Article by Michael Joseph Lynch
Frankenmuth, Michigan
VACATION AND TRAVEL
When you think about Frankenmuth, most people think about chicken dinners—but there is so much more happening here that can keep you busy for an entire day. From shopping and boat rides to events, outdoor activities, tours, and even indoor water parks, there is something for everyone. Some people even check into a local hotel for an overnight stay, turning their visit into a quick getaway, while others come just for the day. This city is often called “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” and it truly lives up to the name.
Now, on South Main Street, you will find the two most popular restaurants located directly across the street from one another: the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth. These are two of the nation’s largest independently owned restaurants, and together they serve more than two million chicken dinners per year! Each offers its own unique take on the classic, craveable German dishes that first put Frankenmuth on the map.
Another reason people come to Frankenmuth is for its one-of-a-kind shops. You’ll find unique places like the Frankenmuth Clock & German Gift Company and the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, along with many others. South Main Street is a wonderful place to take a stroll after dinner, exploring the variety of shops in the downtown area. Just down the street, you’ll also find the Frankenmuth River Place Shops—an outdoor shopping mall with restaurants and over 40 shops to browse.
Further along is even more shopping, including Bronner’s Christmas Wonder-