Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, Michigan is in Saginaw County has a population of about 4,838 people.  It is nicknamed “The Muth” or sometime called “Little Bavaria”.  The town was settled by conservative Lutheran immigrants from Franconia (now part of Bavaria) in 1845.  The German word Franken stands for the Province of Franconia the Kingdom of Bavaria.  The word “Mut” means courage.  Therefore Frankenmuth means “Courage of the Franconians”.   It original purpose was to spread Christianity to the Chippewa Indian tribe. 

Tourism is the biggest industry.  Over three million people come to Frankenmuth for their famous Chicken Dinners and shopping each year.  The Chicken dinners are served by the plate or family style and are really good.  The many stores available to browse will take several hours and a lot of walking.  The biggest store is Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.   Bronner’s is the “World’s Largest Christmas Store” and is open all year excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter.

There are several Fests’ that take place each year.  The Bavarian Fest is one of the top five in the State.  Visitors are invited to hear Bavarian music, watch two parades and enjoy the expanded midway with rides, games and crafts.  Venues sell varieties of German foods along with imported and domestic beer.   Each year over 100,000 people attend the Sunday Parade.  The Summer Music Fest is a week long polka festival.  Octoberfest celebrates German culture, heritage and love.

Frankenmuth is a beautiful little city to visit.  If you are in the area don’t miss the atmosphere of this town and of course the chicken dinners.