Frankenmuth was founded in 1845 by fifteen German-Lutheran emigrants from the Franconia region of Bavaria who came to this area for the purpose of teaching Christianity to the Chippewa Indians. Franken indicates the province from which the settlers came and Muth means courage in German. Thus, the name Frankenmuth means "Courage of the Franconians."
Today, Frankenmuth is a thriving community of 4,400 residents who take great pride in preserving the German heritage. Area homes, businesses and surrounding farms remain neat and clean, reflecting this German ethic. Well-tended flowers and lush greenery abound in what many visitors describe as the most authentic Bavarian architecture to be found anywhere in the United States.
Frankenmuth is famous for good food. Two of the country's largest family restaurants, dating from 1856 and 1888, combine to serve nearly two million dinners each year. The world's largest Christmas store, with five acres under one roof, is located here. These, and many other attractions, combine to make Frankenmuth the most visited spot in Michigan with over three million visitors each year.
To learn more about the community and its attractions, we suggest that you visit the Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau web site at:
