FRANKENMUTH, Mich. (WJBK) –
FOX 2 is hitting the road, and taking ‘The Nine’ on our annual summer zip trips. This month, we’re heading north to Little Bavaria. We’ll broadcast the show bright and early Friday morning from downtown Frankenmuth.

Are you in town? Have you vacationed there before? We’d love to see and share your Frankenmuth photos! Post them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #Fox2ZipTrip. 

The Bavarian Festival is June 11-14, but if you’re not heading up north for that festival, there’s still plenty to do around town during a later trip. 

ABOUT FRANKENMUTH

Just take it from Tim Allen, Frankenmuth is “Pure Michigan”. Rich with German culture and heritage, it’s Michigan’s #1 tourist destination.

The community, about a 90-minute drive up I-75 from downtown Detroit, was founded in 1845 by a small group of German Lutheran missionaries. 

Taking a trip to Frankenmuth is a bit like taking a step back in time, from the Franconian era architecture to the horse-drawn carriage rides.

Beyond tourism, the city is home to around 5,000 people within its three square miles. 

THE CHICKEN DINNERS 

Anyone who has been to Frankenmuth will arguably tell you the best part is the chicken dinner. Try one on for size at either Zehnder’s Restaurant or across the street at the Bavarian Inn. 

CHEESE HAUS

In this downtown gem, you’ll find more than 170 different kinds of cheeses, seven homemade cheese spreads and some aged cheese that may even be older than some. Employees see customers from all over the world looking for the perfect pairing for their palette. 

Outside, don’t miss a photo op with the larger-than-life Cheese Haus Maus.

You can also order online. 

Aside from cheese, there are many other great shops downtown, too. 

BRONNER’S

Love Christmas? Frankenmuth is the place to go – at any time of the year. 

Just a quick drive from the downtown area is Bronner’s, the largest Christmas store in the world. More than two million shoppers visit every year. You’ll find ornaments, trees, villages, outdoor decorations, and so much more. 

Two thirds of the items for sale are new every year. Although, one of the more popular items here to stay are the ornaments you can get personalized on the spot.

SPLASH VILLAGE 

At 50,000 square feet, Zehnder’s hotel’s water park is almost the size of Comerica Park. It was recently updated to create the new Splash Village. 

The attractions vary, from high-intensity rides to a lazy river. 

FRANKENMUTH BREWERY 

There’s something for the adults to enjoy, too. The four-storied Frankenmuth Brewery boasts award-winning beer of all kinds. 

It’s been in business for more than 150 years – making it the oldest brewery in Michigan. 

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In town? Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #Fox2ZipTrip! We’d love to see your vacation photos from Frankenmuth, and may show them on air while we broadcast live from there on Friday, June 12!