72 Hours in Frankenmuth

It can seem like a daunting task to plan an entire vacation. And, we're here to help! Frankenmuth may only be two-square-miles in size, but it’s packed full of fun things to do.

This blog will help you get the most out of your vacation so that you can see all there is to enjoy in Michigan's Little Bavaria.

Credit: @brettmartinphotos

Day One

When you first arrive...

You can't miss the expertly decorated Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland which greets you when driving into town from the South. Park the car and head into the World’s Largest Christmas Store.

Once you've gazed at the more than 50,000 gifts, trims, and decor, walk across the parking lot to Silent Night Memorial Chapel.

Next…

Enjoy world-famous chicken for lunch at Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Every family-style chicken dinner meal starts with a delicious noodle soup, followed by some seasonal starters, then the main course with chicken, potatoes, noodles, and more, and ends with a delicious dollop of ice cream.

After lunch, head down to the lower level to find the Bavarian Inn Castle Shops. Stroll through the enchanting halls and shops filled with unique keepsakes, collectables, gifts, and so much more!

Following your meal...

Take a drive – or walk! – through Frankenmuth. Keep your eyes peeled for the gnomes hidden around town at over 40 businesses. Find 15 gnomes and stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your prize. Make sure to include a stop at the historic St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. Tours are available by calling ahead.

After that, find yourself back at Main Street to enjoy shopping among the unique boutiques.

Meet back for dinner…

Enjoy your meal on the patio at one of our restaurants with outdoor dining; DaVinci’s Italian Restaurant, Poblano’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, The Frankenmuth Brewery, Michigan on Main Bar and Grill, or Flavor Caribbean Cuisine.

Once you've finished your meal, hop in the car and head back to Bronner's Christmas Lane. Over 100,000 lights grace this half-mile that lights up when the sun goes down.

After a jam-packed day, head to your hotel for a good night's rest.

Day Two

Start the day off right...

With a fresh cup of coffee and a treat from Creation Coffee, Kaffee Haus, or Biggby Coffee. Sip your coffee while you enjoy strolling the flower-lined streets of downtown.

Afterwards, take a trip through time and tour the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, where you will hear the founding history of Frankenmuth. Then, drive over the Holz Brücke Covered Bridge before you start exploring the Michigan’s Military and Space Heroes Museum, which houses the country’s largest collection of Medals of Honor.

Break for lunch...

And head to Zehnder's of Frankenmuth. Try “round two” of a family-style chicken dinner, or order something special like Chicken Schnitzel or the Bavarian Sausages (Mmm!)

Walk off the calories and head to Frankenmuth Clock & German Gift Company, this shop has over 150 unique cuckoo clocks on display!

Next, head to Frankenmuth River Place Shops to…

Take a historic boat tour down the Cass River on the Bavarian Belle. If you're looking for something a little more intimate, enjoy a wine and chocolate riverboat cruise with Frankenmuth FunShips. Both tours last about an hour and provide a unique view of Frankenmuth from the water! If guided tours are not your thing, explore the Cass River on your own with Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures, or the Riverwalk.

Settle down for the night...

Take a culinary trip around the world with a European fine dining experience at The Station 100 or send your taste buds to Asia with a dinner box meal at Wang’s Bistro.

Then, enjoy free time downtown and hit up one of the local spots to have a drink: Tiffany’s, Kernel Benny’s, Prost! Wine Bar and Charcuterie, or T.Dub’s. If you’re looking for live entertainment, stop by the Lorelei Lounge at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Slo’ Bones, or Fischer Platz to see who is playing. Want to participate in the entertainment? Stop by The Family Fun Center at the Bavarian Inn Lodge to take a turn at karaoke. If singing is not for you, maybe the 160 arcade games, or putt putt would be more your genre.

Day Three

Wake up refreshed…

Eat breakfast at the hotel, or enjoy a locally sourced fresh meal from K’s Café or Honey B's.

Start your morning off at the River Place Shops. Create your own experience and learn how to forge your own dagger at the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience, or try to find your way through the mirrors at the Ultimate Mirror Maze.

Fill up...

With relaxing lunch at River Place Shops. Choose from a sweet or savory crepe from La Crepe Du Jour, a chicken street taco at Cass River Bar & Grill, or a yummy pasty from the Pasty Haus.

Finish up lunch with a sweet treat from one of the many delicious shops; N’Orlin’s Cafe, SugarHigh Bakery, or SugarRush Sweets & Treats.

After lunch, catch the Glockenspiel show at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant at noon. You can view the show depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln at noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm each day.

Finish off strong...

With a visit to Weiss Centennial Farm or Grandpa Tiny's Farm for an agricultural tour. Frankenmuth has a rich agricultural history. From corn mazes to sunflower fields, and petting zoos to festivals, our historic working farms always have something fun on the calendar.

Once you’ve finished exploring by foot, kick up your feet and zip through the trees at Frankenmuth Aerial Park, or hop aboard the Golden Ticket Trolley for a tour of town.

Now that your feet are tired, your belly is stuffed, and your heart is full, it’s time to hit the road. But before you depart Michigan’s Little Bavaria, don’t forget to take a piece of Frankenmuth with you to snack on later. Stop by Willi’s Sausage Company or Kern’s Sausage on your way out of town, to pick up a Bavarian-flavored souvenir to share!