Tucked away in Michigan is a Bavarian village called Frankenmuth. This town has food, shopping, and even boasts the world’s largest Christmas store. This quaint and picturesque town makes for a fun day trip or weekend getaway.
This post is all about fun things to do in Frankenmuth, Michigan!
Try local cheeses at the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus
At this cheese palace, you will find the most amazing mix of cheeses and local products, as well as candy and other grocery items. Try out some of the flavored cheese curds, or the many different varieties. On your way out of the Cheese Haus, don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with their mousy mascot.
Check out the covered bridge
Located right next to the Bavarian Inn, you will see the most idyllic wood covered bridge. Take a stroll along the water and look for the sign over the bridge that says “Holz Briicke,” meaning wood bridge. If you’re lucky, you may even see one of the horse drawn carriages passing through.
take a horse drawn carriage ride
Throughout the little main street of the Bavarian village, you will see horse drawn carriages making their rounds with tourists. Whether you want to go for a ride, or just watch them as they pass by, their presence makes the setting all the more special. This could be one of the most special things to do in Frankenmuth.
Grab some confections at Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus
Fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate turtles and more, this shop is filled to the brim with tasty sweet treats. But the real treasure here is their toffee. The toffee comes in tons of flavors but each is packed with buttery delicious flavor. Grab a few snacks for yourself, and then load up on gifts for family and friends. Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Feast on a chicken dinner (bavarian inn and zehnder’s)
These dueling restaurants across the street from each other are famous for their all-you-can-eat family style chicken dinners. If you poll people which is best, you will probably get a pretty even split between the two, so you can’t go wrong. This family style meal includes all the sides and appetizers and delicious fried chicken. Take my grandmothers advice and “don’t fill up on the sides, the good stuff is coming.”
Stroll and shop in the River place shops
Just over the bridge there is an idyllic outdoor shopping area. The buildings have an enchanting Bavarian style facade but feature a mix of modern stores. Feel like your walking through a German town (or a Disney park) as you stroll through to get some shopping done.
Explore Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
One of the absolute best things to do in Frankenmuth is to visit the “World’s Largest Christmas Store.” Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland has a selection of Christmas ornaments, and decor that you will not believe until you set eyes on it for yourself. They are sorted by a variety of characteristics: country of origin, hobbies, professions, color and more. But the real way to make the most of it is to take your time and wander through it all.
Grab a beer at Frankenmuth Brewery
Frankenmuth Brewery boasts being America’s oldest microbrewery and has been open since 1982. Try out one of their several year-round flavors or one of their seasonal draughts. They also have a large bar menu to pair with your German or American style beer.
Take a Riverboat Ride
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, take a trip out onto the river with the Bavarian Belle Riverboat tours. This family owned and operated business runs hour-long river tours throughout the day on an authentic stern driven paddlewheel riverboat. Get a view of the picturesque town from the water.
Get wine and Charcuterie at Prost!
This cute wine bar does feature a large wine list, but it also features a beer list as well as craft cocktails. But the best part of this place is the build your own cheese and charcuterie board. Pick your cheeses, meats, and accompaniments. Or if you’re feeling indecisive, check out one of the curated boards like the German Heritage board seen above. Theres really no wrong was to eat meat and cheese and drink wine.
Get some homemade bavarian sausages from Kern’s sausages
This family owned and operated grocer has been making sausages and baked goods since 1949. This shop features over 30 different varieties of Bavarian style sausages. When you pick your sausage of choice, do not sleep on the homemade brat rolls, they are in high demand and so delicious.
This post was all about fun things to do in Frankenmuth, Michigan!
I hope this gives you some inspiration of things to do in Frankemuth, but there are also many other wonders you can stumble upon. This quaint little town is packed with charm. So if you’re ever in the area, don’t miss a chance to see it!
For more fun travel tips in the midwest, check out the Chicago Chinatown Guide!
