Two days in Frankenmuth in summer when the Cass River is active, the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival runs in June, and the outdoor dining on Main Street is at its best. Summer adds the river dimension — kayaking, paddleboarding, and the beach area under the covered bridge — that the Christmas season doesn't have.
The Cass River runs through Frankenmuth's downtown and is calm enough for recreational paddling. Canoe and kayak rentals are available near the covered bridge area from Frankenmuth Riverboat Tours — $15–20 per hour for a kayak. The paddle upstream under the covered bridge and back to the put-in is 45 minutes and offers a completely different perspective on the town.
The Frankenmuth Brewery occupies the original 1862 Michigan brewery building — it was the first lager brewery in the United States, predating most American craft beer culture by 130 years. The current brewery produces German-style lagers, weizens, and bocks on-site. The biergarten in summer is the correct setting. The pretzels with beer cheese and the bratwurst are the right food orders.
Create a free Wanderer account to save “Frankenmuth Summer Weekend: River, Brewery, and the Bavarian Festival” and access the full block library.
Join free — become a WandererNo credit card required
Flights, stays, and experiences — find the best options for your dates.
Compare hundreds of airlines. See the cheapest dates and book directly — no markup.
Search flightsPowered by Travel Payouts
Bundle your flight and hotel to unlock package savings — usually cheaper than booking separately.
Powered by Expedia
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels, resorts, and rentals — free cancellation on most.
Search hotelsPowered by Expedia
Museum tickets, guided tours, and day trips — skip-the-line access, most with free cancellation.
Browse experiencesPowered by Tiqets
Pre-book a private transfer — fixed price, meet-and-greet, no surge pricing.
Book a transferPowered by Welcome Pickups
Compare rental cars from top agencies — pickup at airports, hotels, and city centers.
Compare ratesPowered by Expedia
Whole homes, cabins, and condos — more space, full kitchens, and local neighborhoods.
Browse rentalsPowered by Expedia
Trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation — get a free quote in minutes.
Get a free quotePowered by Travelex