If you’re looking for the perfect family weekend getaway, let me introduce you to Frankenmuth Michigan, a place so charming they call it Little Bavaria. We have visited this tiny German-style town over and over again as it is full of fairy-tale buildings, fun attractions, and delicious food.
Yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds!
Frankenmuth is great in every season, but our favorite time to visit is when the weather is nice enough to walk up and down the main street comfortably.
But, whether you’re splashing around in the summer or soaking in the Christmas magic in winter, there’s always something fun to do.
So if you’re planning a weekend trip in Frankenmuth, here’s your ultimate guide to make it unforgettable!
Why spend a weekend in Frankenmuth?
Frankenmuth is one of those places that makes you smile the second you arrive. Colorful flowers line the streets, German style buildings, and there’s a giant wooden bridge straight out of a storybook. It’s clean, walkable, and super family friendly.
There are so many things to do in Frankenmuth for the whole family. From sweet shops to scavenger hunts, water parks to river cruises. There’s something here for everyone.
Fun Things to Do in Frankenmuth
1. Visit the Cheese Haus
Stop in at the famous Frankenmuth Cheese Haus for free cheese samples. There are so many cool cheeses to try, some even shaped like animals! It’s fun for kids and adults. Splurge on your favorite kinds, like chocolate cheese!
2. Go on a Gnome Hunt
This might be the cutest activity in town. Head to the Frankenmuth Visitor Center and grab a gnome scavenger hunt card. Then, walk up and down Main Street, going in and out of shops to find hidden gnomes. Once you find them all, go back to the visitor center to claim your prize! If your kids love a good scavenger hunt like mine, then they will love doing this activity.
3. Explore River Place Shops
This area is packed with fun! Check out:
- The Candy Shop (it smells amazing in there)
- Popcorn Wagon (all the flavors!)
- Mirror Maze (prepare to laugh a lot)
- River Place Game Room (arcade fun)
- Bavarian Blacksmith Experience (make your own souvenir!)
- Thunder Bay Mining (kids can sift for gems—so cool!)
- Bavarian Belle Riverboat Cruise (a relaxing ride with great views)
You could honestly spend hours here and still want to come back.
4. Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
If you love Christmas, this is your happy place. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is one of my favorite places to visit. It is like Christmas all year round. They claim to be the largest Christmas store in the world, and I believe it. It is huge, everything you could possibly want for Christmas is here. My favorite purchases have been the personalised ornaments, they will do it right on the spot for you.
Make sure you come back in the evening so you don’t miss the drive-thru Christmas light display and The Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a replica of the original chapel from Austria where the song “Silent Night” was first sung in 1818.
5. Bavarian Inn Fun
Even if you’re not staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, you have to check it out. Start by crossing Michigan’s largest covered wooden bridge, you can walk or drive across! The building is beautiful and surrounded by green grass and trees. It looks like it’s from a European fairytale movie.
Inside the Bavarian Inn Lodge you’ll find:
- Bavarian Blast Water Park (day passes available)
- Family Fun Center with an arcade, ropes course, laser tag, mini golf, bowling and more
- Shops, snacks, and souvenirs
You don’t want to miss seeing the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower. Located outside the Bavarian Inn restaurant on the other side of the river. The bells and figurines dancing from the clock are so cute. Check it out several times a day, refer to their website for details.
Where to Eat in Frankenmuth
You have to try the world famous chicken dinners. It’s a Frankenmuth tradition!
Chicken Dinners
Both of these restaurants are in a beautiful old building, decorated like you are in Bavaria, including the staff wearing traditional German clothing.
- Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth: It is right on Main Street in a beautiful historic building. The menu includes a buffet, regular menu or kids menu. Everyone will find something! Make sure to spend some time wandering around the hallways learning more about the Zehnder family and looking at original photos of the building.
- Bavarian Inn Restaurant: Another excellent choice and is right across the street from Zehnder’s. Also delicious with similar food and traditional decor as well.
Both spots serve warm rolls, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, sauerkraut, gravy and more. It’s a feast!
Other Good Places to Eats
- Zehnder’s Marketplace Bakery – downstairs from the Zehnder’s Restaurant. SO good, make sure to get some bakery treats!
- Lazy Dog Pizza Co. – We had a delicious pizza here, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Creation Coffee & Frankenmuth Kaffee Haus – Looking for coffee? These places are great for that much-needed parent caffeine fix.
- Jaami’s Ice Cream & SugarRush Sweets – When on vacation, especially in summer, everyone likes to enjoy an ice cream. You’ll find plenty of sweet treats all over town.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of hotels available for a weekend getaway in Frankenmuth. I think there is enough to do here for at least 2 nights!. These are great family friendly hotels:
Bavarian Inn Lodge
- Family suites available
- Water park access included
- So much to do inside the hotel itself
Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth
- Right in the center of town
- Free breakfast
- Free evening snacks and drinks
SpringHill Suites Frankenmuth
- Free breakfast
- Pool
- Walkable location right on Main Street
Holiday Inn Express
- Directly across from Frankenmuth River Place Shops
- Pool + free breakfast
- Budget-friendly and convenient
Tips for a Great Weekend in Frankenmuth
- Plan ahead: Popular spots can get busy on weekends
- Bring walking shoes: The town is super walkable, and there’s a lot to see
- Go slow and enjoy: There’s no rush. It’s a weekend getaway, after all!
- Take photos: So many cute photo spots—especially on the covered bridge or near the river
There you have it! Everything you need to spend the perfect weekend in Frankenmuth. Whether your family loves sweet treats, fun games, cozy shops, or holiday magic, there are so many things to do in Frankenmuth for kids and adults.
Have you been to Frankenmuth? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram @familyof4adventures if you go, I love seeing your adventures!