Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria (Ep. 481) | RV travel camping
Affectionately known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is one of the state’s most distinct and popular travel destinations. This small city of around 5,000 residents welcomes over three million visitors annually who come to experience the town’s rich German heritage, unique alpine architecture, and festive year-round atmosphere. Come along with Grand Adventure this week as we explore the town, the campground, the world’s largest Christmas store, a beautiful nearby state park on the shores of Lake Huron, and a 10,000-acre wetland wildlife refuge with a drive-through wildlife loop.
Filmed: July 14-18, 2026
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:25 Frankenmuth, Michigan
5:30 SPONSOR: Etrailer
6:13 Jellystone Park Frankenmuth
8:26 Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
11:32 Smoked Out!
12:08 Bay City State Park
15:21 Bay City, Michigan
16:46 Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
19:24 Wrap-up and What’s Next
FOR MORE INFORMATION
* Frankenmuth, Michigan https://www.frankenmuth.org/
* Jellystone Park Frankenmuth https://www.frankenmuthjellystone.com/
* Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland https://www.bronners.com/
* Bay City State Park https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/baycity
* Visit Bay City, Michigan https://www.downtownbaycity.com/
* Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/shiawassee
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We’re based in Salt Lake City, Utah during the winter months, and invite you to come along as we travel all around North America. My wife Patricia and I, and dog Zoe are avid boondockers, so while you’ll occasionally find us in RV parks or even dry campgrounds, we’re usually camped in some of the most remote and beautiful spots that you could ever pull a travel trailer into. We’ve now transitioned from “long-timing” for six months a year, to living and traveling in our RV full-time.
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#GrandAdventure #RV #travel #camping #RVtravel #RVcamping #Michigan #Frankenmuth #Bronners #BayCityStatePark #BayCity #Shiawassee #michigantravel #michigancamping
10 Comments
Frankenmuth is a neat place to visit. My dad used to go there often on business back in the early 60's because the brewing company he worked for had an installation there.
Gord
I lived in Midland growing up and spent quite a bit of time in and around the Bay area. We like going to Frankenmuth a couple times a year to walk Bronners, as it is always amazing what you'll find each time. I hope you folks are back home by now, and not having to pay these ludicrous diesel prices.
Great video as always. Nice town!
Wow, sounds more like the town was “Franken-meh”, not “Frankenmuth”. Thanks for sharing.
Looks like a great town to visit. My great-great grandfather also left Germany and came to Serbin, Texas, and helped build a Lutheran Church there, which is still used today. The town reminds me of Leavenworth, Washington, but Frankenmuth is larger and truly settled by Germans. Leavenworth was decorated to be a tourist attraction. You are sure giving us some great places to see. I'm sure the wildlife refugees are full of birds in spring and fall.
You were not kidding how tight you were with the neighbors. Sometimes you don't have much of a choice where to stay. Thanks Don
Ouch..on the RV park cost..☹️. And the Christmas store would bankrupt me if my wife goes there 😂
That's genius, Marc. Braunner's never needs to take down the Christmas ornaments. But a bet they get rather dusty after a while.
Loved the lowlands natural preserves and the extensive drive through one way road.
Sorry you had to deal with the smoke. Some days it wasn't too bad and you got some video footage.
If I had to pick a favorite state, Michigan would be in the top three.
Jellystone Park… where was Yogi and Booboo?😅
Gord
Marc, this was a good one. Great video and a ton of information. I've been down to Fredericksburg, TX a couple times. Never knew that Frankenmuth ever existed. I just added it to the list. Thanks!
Wow! You sure made the Frankenmuth experience phenomenal. As always you covered it so well. I’m happy you went up to the lake and to Shiawassee Refuge. It is a splendid area for birding. Stay cool down south. We love you three…stay safe and take care of the ladies. We’re heading out to NW Wyoming today for a month. ❤