Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth is a small town in Saginaw County, Michigan, with streets lined with half-timbered houses, carved wooden storefronts, and gabled roofs in German style. A covered wooden footbridge spans the Cass River, connecting shops with inns and craft businesses on both banks.

Lutheran settlers from Franconia founded the settlement in 1845 as a mission station for the Ojibwa people and named it after their homeland region and the word for courage. After the mission work ended, farming and chicken ranches developed, and tourism with German-themed attractions grew from the 1950s onward.

The town center preserves Franconian traditions with timber-frame facades and taverns that serve meals family-style according to German custom. On weekends, folk music groups dressed in traditional clothing often perform in front of shops and beer gardens along the main street.

Free parking is available near the downtown street, and most shops and inns are within walking distance. The covered wooden bridge offers a dry crossing over the river and leads directly to additional stores and dining options on the other side.

A massive Christmas decoration retail hall opens almost year-round and displays tens of thousands of ornaments and gift items from around the world. Visitors often come specifically to stock up on tree ornaments and nativity scenes in the middle of summer.