24 Hours In Little Bavaria

Heritage and hospitality are the heart, passion, and story of Frankenmuth. And now is the time to build your own adventure in Michigan’s Little Bavaria with these inspired ideas to add to your itinerary! Start dreaming now...

1). 800-FUN-TOWN Isn't Just Our Phone Number…

In Frankenmuth, it’s more so a way of life! Festivals define us, and a Frankenmuth festival wouldn’t be the same without you! So consider planning your 24-hour trip over a festival weekend to experience Frankenmuth in its fullest FUN-TOWN form. With over 20 festivals per year, there is something fun for everyone. From dogs and balloons to cars and flowers, the variety of Frankenmuth festivals have you set for good times and great memories.

2). First Stop…Frankenmuth Visitor Center!

Pro tip…take a visit to the Frankenmuth Visitor Center for insider tips, tricks, deals, and so much more. The Frankenmuth Visitor Center representatives are ready to offer expertise and help you with ideas to make your trip the best it can be. Also be sure to pick up a FREE copy of the Bavarian Bargains Coupon Book, Visitor Guide, Frankenmuth Map, and other informational brochures while you’re there.

3). Tour Town in Style!

It’s no secret that Michigan’s Little Bavaria feels like a fairytale, so why not travel through town to see its bright European-inspired heritage, charm, and beauty? Whether you decide to travel like royalty in The New Frankenmuth Carriage Company or Fantasy Carriage Company, tour with a nostalgically historic twist on the Golden Ticket Trolley, or even trek through town with a drink in hand on the PedAle Trolley, you can’t go wrong.

4). Feast on Famous Chicken Dinners & More!

inner winner, in Frankenmuth, you can always find a world-famous chicken dinner, and that’s only the beginning! Both Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth and Bavarian Inn Restaurant feature family-style chicken dinners, award-winning bakeries, and hospitality like none other. Beyond this, Frankenmuth’s food scene is one-of-a-kind and diversely includes flavors from around the world mixed with great local pubs, breweries, and wine bars too! For the sweet tooth, enjoy delectable fudge, ice cream, popcorn, and candy shops galore!

5). Shop BIG in Michigan's Little Bavaria…

With a Bavarian-Themed Shopping Mall, Main Street Storefronts, and World’s Largest Christmas Store, it’s hard not to take a piece of Frankenmuth home with you…especially in the form of an ornament. And that is just the start of the shopping scene. Find Frankenmuth souvenirs, Michigan memorabilia, and many locally-crafted items at stores featuring cheese, sausage, wool, clocks, forged goods, wines, and fashion.

6). Sightsee Iconic Frankenmuth Scenes…

Established in 1845 by German settlers, the quaint charm of Michigan’s Little Bavaria is brought to life by traditional elements and complemented with modern embellishments. Keep an eye out for the landscaped florals, Glockenspiel, Figurenspiel, Gunzenhausen Fountain, Herbert L. Keinath Fountain, the founding St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, and of course, the Bavarian architecture throughout town.

7). Create Splash-tastic Memories on the Cass!

Wave hello to water adventures on the Cass River with the Frankenmuth FunShips, Bavarian Belle Riverboat, or Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures! Fish, bike, or even take a stroll along the Cass with the Riverwalk…

8). Adventure Activate!

Brighten your day with bucket list activities such as ziplining through trees at the Frankenmuth Aerial Park, experiencing culture while touring the Frankenmuth Historical Museum and Michigan Heroes Museum, splashing at waterparks Bavarian Inn Lodge & Family Fun Center and Zehnder’s Splash Village, driving at the Fortress Golf Course, visiting Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, or simply picnicking at local parks.

9). Say Cheese...or Should We Say Chicken?!

Discover expertly decorated areas that are perfect for a photo-op with friends and family! Capture your best moments at the following inspired spots: Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Shop Throne, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus Mouse, Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth Chicken Cut-Out, Bronner’s Life-Size Santa, Cass Riverwalk, & Frankenmuth Murals throughout town (this list is not all inclusive, find a few of your own favorites and add to the list). And remember to #FRANKENMUTH, your photo may even be featured in a blog like this one…

10). Make a List of Your Frankenmuth Favorites…

Memories in Michigan’s Little Bavaria are unmatched, so while you’re out adventuring, be sure to note a few of your favorite Frankenmuth things for your next visit. Until next time…

Whether you're a Frankenmuth newbie or expert, we challenge you to experience everything that put Frankenmuth on the map, while discovering new experiences that will create family traditions for years to come.