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    12 Activities

    ⚡ Day Trip to Michigan's Little Bavaria

    ⚡ Day Trip to Michigan's Little Bavaria
    Starts from

    Detroit

    Transportation

    Electric Car

    CO2 Savings

    108 lb

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    12

    Duration

    12 hours

    Length

    86 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Detroit

    Transportation

    Electric Car

    CO2 Savings

    108 lb

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    12 hours

    Length

    86 mi

    History and CultureGastronomy⚡ Electric Routes
    Map preview
    Laura Brown

    Laura Brown

    Travel Expert

    • Catch the feeling like you're in Bavaria for the afternoon.
    • Find a Christmas shop that is delightful and wacky.
    • Don't forget to try some fudge as you explore the town.
    This route includes CCS charging stations. For Tesla Superchargers, follow this link.
    Frankenmuth is known as Michigan's Little Bavaria for how heavily the town, established in 1845, leans into its German heritage. You'll find a wide variety of activities and shopping, including a river boat tour, and a stroll through the World's Largest Christmas store. Have lunch at America's oldest microbrewery, and finish your evening with fried chicken.
    Make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.

    Categories

    This route includes CCS charging stations. For Tesla Superchargers, follow this link.
    Frankenmuth is known as Michigan's Little Bavaria for how heavily the town, established in 1845, leans into its German heritage. You'll find a wide variety of activities and shopping, including a river boat tour, and a stroll through the World's Largest Christmas store. Have lunch at America's oldest microbrewery, and finish your evening with fried chicken.
    Make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.
    Laura Brown

    Laura Brown

    Travel Expert

    • Catch the feeling like you're in Bavaria for the afternoon.
    • Find a Christmas shop that is delightful and wacky.
    • Don't forget to try some fudge as you explore the town.

    Day Itinerary

    12 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    86 mi2 mi

    Day of Strolls and Shopping in Little Bavaria

    You'll spend the day exploring Frankenmuth, a charming small town featuring Bavarian architecture and culture, and a real love of Christmas. You'll have lunch and a beer tasting at the oldest microbrewery in America, spend some time shopping, going on a riverboat tour, and try some famous fried chicken.
    This route one-way is plenty capable of being done in one charge.
    The Laundry
    09:1545 min

    The Laundry

    Café
    Open Details
    Indulge in a delightful coffee and brunch experience at an enchanting retreat situated in the charming town of Fenton, Michigan. This hidden gem boasts of its exceptional culinary offerings that are available for brunch and dinner services for six consecutive days, with only Tuesdays as a day of rest.
    Fuel up and invigorate your senses with their coffee creations, whilst savoring their delectable food, and be set for a day full of energy and vitality.
    18.4 mi
    25 min
    10:255 min

    Charging Station

    EV Charging Station
    Open Details
    In this parking lot, you can charge up your vehicle. By the way, it is located not far from the town center and the University of Michigan-Flint. So, here you can have a stroll toward the Flint river, while your EV is charging up.
    Type: CCS 2 Plugs Power: 62.5 kW
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    University of Michigan-Flint
    10:4030 min

    University of Michigan-Flint

    Landmark
    Open Details
    The University of Michigan-Flint is a thriving educational institution that offers a wide array of opportunities for personal and professional growth to its students.
    Positioned in the heart of Flint, Michigan, the campus spans across a sprawling 76 acres of land. Impressive buildings dot the campus, showcasing a harmonious blend of modern and traditional architecture. A prime example is the William S. Mite Building, an architectural gem built at the beginning of the 20th century that has captivated visitors for years.
    Nature enthusiasts would love the campus as it is beautifully surrounded by parks, providing a serene setting for students to relax and unwind. The campus boasts ample green spaces that exude tranquility and serenity, creating a calming atmosphere.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    11:205 min

    Charging Station

    EV Charging Station
    Open Details
    Return to the charging station to pick your car and continue your journey.
    26.9 mi
    40 min
    Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
    12:0545 min

    Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

    Shopping Mall
    Open Details
    Your first introduction to Frankenmuth should always be Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, America's biggest Christmas store. Imagine it like Costco for Christmas decorations! Admire the spectacle and feel a little Christmas joy (no matter the time of year) before heading into downtown Frankenmuth, a town that leans heavily into its Bavarian theme.
    1.4 mi
    10 min
    13:005 min

    Parking Lot

    Parking
    Open Details
    Park your car in the heart of Frankenmuth and spend 5–10 minutes walking through the adorable downtown.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    Frankenmuth Brewery
    13:151 hr 30 min

    Frankenmuth Brewery

    Brewery
    Open Details
    Take a break and indulge in lunch and a beer sampling at Frankenmuth Brewery, the oldest microbrewery in America, established in 1862. The brewery offers a diverse food menu featuring German-inspired cuisine, and a selection of at least 15 unique beers to choose from. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience their top-rated ales with a flight tasting. This is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
    0.6 mi
    15 min
    Frankenmuth River Place Shops
    15:151 hr 30 min

    Frankenmuth River Place Shops

    Shopping Mall
    Open Details
    Enjoy a relaxing walk along S Main Street in Frankenmuth and take in the charming shopping area. Your adventure will conclude at the picturesque River Place Shops. There are numerous shops worthy of your time, including The Cheese Haus, Doll Shop, and Chocolate Shop (be sure not to miss the delicious fudge). This is the perfect opportunity to discover unique items and have some treats.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    Bavarian Belle Riverboat
    16:501 hr 30 min

    Bavarian Belle Riverboat

    Ferry Station
    Open Details
    Experience the ultimate historical adventure by joining the evening sailing of the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. This riverboat will take you on a fascinating 1-hour history tour, showcasing the beauty of Frankenmuth.
    With its highly-rated reputation, expect to be captivated by the rich and diverse history of the area. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and take in the beautiful sights that Frankenmuth has to offer.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    Bavarian Inn Restaurant
    18:301 hr

    Bavarian Inn Restaurant

    Bavarian Restaurant
    Open Details
    Complete your day in Frankenmuth by visiting the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Here, you can indulge in the scrumptious southern cuisine that includes their famous fried chicken. Don't forget to take a sip of their excellent home-brewed beer, which can be enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream.
    If you plan on dining at the restaurant, it is recommended to reserve a table in advance or even opt for take-out by using their official website. You will be amazed at the range of delicacies and the warm ambiance offered by the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.
    0.5 mi
    10 min
    19:405 min

    Parking Lot

    Parking
    Open Details
    Go back to the parking lot and head back home. On the way, you will have a stop for a stroll in the town of Lapeer.
    39.3 mi
    1 hr
    Rowden Park
    20:4515 min

    Rowden Park

    Park
    Open Details
    You may need to stretch your legs on a stop on your way back to Detroit. The beautiful Rowden park is located on the coast of the small local lake, so in summer you can catch a mesmerizing view of the sunset rays reflecting on the surface of the water. The trail is not very long, so it won't take much time to see all the beauties.
    Map preview
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