This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Michigan
Frankenmuth, known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," has long been built on community and hospitality. Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, about half an hour from Flint, Frankenmuth’s origins go back to 1840, when a German missionary sought support from the Lutheran Church for German pioneers in the area. By 1845, 15 settlers had established the community, which became a township in 1854. At the end of the 19th century, Frankenmuth was known for its wool, flour, cheese, beer, and sausage production. Today, tourism is central to its economy, and the town's warm, welcoming spirit has earned it a reputation as one of Michigan's friendliest towns.
Family-Style Chicken Dinners
Visitors may be surprised to learn that Frankenmuth is internationally known for its chicken dinners. This recognition stems from its two renowned restaurants: Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, ranked as two of the largest independently owned restaurants in the country. Together, they serve over two million chicken dinners annually. While each restaurant offers a unique twist on the dish, both specialize in German classics, with plates piled with golden-fried chicken, freshly baked breads, butter noodles, and mashed potatoes smothered in homemade gravy, made from their chicken stock.
Zehnder’s has been a cornerstone of the Frankenmuth community since 1856, originally opening as part of The Exchange Hotel. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant opened about three decades later in 1888, initially operating as the Union House Hotel. Today, their centuries of experience explain their success with these beloved chicken plates. Make sure to try both restaurants out for yourself!
German Festivals
Because of its German roots, Frankenmuth preserves and celebrates its heritage with two extremely significant German festivals each year. The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is one of the town’s most renowned annual events, held each summer with three days of Bavarian music, dance, Polka bands, and German entertainers. The festivities include a Friday night street party, a children’s parade on Saturday, and a grand parade on Main Street on Sunday. Another German tradition in town is the annual Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, taking place in Harvey Kern Pavilion in Heritage Park and featuring a large wooden dance floor, wiener dog races, live music, and lots of food and beer.
Other Festivals and Events
In addition to its German celebrations, Frankenmuth hosts various quirky and strange annual festivals. At the September Auto Fest, visitors can admire over 2,500 classic and vintage cars. The Bringin' Back the 80's Fest, held in April, is another way to have a nostalgic throwback, where attendees tease their hair, wear stone-washed jeans, enjoy live cover bands from the era, and watch live break dancing. In the winter, the town hosts its Zehnder’s Snowfest, which features snow sculpting and ice carving competitions. For a bizarre event, attend the May Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, the largest Olympic-style festival for dogs in the world. At this event, spectators can enjoy disc dog competitions, wiener dog races, and sheep herding demonstrations, among other activities. Also in May is the Balloons Over Bavarian Inn festival. Over the course of the festival, visitors can marvel at over 20 hot air balloons sailing through the sky.
Family Friendly Attractions
Families visiting Frankenmuth will discover many welcoming activities that appeal to both adults and children. If you are already missing the Christmas season, make sure to stop by Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, open year-round. To learn more about the town’s history, travelers can hop on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, which offers narrated tours while floating down the scenic Cass River. Visitors can also experience life as a Bavarian Blacksmith at the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience, where they can forge a piece of their own work under the guidance of an experienced blacksmith. Before leaving town, visitors should grab a picture with the Cheese Haus Mouse, an eight-foot-tall mouse and cheese monument that is one of the most photographed landmarks in town.
Local Bed and Breakfasts
One of the warmest and most inviting places to stay in Frankenmuth is at a local bed and breakfast, where guests are welcomed with Bavarian hospitality and friendly German greetings. Frankenmuth Country Bed and Breakfast is a classic accommodation option, set in a renovated century-old farmhouse that serves a daily homemade country breakfast each morning. Tuscola Street Bed and Breakfast is another historic place to lodge, housed in a 1917 prairie-style residence with a lovely airing porch to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind with a book in the afternoon.
Final Thoughts
Frankenmuth offers the perfect Bavarian experience without needing to pull out your passport. Just 29 miles from Flint and 93 miles from Detroit, the town is easy to access and gives visitors the chance to escape from the stress of Michigan’s larger cities. So whether you want to attend a German festival or pile a plate of golden fried chicken on your plate, take a moment to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures that Frankenmuth can offer.
