Frankenmuth School

Frankenmuth
Michigan
Join us.
Discover the Spirit that’s Frankenmuth.
There is a spirit that’s uniquely Frankenmuth. It’s more than a safe, clean, proud
and welcoming community with excellent opportunities for commerce, education,
recreation and entertainment. It’s a place of possibility—a place so charged
with spirit that both visitors and residents can’t help but embrace its unique
charm. In the pages that follow, we offer a glimpse of life in Frankenmuth. We
hope you’ll Discover the Spirit that’s Frankenmuth and consider calling it home.
The Spirit of Tradition
The Spirit of Togetherness
Frankenmuth was founded in 1845 by a group
of 15 German-Lutheran missionaries from
Neuendettelsau, Germany, who came to this area
for the purpose of teaching Christianity to the
Chippewa Indians. The city’s name is derived from
the province from which the settlers came, “Franken,”
and “muth,” a German word meaning “courage.”
Manicured yards surround well-maintained
homes throughout neighborhoods new and old
in Frankenmuth. Homeowners take great pride in
living here, and this pride is apparent to anyone
driving through the residential areas of the city.
Frankenmuth is a 2007 America in Bloom champion,
recognized nationally for its outstanding community
assets, including cleanliness, environmental efforts,
citizen involvement, heritage preservation, urban
forestry, landscaping, floral displays and parks.
Only seven years after the settlers’ arrival,
Frankenmuth boasted 80 cabins and farmhouses, and
by 1854, Frankenmuth residents formally organized
a township. In 1904, the Village of Frankenmuth came
into existence, and city status came on October 1,
1959, after a vote of the people approved the measure.
Today, Frankenmuth is a thriving community of
nearly 5,000 residents who take great pride in
preserving the town’s heritage, traditions and
beauty. Well-tended flowers and lush greenery
surround what many describe as the most authentic
Bavarian architecture anywhere in the United
States, while Frankenmuth businesses paint a
backdrop to one of America’s loveliest main streets.
In Frankenmuth, safety is a priority and people look
out for one another. Caring and friendly neighbors
are the roots of this strong community, and they
band together to help each other. When neighbors
are as united as they are in Frankenmuth, a safe
community is the result. Our community and its
police department are dedicated to the philosophy
of community policing, which ensures we continue
to work together to maintain the high quality of
life that our citizens have come to expect.
Frankenmuth Facts at a Glance*
Population
Households
Median household income
Median home value
Median age
4,742
2,162
$58,254
$215,962
49.4
* Facts are based on 2009 statistics from The Strategic
Edge, Applied Geographic Solutions and
frankenmuthcity.com.
Community records validate Frankenmuth’s
low crime rates, including the absence of any
capital crimes in at least the last 20 years.
City of Frankenmuth 2009 Education
Among the population ages 25 years and older, more
than 92 percent have earned at least a high school
diploma. In addition, 62 percent of residents 25 years
and older have completed some higher education.
City of Frankenmuth 2009
Property Tax Rates
Homestead rate: 30.1097
Nonhomestead rate: 49.1097
(Nonhomestead rates generally apply to properties with uses
that are business/commercial or nonprimary homes.)
The Spirit of Service
There’s an overwhelming sense of pride that comes
with being a Frankenmuth resident. Frankenmuth
is a great place to live, work, play and visit because
its people realize that moving ahead means
working together. Service organizations are at the
heart of our community, and more than 50 clubs
and organizations meet wide-ranging needs and
interests. Our many volunteers are always ready to
lend a hand or take time to help plan for the future.
The Spirit of Main Street
Walkable, charming and safe, Frankenmuth’s
downtown anchors the city’s economy, creating
the “go-to” place for work and play. Known worldwide
as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth and its
businesses annually attract hundreds of thousands of
visitors. Local residents benefit with accessibility to
the world marketplace, along with a strong commercial
tax base and many employment opportunities.
While Frankenmuth’s base industry is tourism, the
city is home to a major agribusiness and food supplier,
as well as a nationally rated insurance carrier.
Diverse businesses offer employment across
a variety of industries, including hospitality,
agribusiness, insurance, finance, health care
and others. From family-friendly part‑time
posts to professional management careers,
many opportunities are available.
And, there is always the possibility to create your
own job. Frankenmuth is full of entrepreneurial
success stories. Let yours begin in Frankenmuth.
