Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, MI
A town in central Michigan built around its German heritage, with half-timbered facades, a covered wooden bridge over the Cass River and bakeries. Park once and walk the center; December is busy.
Frankenmuth was founded in 1845 by Lutheran emigrants from Franconia and goes by the nickname "Little Bavaria." The city has just under 5,000 residents. On the Cass River stands the covered wooden Holz-Brücke, built in 1980 in traditional timber-framing style, mostly of Douglas fir, and about 239 feet (73 m) long. The Bavarian-style townscape and the dining are the main draw for most visitors.
Allow two to four hours for a stroll through the center. It is best to park once and walk, as distances are short. The Frankenmuth Oktoberfest was officially recognized in 1996 as the first Oktoberfest outside Munich, and the Bavarian Festival is another event on the yearly calendar. It is busy on festival days and in the run-up to Christmas; on weekdays outside those times it is quieter.
- Nearest town
- Frankenmuth, MI
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.3312, -83.7380
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
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Campsites nearby
- Covenant Hills CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from FrankenmuthTentsMotorhomes
- Ber-Wa-Ga-Na CampgroundsMotorhome stopover16 mi from FrankenmuthTentsMotorhomes
- Otter Lake Village CampgroundMotorhome stopover16 mi from FrankenmuthTentsMotorhomes
- Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore ResortCampsite20 mi from FrankenmuthTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Finn Road Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover21 mi from FrankenmuthMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Bay City State Park CampgroundsCampsite24 mi from FrankenmuthTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Frankenmuth?
Frankenmuth is in Frankenmuth, MI, at GPS 43.3312, -83.7380. It is about 77 mi from Detroit.
Can you camp near Frankenmuth?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Jellystone Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Frankenmuth?
Places worth a stop nearby: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (75 mi).
When is the best time to visit Frankenmuth?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)