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If you want to experience a German village without traveling all the way across the Atlantic, there is a place that captures that spirit perfectly—and you won’t even need to fly there.
Frankenmuth, Michigan, is just a short drive from Chicago and is nicknamed the “Little Bavaria of America”—and rightly so.
This charming town is an ideal destination for a seasonal trip from Chicago this winter, offering a delightful mix of Bavarian charm that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Source/Shutterstock A town with a rich history that is proudly Bavarian
Frankenmuth was established in 1845 by German Lutheran immigrants who envisioned it as an exclusively Bavarian-Lutheran community.
Today, nestled away in central Michigan, Frankenmuth feels like a slice of Germany; its captivating architecture, music, and food traditions have endured.
Visit the largest Christmas Store in the world
While Frankenmuth, Michigan, is a beloved summer destination, winter brings its own delightful festivities.
The town is home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which showcases nearly 50,000 different ornaments and gifts on the showroom floor.
Before you leave Bronner’s, make sure to visit the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a replica of the chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, where the famous Christmas carol of the same name was first performed.