All it takes is a one-time visit to this Alpine-inspired town in South Central Michigan and visitors feel “Willkommen”, or Welcome.
Known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth plays up its Germanic heritage. Buildings represent an Alpine theme, and several yearly festivals celebrate that heritage. Streets are lined with flowers and greenery, and throngs of visitors traverse the streets or linger at park benches or in entertainment areas.
According to information compiled by Michigan State University, this town, located between Flint and Saginaw, was founded in 1845 by a group of 15 German-Lutheran missionaries who came to the area for the purpose of teaching Christianity to the Chippewa Indians. ‘Franken’ depicts the province from which the settlers came and ‘Muth’ means courage in German. The name Frankenmuth means "Courage of the Franconians.”
“German architecture can be seen throughout town as well as German food menu items across many of the restaurants; you can have a taste of Germany without ever leaving the country,” said Christie Bierlein, sales and marketing director for the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Two of the festivals that pay tribute to that heritage: Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival and Oktoberfest (the only one sanctioned outside of Munich, Germany). At both festivals you can find festival go-ers in lederhosen and dirndls, drinking Hofbrau beer directly from Germany and dancing along to polka bands from across the country.”
The population of the town is about 5,000 residents.
“Frankenmuth may only be home to 5,000 residents but welcomes over 3 million visitors each year,” explained Bierlein. “Many people are surprised to discover that people actually live in Frankenmuth, because of its charming ‘theme park’ type atmosphere with horse-drawn carriages trotting down the streets and the beauty in the German architecture. It’s a wonderful place for families, couples, groups of friends and everyone in between; there truly is something for everyone, you just need to know where to look.”
Pedestrian-friendly, Frankenmuth has a number of museums and historic sites. Much of Frankenmuth’s attractions can be easily accessed via walking paths or strolling down the sidewalk. Horse-drawn carriages and a riverboat excursion on the Cass River are some alternative transportation options.
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland Store. [Photo/Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce & CVB]
And for those who arrive pulling their travel trailers or motorhomes, several areas in town can accommodate these vehicles for the day.
“Right here in town, we have Frankenmuth Jellystone Park Camp Resort. They have water, electric and sewer hook-ups, pull-throughs, tent sites and even rentable cabins onsite, along with a pool, playground, free WiFi and many more activities,” Bierlein explained. “Parking for RV’s in Frankenmuth is usually no problem unless it’s a busy weekend or festival, there is bus and RV parking located at the Frankenmuth Visitor Center, behind Zehnders, Bavarian Inn Restaurant, River Place Shops and the hotels.”
It is critical that all of these 3 million visitors feel welcome and appreciated, Bierlein said.
“Tourism is a vital component of Frankenmuth’s economy. With over 150 tourism-based businesses in the area, ensuring that visitors come back to Frankenmuth, and come back often is key to the town’s survival.
“Our business community has done a great job of continuing to evolve their businesses and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to leisure travel. Attractions like Frankenmuth Aerial Park and The Great Lakes Escape Game have popped up in the past few years here and are great assets to families traveling with older kids,” Bierlein said. “The hotels keep changing as well. Our two waterpark hotels have expanded and added to their offerings which encourages visitors to come back.”
Heralded as a four-season destination, some times of the year are busier than others. Activities and festivals mean that Frankenmuth’s telephone number is indicative of its promise of fun. That phone number is 1-800-FUN-TOWN.
“Aside from festival weeks and weekends, travel really ramps up in July and continues through Christmas,” Bierlein reported. “Summer is a popular time because kids are out of school and Frankenmuth is known as a clean, safe, family-friendly destination. The fall is also a beautiful time to visit, just be sure to book accommodations early, especially if traveling on the weekend.”
Frankenmuth has several claims to fame in addition to its Alpine-theme attraction. According to Bierlein, Frankenmuth is also built on Christmas and chicken.
She suggests a visit to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. This store houses an estimated 50,000 ornaments, trees, decorations, specialty items, and gifts. Open 361 days a year, it is Christmas time year-round at this Frankenmuth shop, which opened in 1945. The current location is the equivalent of five and a half football fields in size.
Bierlein also recommends lunch or dinner at one of two of the largest independently owned restaurants in the country, Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth and Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Zehnder's has available seating for more than 1,500 guests.
“Both of these serve world famous chicken dinners.”
Frankenmuth offers plenty of shopping opportunities as well as activities to enjoy the great outdoors.
“The Cass River runs right through downtown and there are two boat tours to partake in: Frankenmuth Funships (12 passenger electric duffy boats that pair wine and chocolate as you cruise the scenic river) and the Bavarian Belle (150 passenger paddlewheel style boat),” she said. “We’d be remiss to not mention all the unique shopping opportunities Frankenmuth has to offer. River Place Shops is a shopping village with an abundant amount of German architecture to enjoy while perusing over 30 boutiques. There’s more shopping to be found downtown, and don’t worry, with coffee shops and wine bars nestled in among the shops, you’ll have plenty of fuel to recharge your day.”
Culture, Destinations, Entertainment, History, Michigan, Outdoors