Frankenmuth’s Top 15 Employers
Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn and Lodge
Zehnders of Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth Insurance
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Lutheran Homes of Michigan
Frankenmuth School District
Independence Village
Tendercare Health Center
Frankenmuth Credit Union
Black Forest Brew Haus & Grill
Frankenmuth Brewery
Esterline Memtron
The Kroger Company
Star of the West Milling Company
Tiffany’s
1,000
655
650
640
352
176
134
127
102
100
85
76
70
58
56
The Spirit of Locale
Commuting from Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is conveniently located in Saginaw
County within the Great Lakes Bay Region. It’s just
minutes east from I-75, between the cities of Flint
and Saginaw. All of the arts, cultural, recreational
and business opportunities of Bay City, Midland and
Saginaw are less than a 45-minute drive. In addition,
the urban amenities of the greater Detroit area,
including world-class shopping, professional sports
teams, and concerts and theatre events, are within a
one-hour drive of Frankenmuth.
For business commuters, Frankenmuth is a
reasonable distance to major employment markets
throughout Michigan.
15 minutes from Frankenmuth:
Birch Run, Bridgeport, Millington,
Reese, Richville, Vassar
30-45 minutes from Frankenmuth:
Bay City, Caro, Flint, Freeland, Grand
Blanc, Hemlock, Midland, Saginaw
60-90 minutes from Frankenmuth:
Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing
Airports
Frankenmuth is conveniently located near three
international airports, giving you many options
when traveling by air.
Distance in Miles from Frankenmuth
Ann Arbor, MI ................................................... 80
Atlanta, GA......................................................812
Chicago, IL.......................................................287
Cincinnati, OH..................................................327
Cleveland, OH..................................................241
Detroit, MI.........................................................86
Grand Rapids, MI............................................. 118
Indianapolis, IN.............................................. 300
Lansing, MI........................................................76
Midland, MI....................................................... 40
Pittsburgh, PA................................................. 350
Saginaw, MI........................................................16
MBS International Airport (MBS)
in Freeland, approximately 30 miles
from Frankenmuth
Bishop Airport (FNT)
in Flint, approximately 27 miles
from Frankenmuth
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
in Detroit, approximately 90 miles
from Frankenmuth
School Spirit
Frankenmuth provides public and private school
options that are among the region’s finest. The
Frankenmuth School District is located on a common
campus with one high school, one middle school
and one elementary school and is home to 1,290
students from preschool through grade 12. Large
enough to offer a complete and challenging academic
program, Frankenmuth’s school system is small
enough to provide students with plenty of individual
attention and opportunities for participation galore.
In addition to the Frankenmuth School District
programs, there are a number of preschool options
provided by local churches. While St. Lorenz
Lutheran School offers infant and childcare
programs and early childhood development
programs, it provides elementary and middle
school education programming, too.
The people who make up the Frankenmuth
School District take great pride in a host of
significant accomplishments. These include:
• An aligned curriculum, from kindergarten through
grade 12, in math, language arts, science, social
studies, Spanish, art, physical education and music
• A composite grade of A on the Michigan
2009-2010 Education Yes Report Card
• MEAP (state test) scores, ACT scores and
graduation rates that are consistently among
the highest in the area and state of Michigan
• Elementary, middle school and high
school accreditation by North Central
Association Commission on Accreditation
and School Improvement (2010)
• Class B high school with a full complement of AP
courses and vocational school opportunities
• An impressive 93 percent of graduates who
advance to postsecondary education, with
a drop-out rate of less than 1 percent
• Highly successful art, music and athletic
programs, as well as club activities
• Top-notch preschool and childcare programs
• A 2009 What Parents Want Award • National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
recognition to List Elementary School (2001)
• Recent district-wide facility renovation
• An EnergyStar award (2010)
The Spirit of Wellness
The Spirit of House and Home
In Frankenmuth, year-round recreational opportunities
are available. Organized activities for children and
adults in the warmer months include baseball,
soccer, football, softball, golf and many others. In
the cooler seasons, the City of Frankenmuth offers
indoor recreational programs, including volleyball
and basketball leagues. In addition, the community
education department features various activities
throughout the year, allowing residents to learn a
new skill or to brush up on one they already enjoy.
