EXPERIENCE DETROIT

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Flint, Birch Run, & Frankenmuth

Tour Overview

Within a short drive north of Detroit is the eastern edge of what is referred to as Mid-Michigan. Interstate 75 is your pathway to three special destinations well-known to Michiganders but generally unfamiliar to first-time Detroit visitors. You get a little of everything on this tour -- a ride on an historic steam-powered railway in Flint, fantastic discounts at the manufacturers outlets of Birch Run, and even a taste of Germany in the wonderful village of Frankenmuth. Get a taste of some of the great places to see and things to do in the Mid-Michigan area!

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Flint [A]

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The City of Flint is perhaps most recognizable as the backdrop for the 1989 film Roger and Me which chronicled the devastating economic effects of corporate downsizing. Despite the significant population decline that accompanied the downsizing of both General Motors and Delphi Corporation here, Flint remains the fifth largest city in Michigan. And during its heyday, Flint was a prosperous and politically influential city. Much of the wealth from this era built many of the unique sights and cultural attractions that remain vibrant today. The Flint Cultural Center, the Sloan Museum, and the Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad are just a few of the worthwhile places to see on your visit to this area.

Birch Run [B]

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Your second stop on this tour is the Prime Outlets of Birch Run, the largest outlet center in the Midwest. Ask any metro-Detroiter and they'll confess to their need for the occasional Birch Run fix to find great prices on just about anything from apparel to housewares to fine jewelry. Over 150 factory direct stores are located here, including Coach, Pottery Barn, and J. Crew outlets. Add to this a number of visitor services such as complimentary wheelchairs and strollers, free trolley service, and onsite restaurants / dining establishments, and you are in for a convenient and bargain-filled shopping experience with family and friends.

Frankenmuth [C]

Website

Need a quick European getaway without leaving Michigan? Then try a taste of Bavaria just a stones throw from I-75 in the beautiful city of Frankenmuth. The area was settled back in 1845 by conservative Lutheran immigrants from the Bavarian province of Franconia as a mission post for the spread of Christianity to the Chippewa tribe. Over three million people annually visit this quaint village to enjoy authentic Franconian-style street signs and architecture and dozens of Bavarian-themed shops and restaurants such as Zehnders, the Bavarian Inn, and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland (self-proclaimed to be the "World's Largest Christmas Store"!).