Thedailymiaminews– Frankenmuth, which is sometimes referred to as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” has a long history of being a community-oriented and welcoming place. Frankenmuth, which is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and is roughly a half hour away from Flint, was founded in 1840 when a German missionary asked the Lutheran Church for help for German pioneers in the area. In 1845, 15 people had formed the village, which was later incorporated as a township in 1854. Frankenmuth was famous for producing wool, flour, cheese, beer, and sausage around the end of the 19th century. Tourism is now the most important part of the town’s economy, and its kind and inviting atmosphere has made it known as one of the most welcome communities in Michigan.
Chicken Dinners Served Family-Style
Visitors might be shocked to find out that Frankenmuth is famous around the world for its chicken dinners. This recognition is due to its two well-known restaurants: Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, which are both considered to be among the largest independently owned restaurants in the country. They provide more than two million chicken dinners every year. Both restaurants are known for their German classics, which include platters piled high with golden-fried chicken, freshly baked breads, butter noodles, and mashed potatoes topped in homemade gravy prepared from their chicken stock. Each restaurant puts its own distinct spin on the dish.
Zehnder’s has been a key component of the Frankenmuth community since 1856, when it first opened as part of The Exchange Hotel. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant opened its doors for business in 1888, almost thirty years later. At first, it was known as the Union House Hotel. Today, their years of experience explain their success with these beloved chicken meals. Be sure to visit both eateries and see for yourself!
Festivals in Germany
Frankenmuth has German roots, thus it preserves and celebrates its heritage by holding two very important German festivals every year. One of the most famous yearly events in Frankenmuth is the Bavarian Festival, which takes place every summer and features three days of Bavarian music, dance, Polka bands, and German entertainers. The celebrations consist of a street party on Friday night, a procession for children on Saturday, and a major parade on Main Street on Sunday. The annual Frankenmuth Oktoberfest is another German institution in town. It is held at the Harvey Kern Pavilion in Heritage Park and includes a huge wooden dance floor, wiener dog races, live music, and plenty of food and beer.
Additional Festivals and Events
Frankenmuth holds a number of unusual and eccentric events every year, in addition to its German celebrations. Visitors to the September Auto Fest will have the opportunity to see more than 2,500 classic and vintage cars. Another opportunity to have a nostalgic throwback is to visit the Bringin’ Back the 80’s Fest, which takes place in April. Attendees tease their hair, wear stone-washed jeans, enjoy live cover bands from the era, and witness live break dancing. During the winter, the town holds its Zehnder’s Snowfest, which includes competitions for snow sculpture and ice carving. If you’re looking for something unusual to do, consider going to the May Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, which is the biggest Olympic-style festival for dogs in the world. This event will feature a variety of events, including disc dog competitions, wiener dog races, and sheep herding displays, all of which spectators can enjoy. The Balloons Over Bavarian Inn festival is also held in May. During the festival, guests can enjoy the sight of more than 20 hot air balloons floating through the sky.
Attractions That Are Suitable for Families
Families who visit Frankenmuth will find a wide variety of enjoyable activities that are suitable for both adults and children. If you are already feeling nostalgic for the Christmas season, be sure to visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the world, which is open all year long. Travelers can take a ride on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, which offers narrated excursions while floating down the beautiful Cass River, to discover more about the history of the town. At the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience, visitors may experience what it is like to be a Bavarian blacksmith. They will have the opportunity to forge a piece of their own work under the instruction of an experienced blacksmith. Visitors should take a picture with the Cheese Haus Mouse, which is an eight-foot-tall mouse and cheese monument and one of the most photographed sites in town, before they leave.
Bed and breakfasts in the area
A local bed and breakfast is one of the coziest and most welcoming locations to stay in Frankenmuth. Guests are greeted with Bavarian hospitality and cheerful German greetings. Frankenmuth Country Bed and Breakfast is a traditional place to stay. It is located in a farmhouse that is over a hundred years old and has been rebuilt. Every morning, it provides a prepared breakfast that include country-style dishes. Tuscola Street Bed and Breakfast is another historic place to stay. It is located in a prairie-style mansion built in 1917 and features a beautiful airing porch where you can have your morning coffee or relax with a book in the afternoon.
Concluding Remarks
You may get the ideal Bavarian experience in Frankenmuth without having to show your passport. The hamlet is located only 29 miles from Flint and 93 miles from Detroit, making it easy to get there. Visitors can take a break from the stress of Michigan’s larger cities by visiting this village. So whether you want to go to a German festival or fill your plate with golden fried chicken, take a time to sit down and savor the simple pleasures that Frankenmuth has to offer.