Group Activities in Frankenmuth
Whether you’re planning a work trip, family vacation, group tour, or a short weekend away – we understand that planning the perfect itinerary can be quite the challenge. To help make your itinerary planning easier, we have compiled a list of activities in Michigan’s Little Bavaria that would be the perfect addition to your agenda!
In Frankenmuth, there’s fun for everyone in the group!
Take Your Group to the Great Outdoors.
Frankenmuth FunShips Tasting & Tours is an intimate way to enjoy the Cass River with a group of 24 or less. With two 12-seat electric boats that offer an array of tours up and down the Cass River, including a wine and chocolate tasting tour, it is sure to be a relaxing experience for your group. (Allow 1 hr)
You might have seen the gorgeous paddlewheel Bavarian Belle Riverboat docked outside the River Place Shops, but did you know you can reserve the entire 150 passenger boat and hour-narrated tour for your own private event or make reservations ahead of time for your group? And, it is handicap accessible! (Allow 1 hr)
Paddle your way along the Cass River with Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures. Take the trip from Tuscola to Frankenmuth (Allow 2+ hrs) or rent by the hour and paddle your way around Frankenmuth. This self-guided tour will give your group the chance to enjoy the great outdoors and take in the beauty of the Cass River. (Allow 1-3 hrs)
The Fortress Golf Course encompasses 6,813 yards of formidable play on an 18-hole, par-72 course. The Fortress is located just 435 yards from the front porch of Zehnder’s Restaurant in downtown Frankenmuth and has been recognized as one of Michigan’s top golf courses.
Swing through trees at the Frankenmuth Aerial Park. Whether you’ve never been in the trees or you’ve experienced your fair share of climbing adventures, you’ll be able to pick a course that fits your level of adventure. Your group is sure to never forget their time in the trees! (Allow 2 hours)
Did you know that Frankenmuth is home to 18 different parks? Let your group unwind a little at one of our beautiful outdoor spaces. Visit Memorial Park for a round of disc golf, or take a walk along the river in Heritage Park. (Allow 1-2 hrs)
Take Time for a Tour
Take a tour around town with a step-on guide. This educational tour will teach your group about the history of Frankenmuth and introduce them to new places! To learn more about step-on guide services, please contact the Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau at 989-652-6106, or via email at groupsales@frankenmuth.org. (Allow 1 hr)
If your group includes veterans or American History buffs, then Michigan Heroes Museum is a must. This is the only museum of its kind in the U.S. featuring uniform displays of Michigan Veterans of our six foreign wars and the space program. It also has the largest display of Medals of Honor in the country. (Allow 1 hr)
Tour the founding church of Frankenmuth - St. Lorenz Church was established in 1845 with the founding of the city. The stained glass windows tell the story of Michigan’s Little Bavaria, while the log house takes you on a journey back in time. Tours are FREE, call ahead to schedule. (Allow 1 hr)
The Frankenmuth Historical Museum is a great place to learn all about our origin from early settlement to the booming successes of our local businesses in modern times. Immerse yourself in its history by adding a hands-on class or activity from their educational program. (Allow 30min - 1.5 hrs)
Any farmers in your group? Take a tour of Grandpa Tiny’s Farm to see how this antique farm still operates today. (Allow 1-2 hrs)
Interested in the century-old technique of wool processing in Frankenmuth? Take a tour at the Frankenmuth Woolen Mill and enjoy the gift shop where you can buy wool products made right there. Add on the 'Make Your Own Dryer Ball' activity to your tour for a hands-on experience! (Allow 1 hr)
When shopping at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, make sure to take time to tour the Silent Night Memorial Chapel located on the southern tip of the property. It is an exact replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf/Salzburg, Austria and is FREE to tour. (Allow 20 minutes)
Journey through unique dietary foods, eco-friendly gifts, and proper supplementation at Healthy Habitz. You will be lead by knowledgeable and friendly staff. Snacks and sample beverages will be offered when applicable. Appointment only, call ahead. Groups of 5-25 people.
Experience the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus with a back-of-house tour into the kitchen where 12 cheese spreads are made "in-haus." Tour begins outside the Cheese Haus at 9am with the 12 minute long Figurinespiel show, where 5 children from around the world tell their story about cheese from their home country. Afterwards guests will go on a behind the scene kitchen tour where the famous cheese spreads are made. Appointment only, call ahead. 20-25 guests per tour, but can be done in shifts to accommodate more.
Hop aboard the Golden Ticket Trolley for a fun ride around town! Daily tours, themed tours, and private rentals are available. Special holiday light tours available too! Private rentals start at one hour and go up. 28 person capacity, call ahead for private group rental.
PedAle your group around Michigan's Little Bavaria for fun on the PedAle Trolley. This 16-person pedal-powered trolley is a fun way to explore Frankenmuth and get some light exercise and fresh air too! Choose from varied two-hour tours: Pub Crawl, River Ride, Main Street Mixer, Attraction Trek, and more. "Sit. Smile. PedAle for awhile." Groups of 16 or less.
Tour Weiss Centennial Farm for a customized tour with programs adjusted to the age of the group, interests, and amount of time you will have at the farm. Learn more about the diversity of Michigan's agricultural bounty and food processors. Vegetable, fruit, and heritage German recipes are available to make in the kitchen.
Travel Tip:
If visiting at Christmas time, be sure to enjoy the Driving Christmas Light Tour around Frankenmuth. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and follow the map and story for an evening of Christmas cheer!
