Frankenmuth celebrates German history as Michigan's Little Bavaria
Frankenmuth was founded by German immigrants, and their influence is still reflected in the town’s architecture, restaurants and events. As locals uphold their German ancestry in what has come to be known as Little Bavaria, tourists are happy to show their appreciation. “It’s a big attraction for tourists in the area,” says Marshall Mannion, a consultant with Cobblestone Realty. “People like the amenities that come with the tourism.” Along with great restaurants and a full events calendar, Frankenmuth also offers plenty of shopping and parks. “A lot of people like it because it’s a good friendly atmosphere,” Mannion says. “People welcome you with open arms every time you’re there.”
A Bavarian-style downtown with German restaurants and breweries
Tourists browse candy stores, clothing boutiques and gift shops among the Bavarian-style buildings that line Main Street. The clock tower has an old-fashioned glockenspiel that rises over the storefronts, and the walls at the Bavarian Inn feature German-style motifs and art as men in lederhosen come around playing traditional folk music. The inn's restaurant features bratwurst and schnitzel, plus all-you-can-eat chicken dinners. Frankenmuth Brewery first opened in 1862, making it Michigan’s oldest microbrewery. More boutiques and gift shops are available at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Kroger is just up Main Street in Bavarian Mall.
Frankenmuth's annual Bavarian Festival and Oktoberfest
In mid-June, Zehndler Park hosts the annual Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. The weekend has parades, Bavarian music, polka bands and authentic German food. Lederhosen and dirndls are in no short supply. Later in the year, Frankenmuth Oktoberfest has traditional German folk dancing and wiener dog races in Heritage Park. In 1996, the festival made history by being the first Oktoberfest festival other than Munich’s to get sanctioned by a German official. From June to October, locals head to the Frankenmuth Farmers Market every Saturday morning to pick up local produce, artisan goods and fresh flowers.
American architecture captured in Frankenmuth's homes
While downtown looks like a transplanted German city center, Frankenmuth’s residential streets feature more American architecture. Trees hang over the sidewalks, and flowers dot many front yards. Condos, Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes range from $100,000 to $350,000, while custom builds and bigger condos and Colonials range from $400,000 to $670,000.
Riverside parks, indoor water parks and public golf courses
Situated at a bend in the Cass River, Heritage Park has canoe and kayak launches. Visitors can also head over to Bavarian Blast, an indoor waterpark. Heritage Park has three baseball diamonds and a couple pavilions, and Fortress Golf Course is open to the public. Memorial Park’s bandshell looks like a castle with turrets on the sides. Locals use the playground, play some disc golf or let their pups run free at the dog park.
Public and private Lutheran schools in Frankenmuth
Prekindergarteners through fourth graders attend List Elementary School, while fifth through eighth graders head to E.F. Rittmueller Middle School. Both schools receive an A-minus from Niche. B-plus-rated Frankenmuth High School includes the Bronner Performing Arts Center, which offers regular plays and performances for its students. For a private option, St. Lorenz Lutheran School teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade. The church has services in German on the second Sunday of each month.
Getting around Frankenmuth and to nearby amenities
To cross the Cass River, one of the town’s only bridges is at Main Street, though there’s also a traditional covered bridge right next to it, adding to the German feel. Genessee Street links the town with Saginaw, about 14 miles away, and to Interstate 75. Covenant Medical Center Cooper is about 15 miles away, in Saginaw. MBS International Airport is about 30 miles away, though locals can also go 30 miles south to catch a flight at Bishop International Airport.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