The housing options in Frankenmuth are certainly
diverse for the quaint city. Whether you’re seeking
a new custom-built house or an existing home, no
matter your style, you’re likely to find a home that’s
just right for you. If you prefer a low-maintenance
option, you might consider one of our condominium
associations. Rentals are available, too.
Frankenmuth’s fitness-minded residents appreciate
a world-class exercise facility that offers coaching
on total fitness, as well as physical therapy,
occupational therapy and speech therapy care.
As for health care, Frankenmuth has many health
professionals offering high-quality health care
services. Covenant HealthCare offers MedExpress
(a walk-in urgent care facility), laboratory services
and heart specialists at its medical campus in
Frankenmuth. In addition, larger regional health
care centers are nearby and provide a range
of more specialized health care services.
And the list doesn’t end there. Frankenmuth features
a wonderful retirement community and two adult-care
facilities perfect for keeping your loved ones nearby
while providing them with the care they deserve.
The Spirit of Worship
For the first 100 years, Frankenmuth’s population
largely consisted of German Lutherans. More
recently, as people of other faiths moved into the
community, additional places of worship were built.
Local Churches
Blessed Trinity Catholic Church
Cornerstone Assembly of God
Frankenmuth Bible Church
Frankenmuth United Methodist Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church
St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. Lorenz Lutheran Church
St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Spirit of Fun
Frankenmuth Events Calendar *
From strolling through the farmers market on
a Saturday morning to enjoying a free concert
in the park on a Sunday evening to finding
solitude in the pages of a book at the library,
there is fun for everyone in Frankenmuth!
There’s always something to do in Frankenmuth.
Whether it’s family fun, outdoor and leisure
activities, or our many festivals, Frankenmuth
offers year-round entertainment.
Bikers and joggers appreciate the specially
designed lanes, paths and trails within our
community, while people with pets enjoy the city’s
dog park. Frankenmuth offers unique shopping
opportunities, two of the country’s largest woolen
mills, museums, boat and horse tours, and a
multitude of events spanning the entire year—from
Zehnder’s Snowfest in January to the Bavarian
Festival in June to Oktoberfest in September.
Frankenmuth has plenty to offer in the categories of
dining and nightlife. Resident epicures will appreciate
the incredible restaurants, local breweries and
taverns, a winery, and cheese and sausage markets.
There are also many outdoor dining opportunities
in the warmer months and nightly entertainment
in the summer. And, if you want more, the
opportunities expand when you look across
the entire Great Lakes Bay Region.
January
Snowfest
Spring
Easter Celebration
April
Bringin’ Back the 80s
May
World Expo of Beer
Fahrrad Bike Tour Bark, Bike, Balloons
June
Bavarian Festival & Parade
Concerts in the Park
July
Volksläufe
(“The People’s Race”)
Cass River Encampment
Antique Fire Muster
Country Fest
Concerts in the Park
August
Historic Farm Fest
Summer Music Fest
Concerts in the Park
September
Auto Fest
Oktoberfest
October
Scarecrow Fest
November
Holiday Candlewalk
Christkindlmarkt
December
Living Nativity
*Visit frankenmuth.org for a complete event listing.
For a personalized guided tour of Frankenmuth
or to learn more about living here, please contact
any of the community leaders listed below. They’ll
acquaint you with the spirit that’s Frankenmuth!
Mary Anne Ackerman, Superintendent
Frankenmuth School District
989.652.9958
mackerma@frankenmuth.k12.mi.us
frankenmuth.k12.mi.us
Jamie Furbush, President/CEO
Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and
Convention & Visitors Bureau
800.386.8696
ceo@frankenmuth.org
frankenmuth.org
Sheila Stamiris, Director
Frankenmuth Economic Development Corporation
and Downtown Development Authority
989.652.9901
sstamiris@frankenmuthcity.com
frankenmuth.biz
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thanks to the following businesses, organizations and individuals
who generously sponsored this publication:
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
City of Frankenmuth
Dr. Lowell Butman
Emil Rummel Agency
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn
Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau
Frankenmuth Community Foundation
Frankenmuth Credit Union
Frankenmuth Insurance
Frankenmuth School District
McDonald’s of Frankenmuth
Mike Young Buick GMC
Dave Pendleton
Jack Rummel
Schaefer & Bierlein Chrysler Dodge Jeep
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Star of the West Milling Company
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
We also would like to thank local residents and businesses for providing us with photography.
Frankenmuth®
Michigan