A German Town in Michigan You’re Sure to Love

Aspen Square Management Blog Post

If you live in our apartments in Michigan, than you may be familiar with the German culture just at our fingertips. If you’re residents of our apartments in Lansing, Swartz Creek, Fenton, or Grand Blanc than a town called Frankenmuth is just a thirty to forty-minute drive. While it’s close by, by the time you arrive you’ll think you’ve traveled across the ocean to Germany with all the Bavarian culture there is to experience. Today we’re showing you some of our favorite parts of Frankenmuth that you should visit the next time you’re driving by!

Authentic European Food - Old Christmas Station

If you’re looking for authentic European recipes made from scratch, then Old Christmas Station will be one of your favorite places to visit. What was once an old train station connecting Flint and Frankenmuth in the 1920’s, is now a well-loved restaurant. Enjoy your dinner by the fireplace and be sure to stop by the museum of antique German Christmas ornaments on your way out. Check out the menu and see what there is to love about Old Christmas Station.

Roll Your Own Pretzel - Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge

Have you ever wanted to learn how to roll your own pretzel? If so, then head to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge. Not only is their restaurant an all-you-can-eat family dinner, but you can take their pretzel rolling classes where you make the pretzel before you snack on it. Five days a week, the restaurant also features live music, such as Linda Lee who plays the accordion. You can also try your hand at strudel making, cookie decorating, and so much more! See everything the Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge has to offer.

German Themed Outdoor Mall - River Place Shops

When you begin to walk down the roads of River Place Shops you’ll think you’ve been transported across the sea to Germany. Seated along the Cass River, the Bavarian architecture of the buildings will have you in awe as you shop. Home to over 40 specialty stores, attractions and more, you’ll be able to find everything from arcades, boutiques, snacks, distilleries and more. Start exploring River Place Shops today!

Rover Place Shops, German outdoor mall

German Craft Beer - Frankenmuth Brewery

The best place to sample German Craft beer in Michigan is Frankenmuth Brewery. Established over 85 years ago, you’ll love taking a sample of all their award-winning German and American craft beers. While you’re there, you’re also welcome to dig into the wide variety of food on the menu. You might also spot Frankie the Dachshund, the mascot of the Brewery, who has been the face of the company since it’s been established. Learn what there is to love about Frankenmuth Brewery.

The World’s Largest Christmas Store – Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland

Christmas lights, ornaments, stockings, outdoor décor and more! If you’re in love in Christmas cheer, then you’re sure to fall head-over-heels for Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. Just how big is this store? The landscaped grounds cover 27 acres of land, with the actual building taking up 7.35 acres, or 5.5 football fields. If you’re looking for something related to Christmas, odds are Bronner’s has it! Start exploring everything Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland has to offer.

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

Chocolate & Wine Tasting, Funships Tours and Tastings

Also along the Cass River, you’ll find Funships Tours and Tastings where you can sample wines and chocolates. In the summer, you can also do the tastings along the river in one of their boats. Get a souvenir glass for memories, or just enjoy shopping in the store. Wines range from private reserve to peaches and honey. Schedule your tasting at Funships Tours and Tastings.

Learn the History - Frankenmuth Historical Museum

What is the history of Frankenmuth that makes it so different? Take a visit to Frankenmuth Historical Museum and learn everything about the history of the community! With seven galleries and thousands of artifacts, there’s plenty to learn and explore. Also attached to the museum is Fischer Hall, built in the 1890’s and hosts events such as concerts, parties, and local events. Start exploring Frankenmuth Historical Museum today!

German Cuckoo Clocks - Frankenmuth Clock Company

Find a clock of every kind at Frankenmuth Clock Company. Home to authentic, handcrafted German items, you can find just about any type of clock here: cuckoo clocks, wall clocks, mantel clocks, miniature clocks, novelty clocks. You get the idea. You can also find other nick-knacks and keep-sacks like music boxes, incense smokers, nutcrackers, ornaments, and other unique German souvenirs. Learn more about the Frankenmuth Clock Company.

Frankenmuth Clock Company

Sample Cheese - Frankenmuth Cheese Haus

For over fifty years Frankenmuth Cheese Haus has been the go-to place if you’re looking for imported cheese, domestic cheese and homemade cheese spreads. Some cheeses are also created in-store, including their chocolate, chocolate mint, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry and blueberry cheese. Along with cheese, you’ll also find the food to compliment them, including: crackers, meat, mustard, mustard and sauces. Taste test a few, or sample them all! Start planning your visit to Frankenmuth Cheese Haus!