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| Founded in 1845, Frankenmuth was originally settled by German-Lutheran missionaries who came to share their Christian faith with Michigan’s Chippewa Indians. Today, this thriving community reflects the warmth, charm and hospitality of the German culture. No wonder it’s one of Michigan’s top visitor destinations. More than 2 million people visit Frankenmuth every year |
| » Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce
and Convention & Visitors Bureau |
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| It’s become a family tradition for many, to come to Frankenmuth for a big chicken dinner. Thousands of hungry visitors come to Frankenmuth every year for a delicious family-style chicken dinner any day of the week. Generations of Zehnder’s have run the Bavarian Inn. William Zehnder, Jr. – known as “Tiny” – grew up here and opened the Bavarian Inn Restaurant with his wife Dorothy. She still cooks in the kitchen today. |
» Bavarian Inn Restaurant
» Zehnder's Restaurant |
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| Frankenmuth’s hearty chicken dinners include homemade breads, chicken noodle soup, freshly prepared salads and golden-fried chicken with savory dressing and thick gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. And leave plenty of room for dessert! Fruit-filled pies with flaky crusts topped with homemade ice cream are a favorite. |
| » Bavarian Inn Restaurant |
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| Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is another choice for those wonderful chicken dinners. A million people a year eat here. Zehnder’s can seat up to 1600 diners. On Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving they serve up to 5,000 people. The aroma of delectable baked goods is always wafting from Zehnder’s Foodstore and Bakery. This is just one of the many shops to visit when you come to Frankenmuth. The Zehnder family also runs The Fortress – a challenging golf course – and Zehnder’s Splash Village, a water park and hotel the whole family will enjoy. |
| » Zehnder's of Frankenmuth |
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| There are hundreds of distinctive shops in Frankenmuth. From cheese to clothing to quilts and clocks, the stores on Main Street and throughout the area offer the best in ethnic, modern and specialty gifts, food and clothing. Shops offer a range of products from traditional souvenirs to designer handbags and jewelry. There are many collectibles to discover and old favorites like wool quilts and clothing...and of course, there is candy and fudge galore! |
» Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau - Shopping
» Frankenmuth River Place
» Bavarian Belle Riverboat |
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| There is one store in Frankenmuth that you literally can’t miss. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland celebrates Christmas all year and attracts 2 million visitors. The store is open 361 days a year and offers perhaps the world’s largest on-site selection of Christmas decorations. You can’t help but get into the spirit. Bronner’s features 50,000 items from all over the world – all of them related to the celebration of Christmas. The store is a showcase of colorful Christmas displays. Bronner’s has Christmas offerings in dozens of languages and attracts visitors from around the world. You really have to experience it. |
| » Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland |
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| It’s Christmas all year long at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. And it’s time for a celebration of some kind throughout the year in Frankenmuth. Every winter (remove)the Zehnder’s Snowfest brings families together for fun winter events like snow sculpting and ice carving competitions. As you might expect, Frankenmuth is home to a fabulous Oktoberfest – And it takes place in September each year. Every May, Frankenmuth hosts the World Expo of Beer. With over 150 different beers to sample, this is perhaps the largest international beer sampling event in Michigan. Summer is also time for the annual Bavarian Festival and parade – a celebration of the life and culture of Frankenmuth’s German ancestors. One of Frankenmuth’s most popular summer events is the Summer Music Fest, which goes on for more than a week. Dozens of music acts take the stages. And this is Michigan – so a celebration of cars is definitely in order. The Frankenmuth Auto Fest has a huge block party that combines the best of Oldies music with 2400 classic cars on display. |
| » Frankenmuth Festivals |
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| Remember our visit with Dorothy Zehnder at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant? William “Tiny” Zehnder was her husband. He passed away in 2006, but his legacy lives on at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm. This is a historical working farm where kids get up close and personal with the livestock. Continuing their commitment to great family entertainment and gracious Bavarian hospitality, Zehnder’s offers 12 months of poolside fun at Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark. With more than 30,000 square feet of pools and waterslides, Splash Village makes a perfect getaway winter or summer. |
» Grandpa Tiny's Farm
» Zehnder's Splash Village |
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| The Bavarian Inn Lodge is another exceptionally family-friendly getaway. With five indoor pools and three whirlpools, children and adults can enjoy swimming and splashing together … or head to the adults-only pool if you’re ready for a little quiet. The 18-hole indoor miniature golf course and family fun center with games and activities provides lots of fun once you’re out of the pool. To get to this enchanting Inn, just follow the wooden covered bridge over the winding Cass River. |
| » Bavarian Inn Lodge |