Experience Hands-On Fun
Roll a pretzel or make a strudel at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Expert bakers will lead you through proper pretzel-rolling and strudel making methods. Then, it’s your turn to try and match the technique. (Call ahead for availability, groups of 20+, Allow 30 mins)
Put on the gloves and dive into the ingredients at Zak & Macs Chocolate Haus. Make your own specialty Chocolate "Pop It." Decorate the inside of your mold with different options of sprinkles, toffee, and more; then fill it up with creamy chocolate! Classes occur regularly every Saturday, but can be scheduled for your group at least 48 hours in advance. Based on availability.
Learn how to make authentic German sausage at Willi’s Sausage Company. Make and take sausage home with you! Demonstrations also available for groups on a tight schedule. (Time varies)
Take a moment to make a souvenir to take with you! Schedule a bracelet and wine tasting class at Bead Haven and Modern Craft Winery. Craft the perfect bracelet while sipping on hand-crafted fruit-infused wines. (Allow 1 hr)
Forge a dagger, knife, wand, rune pendant, or other seasonal piece under the guidance of experienced blacksmiths at Bavarian Blacksmith Experience. Daily experiences available. Group and private events options too.
Take a break from walking to relax a bit and enjoy the pampering side of Frankenmuth at Serendipity Wellness Spa. Your group can choose from the relaxing menu of manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, body treatments and waxing services. Call ahead to reserve the spot for your group, (recommended for groups with 6-15 people).
Travel Tips:
For an added hands-on experience download or pick up a Frankenmuth Gnome Hunt from the Visitor Center. This scavenger hunt is the perfect addition to your allotted time for shopping and exploring time.
Take a mural tour with the Frankenmuth Mural Finder! After using this pass to guide you to 15 or more murals around town, redeem your prize at the Visitor Center!
Planning on going out for some drinks? Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to purchase the Bavarian Bierpass. Earn stamps with each drink you purchase around town - after collecting 15, return to the Visitor's Center to collect your prize!
Show Your Group a Fun Time!
Dinner shows are also offered at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant as well as Zehnder’s Restaurant. You can enjoy a delicious chicken dinner and great music. For more info on upcoming shows, check our Events Calendar. (Time Varies)
Frankenmuth’s award-winning Bronner Performing Arts Center is a great place to enjoy the orchestra, ballets, and shows put on by the local community. There is always something to be enjoyed and discovered on stage. And did you know that you and your group can call ahead and arrange to meet the artists, enjoy a VIP lounge room with refreshments, and enjoy a souvenir from the show? (Time Varies)
The Glockenspiel Tower at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon and illuminated figurines that tell the story of the Pied Piper. This FREE show plays every day at noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm. (Allow 15 mins)
Just up the street at the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, your group can enjoy the “The World of Cheese'' show that tells the story about cheese making across Europe and the U.S. The show plays daily on the Figurinespiel tower at 9am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm. (Allow 15 mins)
Travel Tip:
Make sure to include the spectacular Frankenmuth Christmas Tree show into your Christmas itinerary. The 7-minute long light and music show plays the sweet sound of Christmas multiple times throughout the day!
Sample a Little.
Sample a little of the Private Label German Wine collection at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Dorothy's homemade cheese spread and crackers will complement the naturally light and elegant wines that balance the sweetness and acidity of wines from that area. Minimum 1 week's advance reservations required, 20+ guests. Must be 21 years or older to participate.
Taste three unique German brewing methods at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Enjoy a classic Pilsner, a Dunkel (dark) beer and a Weisse (wheat) beer along with another German classic - a soft pretzel! Minimum 1 week's advance reservations required, 20+ guests. Must be 21 years or older to participate.
Sample your way around River Place Shops! At Sticky Situations, try the many flavors of honey throughout the store. Stop on by Great Lakes Olive Oil Co. to taste the many flavors olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Visit Cherry Republic for a sample of their selection of Michigan cherry products, and pair it with one of their Michigan-made wines. Swing by Grand Traverse Distillery and Black Star Farms to sample their selection of vodkas, whiskeys, gin, rum and wines.
Sip a little at Michigan's oldest wine company, St.Julian Wine Company. Wine, champagne, spumante, and juices. Suits groups of all sizes, call ahead of time to reserve a time for your group.
Explore the Area.
Consider these options located just outside of Frankenmuth
Looking for more golf options? Take your group to Timbers Golf Club in Vassar and Green Acres Golf Course in Bridgeport, for a fun day on the green!
Sit back and relax at a Private Cinema or Big Screen Gaming at the Vassar Theatre. Pick your favorite movies(s) and personal showtime at our Art Deco movie house. Choose from current and recent films. Bring your favorite film on Blu-ray/DVD and our technology will make it look and sound great. Big Screen Gaming works with your console, controller, and videogames, HDMI connection required. Host discounts on popcorn & pop combos. Advance booking and payment required.
Enjoy a scenic boat tour through Michigan’s largest wildlife/ bald eagle habitat with Johnny Panther Quest Adventure Trips. Featuring the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and State Game Area. Explore part of the largest watershed and wildlife habitats in the Lower Peninsula. Enjoy bald eagles, beaver, birding, team building, romance, adventure, and more. All tours by reservation, customized to each groups desires.
Tour the Castle Museum of Saginaw County. Explore the history of the county by going on a journey through time at this one-of-a-kind museum.
For further group information, reservations, and questions please contact our Sales Manager at 989-652-6106 or via email at groupsales@frankenmuth.org.