Frankenmuth
Originally Frankenmuth
was to be an exclusively German Lutheran community nicknamed “Little Bavaria”. The Bavarian culture of the town has been preserved and passed down through the generations. The German language is still prevalent in signage and speech, and German speakers continue to reside in the town to this day. Over three million tourists annually come to visit its Bavarian-themed shops and restaurants. The beautiful architecture of the town is surrounded by lush farms and the tranquil Cass River runs through town to add to the beauty and appeal of the city.
The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower
“Glockenspiel” is literally translated from German into English as “bells play”; or “musical bells”. In German usage, it is applied to any carillon-sized or chime-sized tower bell instrument which plays music. The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower
houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon, a beautiful figurine movement and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany! Before striking the hour, and on each quarter hour, the clock sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime. At Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. each day the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel plays several selections which are immediately followed by figurine movement depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, a truly magnificent spectacle!
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
It’s never too soon to start shopping for Christmas and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
is a great place to start. Operating year-round, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland promotes itself as the "World's Largest Christmas Store". The building itself covers over 7 acres, with landscaped grounds covering 27 acres. Outside the entrance are three 5m tall outdoor Santas and a 5m tall snowman, and in the evening, 100,000 lights illuminate Bronner's Christmas Lane. Inside, approximately 800 animated figurines delight visitors at various locations throughout the store. This is the place to find Christmas ornaments, decorations and trims, gifts, artificial Christmas trees, Christmas lights, Nativity scenes, and collectibles. Bronner's has the exclusive right to sell Precious Moments Christmas-themed figurines. If you wish you can pre-order ahead of time from home and pick up your purchase when you visit the store.
With the government of Austria's permission and in keeping with the theme of the town itself, in 1922, Bronner's built a replica of the Oberndorf, Austria, Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a tribute to the Christmas hymn "Silent Night". It a very special place that is a short walk from the store but worth the time.
Birch Run Outlet Mall
With over 100 stores to choose from, at this Great Lake’s premier outlet destination, you are sure to find something you just can’t live without, or that special something for someone on your gift list.
Frankenmuth River Place
For 20 years River Place Run has featured 40 shops mostly local and family-owned and a few national retailers, situated in a beautiful Bavarian setting. This unique retail experience allows you to taste a variety of products including made in Michigan wine, local honey, hot sauce and so much more. Find that unique gift for someone special or the perfect addition for your seasonal holiday celebrations.
Frankenmuth’s Covered Bridge
Although it was constructed in 1979, the Zehnder’s Holz Brücke
(German for Wooden Bridge) looks like it was plucked from the Black Forest and planted astride the Cass River in the middle of Frankenmuth. The architects remained faithful to traditional covered bridge timber framing techniques, and this sturdy bridge accommodates automobiles and pedestrians numbering in the hundreds of thousands every year. It’s a lovely walk from the downtown area through the bridge to your hotel and provides a great photo opportunity.
Michigan Heroes Museum *
The mission of the Michigan Heroes’ Museum
is to "Honor, Respect, and Remember Michigan's citizens' personal contributions to our nation's military, and space programs." This is a unique museum dedicated to the wartime experiences of the men and women who served from the state of Michigan. There are over 140 displays and over 850 individual exhibits, including the nation’s largest Medal of Honor collection on display.
Zeilinger Wool Company *
The Zeilinger Wool Company
is not just about selling wool and wool products, it is the whole process of taking a natural resource that is renewable, and making it into beautiful items that make great gifts. The company has been in business for over a century and now include the fourth generation of the family.
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Optional Additions
Transportation to these optional attractions is available, though admission fees are extra.
