Frankenmuth anchors a loop through Michigan history, forests, and lakeshores
Check in at the Zehnder's Splash Village or a Main Street hotel. Walk the Bavarian architecture, cross the covered bridge, and eat at Zehnder's or Bavarian Inn for the full orientation.
298 days a year, the world's largest Christmas store. 50,000 ornaments, light displays you can actually walk through, and a scale model of the Oberndorf chapel. Genuinely unique American roadside attraction.
If you can schedule for late September, the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival and Oktoberfest transform the town. Food, biergartens, and live German music everywhere. Book accommodations months in advance.
Bay City is 30 minutes east — Victorian homes along the river, the restored State Theatre, and a Saturday farmers market. Saginaw Bay visible at the end of the downtown streets.
Midland is the hometown of Dow Chemical — the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio is a National Historic Landmark and Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced. The Tridge three-way footbridge is the civic centerpiece.
1,500-acre wildlife preserve along the Chippewa River. 15 miles of trails through wetlands, hardwood forest, and prairie. Free. The river trail to the dam overlook is the best 2-mile walk.
Flint is experiencing a genuine downtown revival. The Sloan Museum of Discovery has an excellent automotive history collection. The Capitol Theatre restoration is one of the best arts venues in Michigan.
Drive northeast into Michigan's Thumb. Lake Huron shoreline on the east, rolling farmland in the center. Port Sanilac and Harbor Beach are the lighthouse towns. Forestville Winery is worth the detour.
Soaring Eagle Casino is the largest casino in Michigan. The tribal museum tells the full Anishinaabe history. Mt. Pleasant's Central Michigan University has one of the best college town main streets in Michigan.
One more Frankenmuth morning: the River Place shops, a walk along the Cass River trail, and a final Zehnder's apple dumpling. Then south on I-75.
Create a free Wanderer account to save “Michigan Heritage Week” 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