Frankenmuth - Michigan's Little Bavaria is a Great Weekend Getaway

Frankenmuth, Michigan is a great weekend getaway for families, couples or a "girls night out." About 90 minutes drive from the Detroit area, it is Michigan's number one visitor destination, with around 3 million visitors each year. Frankmuth started as an exclusive German Lutheran community, and has made a strong effort to maintain and celebrate its German heritage. Considered a Little Bavaria, there is a German theme throughout the city.

Twice a year we take a "family trip" to Frankenmuth with our two sons. I discovered Frankenmuth when some friends set up a girl's weekend at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. I enjoyed it so much I later went back for a weekend with my husband. Then we started going with our son. We have been returning with our kids for 11 years, with a fall getaway with a stop at the Birch Run Prime Outlet mall for early Christmas shopping, and also in February or March to just get away during the gloomy part of the year. My kids love going there, and it has become our family tradition.

City Attractions

The main street in Frankenmuth is designed for a leisurely stroll with lots to stop and see. You can also enjoy a fantasy horse and carriage ride which starts at the Zehnder's Restaurant parking lot and covers historical sites as well as the Main Street.

One attraction is the covered wooden bridge that leads to the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Many people enjoy walking over this old-fashioned bridge, and it is a popular picture spot. At the end of the bridge is a gift shop and leather shop, which has a video you can view about the construction of the bridge.

You may enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. This paddleboat takes you on a narrated tour of the Cass River.

Main Street has a number of interesting shops. Some of note are the fudge shops where you can watch fudge being made fresh while you wait. Another store has a taffy pulling demonstration. Rau's Country Store is another favorite, featuring barrels of candy sold by the pound. Kids love it, and adults get a kick out of discovering old favorites. My husband loves to get a collection of rock candy and taffy when we visit this store.