuth City.

Viola's Place - Full Home Vacation Rental In Frankenmuth City.

Frankenmuth
Stay at this vacation home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and St. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (150 reviews)
"Beautiful house and very clean. Host was so prepared with everything you would need!"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Viola's Place - Full Home Vacation Rental In Frankenmuth City.
The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth

The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
"Lots of dishes on cookware"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth
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

Cities near Frankenmuth