Top Things to Do in Frankenmuth, Michigan

Michigan's Little Bavaria draws visitors with old-world atmosphere, festivals, shops and family-style chicken dinners.

Frankenmuth Cheesehaus in Frankenmuth, MichiganR11526
Photo: Johnny Quirin

Do

Bavarian Belle Riverboat

Guides regale passengers with historical tidbits while passing local landmarks during the one-hour cruise along the Cass River. bavarianbelle.com

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Brian Confer

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Stock up on ornaments and other decor at this festive behemoth, which bills itself as the world's largest holiday shop. A store associate hands out maps to help incoming guests navigate the massive space, one-and-a-half times the size of a football field. bronners.com

Frankenmuth Cheese Haus

In the heart of town, a smiling mouse attracts visitors for selfies and 140 kinds of cheese. frankenmuthcheesehaus.com

Frankenmuth River Place Shops
Bob Stefko

Frankenmuth River Place Shops

About 40 shops and attractions draw visitors for souvenirs, home decor, pet merch and more in this Bavarian-theme complex. frankenmuthriverplace.com

Frankenmuth Brewing Company
Jason Lindsey

Eat and Drink

Frankenmuth Brewery

Established in 1862, this spot is America's oldest microbrewery. It sits on three levels overlooking the Cass River. Try a pizza and a brew like the malty Red Sky Ale. frankenmuthbrewery.com

Prost!

The wine bar and charcuterie restaurant also serves paninis, such as a spicy PLT made with smoked pancetta. prostfrankenmuth.com

Rau's Country Store

Pick licorice, jawbreakers and taffy out of old-style barrels, or purchase a homemade apron. rauscountrystore.com

Zehnder's

Treat yourself to a bounteous family-style chicken dinner. zehnders.com

Stay

Bavarian Inn Lodge

This family-owned hotel has European-theme rooms and a water park. At Oma's Restaurant, chicken dinners and German fare are big hits. bavarianinn.com

Marv Herzog Hotel

The sparkling riverview lodging features some of the polka master's memorabilia. marvherzoghotel.com

Horse and buggy outside Zehnder's, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Brian Confer

Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark

Families enjoy the golf and the indoor water park. The all-you-can-eat fried-chicken dinners come served family-style. zehnders.com

For more information frankenmuth.org

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