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Brace yourself for a voyage that transcends borders and cultures as Must See Places discovers the essence of Germany in the US.
These beautiful locales offer a lovely fusion of Bavarian allure and American charm, creating an unforgettable experience that will make you forget you’re still in our own backyard!
From authentic German cuisine to traditional architecture, these US Bavarian Villages have mastered recreating the Old World charm.
Embark on a journey through these hidden gems, where half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets echo the ambiance of Germany’s quaint villages.
So whether you’re a travel enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of Europe closer to home, these destinations will delight you and transport you to the enchanting landscapes of Bavaria.
Join us as we unravel the magic of these 6 US Bavarian villages, offering a genuine taste of Germany right in the heart of America.
The proud motto of Leavenworth, Washington, is “Everything Bavarian!” And we think it’s pretty accurate considering the wealth of German activities, dining, and attractions in this adorable little town nestled in the breathtaking Cascades of the Pacific Northwest.
The village’s Bavarian shift came from a yearning to attract more visitors after the railroad rerouted, leaving this one-time logging town behind the times.
And it seems to have worked since it now welcomes over a million visitors yearly who enjoy the US Bavarian villages’ charm. While here, be sure to try the authentic German schweinshaxe at Ludwig’s Gasthaus.
Other fantastic restaurants include Rhein Haus, the Bavarian Bistro and Bar, Andreas Keller Restaurant, and Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill and Beer Garden.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, you’ll enjoy exploring the abundant German imports and gifts, including the extensive collection of nutcrackers at the Nussknacker Haus.
And be sure to stop in at The Gingerbread Factory while visiting this US Bavarian village. It’s another fun and delicious stop. Finish your trip with a drink at Stein Beer Hall and Bottle Shop. They have a whopping 55 taps!
The first word you’ll likely hear when you arrive in this US Bavarian village is the German “Willkommen!” And it isn’t a joke.
This area was settled by German immigrants who benefited from the rocky hillsides to plant vineyards when they discovered that the land they bought was too steep for anything else. It reminded them of their native villages in the Rhine Valley.
Nowadays, this booming homage to Bavaria boasts 150 structures on the National Register of Historic Places and quite a few wineries.
You can learn more about the town’s exciting past at the Historic Hermann Museum and how those earlier German immigrants lived daily at the Deutschheim State Historic Site.
And the White House Hotel Living History Museum is another fantastic place in town where Hermann’s history will come to life. You’ll love the German souvenirs and treats at Sugar Momma’s.
Also, antiquers can take a stroll through Hermann’s Attic Antique Mall, with many retailers in one location. Besides the award-winning wines, Hermann also offers lots of great local distilleries and German craft beer.
The Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern, established in 1878, is the oldest continuously operated tavern west of the Mississippi.
You can also visit the Hermann Wurst Haus and the Hermannhof Tasting Room and Deli while visiting this US Bavarian village, which offer excellent German flavors.
Michigan’s “Little Bavaria” is full of German heritage. Established by a group of German pioneers in the 1800s, this US Bavarian village has become a dynamic community with lots to see and do.
It’s famous for entertaining festivals like Oktoberfest and the Bavarian Festival. And the German Christmas market you’ll find here features horse-drawn carriage rides and a giant holiday display.
There’s also Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, which you won’t want to miss.
You can also visit the Frankenmuth Historical Museum to learn about the community’s past, and then take a ride on the Bavarian Belle, an entertaining riverboat. There are several restaurants and biergartens in the area that offer German entertainment and specialties.
And if you want to learn some Bavarian secrets, try a strudel-making class or pretzel-rolling workshop. Or you can do some German wine tasting or beer sampling while you’re here. This US Bavarian village also happens to be well-known for its fried chicken dinners.
We recommend checking out Zehnder. It’s been dishing up all-you-can-eat family-style food since 1856.
There are also lots of shopping spots to choose from, including River Place Shops and the Castle Shops, which make exploring numerous unique stores at once fun and easy. We also love the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, which boasts over 120 kinds of cheese.
Stop in to see over 150 adorable cuckoo clocks at the Frankenmuth Clock Company. Afterwhich, you can wind down with a glass of wine from the tap at Prost!
Wine Bar & Charcuterie or a craft German beer at Frankenmuth Brewery. The comfy Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge is the perfect base to dive into the local scene.
Named after Prussia’s Prince Ferdinand and known to residents as Fritztown, this Texas hill US Bavarian village was established by German settlers in 1846. In the beginning, new residents were enticed by the offer of free land.
However, settlers’ industrious nature quickly pushed Fredericksburg into a regional hub, even if it was one that spoke its own dialect, which can be considered Texas German, because many settlers refused to speak English.
Nowadays, this US Bavarian village’s storybook architecture, which includes an immaculate replication of a 19th-century German church, attracts a steady stream of tourism, especially when the town comes to life with Oktoberfest celebrations.
With roughly 44% of Wisconsin locals claiming German ancestry in the 2000 census, you won’t have a rough time finding incredible German food, shops, and other goods just about anywhere you go in the state.
But if you’re looking for a true US Bavarian village, Germantown, Wisconsin, is THE place to be. It offers a tiny but mighty Bavarian experience. Germantown, which began as a single square mile, comprises more than 35 square miles nowadays, some rural.
The benefit of this eclectic environment is that it’s home to everything from the Sila Lydia Bast Bell Museum to the pick-your-own experience at Lannon Sunflower Farm.
At Sila Lydia Bast Bell Museum, you can see bells worldwide, including a giant bell weighing over 1,000 pounds. And after working up an appetite, stop by the heart and soul of Germantown, Von Rothenburg Bier Stube and Garten.
This special US Bavarian village will lift your spirits and make you sing “Ein Prosit” before you even know what you’re doing! Besides the indoor restaurant, there’s an outdoor beer garden, excellent for the days when the warm sun and cold beer go perfectly together.
You’ll see plenty of lederhosen and dirndls and even live band outside. Their menu includes Bavarian favorites and an excellent selection of authentic beer.
You might not expect to find a US Bavarian village smack-dab in the middle of Georgia. But the alpine town of Helen will exceed your German heritage expectations.
Located amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is a fantastic place to enjoy both indoor and outdoor adventures. And with this US location, you’ll feel like you’re in Europe.
Nearby parks boast hiking trails and stunning waterfalls with some seriously breathtaking scenery. For indoor action and to feel like a kid again, play a round of mini golf at one of several alpine-themed courses or check out Charlemagne’s Kingdom Alpine Model Railroad.
So be sure to pack a comfortable pair of shoes for this trip. Here are our favorites from Amazon: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy
This US Bavarian village has many unique boutiques, too. So shopping is another great way to spend your days there. The Alpine Village Shoppes feature food, clothing, German decor, and much more, while many import shops offer distinctive gifts from Germany.
Unsurprisingly, you’ll have plenty to choose from where you can enjoy hearty German cooking at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including The Old Bavaria Inn and the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant.
And you can satisfy your sweet tooth by going into Hofer’s of Helen, an authentic Bavarian bakery. Lodgings vary from quiet mountain cabins and adorable bed and breakfasts to cozy hotels in the middle of all the action.
Be sure to tell us about your own experiences if you’ve ever visited any of the US Bavarian villages on our list. But don’t leave just yet! Must See Places has much more to offer.
For instance we highly recommend you also read about the 10 Magical European-Style Christmas Markets in the US
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