Frankenmuth: History and Experiences on the Cass River

Frankenmuth brings together historic sites, activities on the Cass River, a cycling route, and events.

History in Different Formats

Visitors can step inside the authentic Wolkensdoerfer Log House, built in the 1850s, and learn how families lived in the 19th century. The house offers a vivid glimpse into that era.

The Frankenmuth Historical Association presents nine permanent galleries about the first 15 German settlers, who settled Frankenmuth in 1845. The Frankenmuth Historical Museum offers an interactive tour of local history. The permanent galleries focus clearly on the first settlers, while the interactive tour covers local history more broadly.

The self-guided Historical Walking Tour leads to historic markers around town that share stories from the past. It’s another way to explore history, on a walking tour rather than in a museum. Visitors can also tour Frankenmuth’s founding church, St. Lorenz.

Experiences on the Cass River

The Cass River runs through the heart of Frankenmuth and is officially designated a Pure Michigan Trail. On the river, the 150-passenger Bavarian Belle Riverboat offers narrated cruises. The commentary during the ride sets this experience apart from a paddling excursion.

Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures rents sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks for paddling on the Cass River. This means visitors can choose between a narrated cruise aboard a passenger boat and paddling in a rental kayak. The kayak types differ in their seating position.

Cycling Route, Trolley, and Aerial Park

U.S. Bike Route 20 runs through Frankenmuth. If you’re planning to ride this route, check current conditions before setting out.

The PedAle Trolley is a 16-seat, pedal-powered trolley that offers a variety of two-hour tours in Frankenmuth. The duration gives you a concrete time frame for planning your day.

At Frankenmuth Aerial Park, a ropes course is combined with a zipline, offering family entertainment. This active recreation option complements the historic sites and river activities.

Events in Frankenmuth

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival features German food, dancing, and music in the downtown area. At Wein & Stein, an evening includes tastings of beer, wine, and spirits, as well as appetizers at several participating venues in Frankenmuth. The two events differ in both their programs and their settings.

If you’d like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates before making plans. When choosing a hotel in Frankenmuth, it helps to decide in advance what you’d like to focus on during your stay: historic sites, activities on the Cass River, a tour, or an event.

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Go to the main travel overview: Saginaw.