Frankenmuth, MI

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB

Enjoy one of the world’s largest Christmas stores, alpine buildings and beer and wine festivals in this enchanting city sometimes called Little Bavaria.

Germanic architecture and customs are what distinguish Frankenmuth, a quaint city of wineries, breweries and Lutheran churches, from other Michigan towns. Set up in the 19th century by Lutheran evangelists, the town presents itself as an old-fashioned and idyllic German village. Attend festivals celebrating such fierce German traditions as beer, Bavaria and Christmas.

For an appreciation of proud local rituals, drop in at a pub or inn in the downtown village-like zone, which is decorated like a typical German hamlet in the 1800s. Charming European façades adorn buildings with antiquated or Germanic names, such as Cheese Haus and Prost.

Explore the seven galleries of the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, which celebrates the heritage and traditions of Germany’s historic Franconia region. Walk along the footpath that crosses the Cass River to reach the modern River Place Shops. The Bavarian Belle Riverboat takes passengers on trips around the downtown district.

On the river’s northern bank stands the Lager Mill Brewing Museum, containing more than 450 artisanal beers from across the globe. Try local wines at St. Julian Winery on the city’s northern outskirts. Head west to see the enchanting 19th-century St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, built to remind worshippers of the city’s Franconian origins.

Nowhere is Frankenmuth’s quaint ambiance better evoked than at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, where you can pet animals as you learn about Bavarian farming traditions. Find out about Grandpa William “Tiny” Zehnder, who is known affectionately by locals as Mr. Frankenmuth. Across the road is the alpine cottage of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, displaying festive treasures year-round beside its large snowman and Santa models.

The city lies between Flint and Saginaw in Saginaw County, Michigan. Drive south from the southern end of Saginaw Bay to get here in about 30 minutes. Visit other landmarks in the area, including Huron-Manistee National Forest, the Roscommon State Forest Area and Detroit.

Frankenmuth is a little slice of old-world Europe in Michigan.

Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth

Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth

3 out of 5
1 Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI
The price is ¥27,686 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥27,686
¥37,097 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free parking, 4 indoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,412 reviews)
"This place has it all. Nice waterpark, outdoor pool, indoor pools and hot tubs that are separate from waterpark, arcade area, dining options, putt putt, bowling, gift shops, rope course, rock wall, laser tag, and more. Easy walk to river place shops. Your family will not get bored staying here."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth Motel

Frankenmuth Motel

2 out of 5
1218 Weiss Street, Frankenmuth, MI
The price is ¥16,351 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
¥16,351
¥18,476 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Great stay right in downtown frankenmuth"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Frankenmuth Motel
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankenmuth by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankenmuth by IHG

2.5 out of 5
926 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI
The price is ¥20,264 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
¥20,264
¥22,897 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"The stay was relaxing staff friendly. Shopping across the street. Will stay here again"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankenmuth by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 1950's Themed Historic Homestead In The Heart of Downtown Frankenmuth, Walkable

1950's Themed Historic Homestead In The Heart of Downtown Frankenmuth, Walkable

Frankenmuth
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
10/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews)
"This was our second stay here and we'll probably stay again if we have at least 6 people. It's worth the little bit of extra money. Great location, great host and we love the house."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

1950's Themed Historic Homestead In The Heart of Downtown Frankenmuth, Walkable
The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth

The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Great property. Outdoor area was perfect for our grandchildren to play. Space in the house was perfect for everyone to enjoy."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

The ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn - Historic Estate located in downtown Frankenmuth
Flint Haus - Frankenmuth Vacation Homes

Flint Haus - Frankenmuth Vacation Homes

Frankenmuth
Stay at this vacation home in Frankenmuth. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and River Place ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"We had a great trip and enjoyed this house! There was enough rooms, bathrooms, and space for all of us. We loved having a kitchen to make breakfasts and snacks."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Flint Haus - Frankenmuth Vacation Homes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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