Planning a trip to Michigan? Or planning one for your guests? You must take advantage of one of Michigan’s top travel destinations – Frankenmuth! Frankenmuth is Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” a town and tourist destination 100% devoted to all things German! And as premier wedding planners in nearby Vassar, we have all the inside info on how to best experience this cultural icon.

Frankenmuth’s little Bavaria is a German town in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan that attracts visitors from all over the world. There are so many things to do and see. When planning your Vassar-area wedding, you can’t miss this exciting town. So here is a list of our favorite stops to visit while you’re here! 

1 – Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie This iconic restaurant’s atmosphere is tough to beat! Prost! is centrally located downtown and offers upscale charm and a full bar menu! They’re open daily for lunch and dinner, Sundays for brunch, and regularly have live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out their website for all the details!

2 – Frankenmuth Brewery A visit to Frankenmuth wouldn’t be complete without a meal at a brewery! Established in 1862, Frankenmuth Brewery is Michigan’s oldest microbrewery and exudes all the charm and character you might expect. Stop in for lunch or dinner to enjoy their mouth-watering food paired with one of their famous brews. You won’t be disappointed!

3 – Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland Trust us; you do not want to miss out on Bronner’s! Open 361 days a year (even Santa’s helpers need a break sometimes), Bronner’s is the world’s largest Christmas store! These Christmas enthusiasts stock everything your Holiday-loving heart could dream up or desire. Don’t miss the magic!

4 – Zehnder’s Splash Village Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, Zehnder’s Splash Village, is a must-do when visiting Frankenmuth! It doesn’t matter what time of year or what the weather is outside, Zehnder’s always feels like a tropical playground! However, they don’t stop there. Zehnder’s boasts several top-notch restaurants, live shows, beer tastings, shopping, a golf course, and a hotel, all keeping pace with Frankenmuth’s Germantown feel. 

5 – River Place Shops This iconic, Bavarian-themed shopping mall is a must-do when you’re in Frankenmuth! River Place features a combination of local, family-owned businesses as well as national chain shops, and you are sure to find the perfect gift or souvenir. And did we mention, it is also the home to our favorite bakery, Sugarhigh Bakery? These amazing bakers were winners of The Food Network’s Season 7 Cupcake Wars! You will not want to miss one of their mouth-watering treats.

6 – Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Cuddle up as you take in the sights and sounds of historic Frankenmuth. There are a few options of carriage companies, including Fantasy Carriage Company and The New Frankenmuth Carriage Company. You won’t want to miss this iconic tour of the town!

7 – Frankemuth Cheese Haus Specializing in both imported and domestic kinds of cheese, plus their own house-made cheeses, the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus is a must-do stop! Just one visit to their website will have your mouth watering, with options like Holland smoked gouda, tomato basil feta, horseradish cheese spread, and even chocolate cheese! This is any cheese-lover’s paradise!

8 – The PedAle Trolley A 16-person pedal-powered trolley, complete with a bartender? Yes, please! We can’t think of a more fun way to take in the sights and sounds of historic Frankenmuth while getting a little fresh air and exercise at the same time!

9 – Amazin’ Mitten If you know anything about Michigan, you’ve likely heard of it referred to as a mitten because of its shape. This adorable shop boasts one-of-a-kind handmade items from local Michigan vendors, celebrating this great state! You are sure to find a gift or souvenir that is especially unique.

10 – Frankenmuth FunShips Tasting & Tours A visit to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a boat tour of the beautiful Cass River. Add in homemade wine and chocolate tasting, and you have yourself a top-notch experience. If you’d rather stay on dry land, they also offer a similar experience in their tasting room. Small boat rentals are also available if you’d like to explore the river on your own time!

As expert wedding and event planners in the Vassar and Frankenmuth areas of Michigan, we know a visit to this area will not disappoint. Please reach out to us for more help planning your event here so that we can help make your guests’ experience unforgettable!