Birch Run

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB
Photo provided by Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB

A zoo, a park and a mini-golf complex surround this charming village, whose central attraction is an enormous outlet mall with a family fun center.

Founded as a stop on the Pere Marquette Railroad that ran through the Great Lakes region, Birch Run is a small village with diverse shopping options, green spaces and a sizable zoo. One major highlight is the enormous Birch Run Premium Outlets, considered the largest mall of its kind in the Midwest region. Take advantage of the affordable prices in the stores, restaurants and cafés spread across the small town.

Several parks make up the village’s leafy terrain. Join sports games on one of the fields available at the Birch Run Township Park, where soccer, tennis and baseball facilities are available.

Bring the whole family east to the Wilderness Trails Zoo, which has a petting area and a parakeet encounter. Picturesque trails meander through 56 acres (23 hectares) of parkland populated with lions, primates and zebras, among other majestic creatures. A child’s dream lies next door in the form of Alpine Mountain Golf. Play 18-hole mini-golf courses and ride the go-karts and bumper boats.

Venture north to the quaint Germanic town of Frankenmuth, whose downtown district is smattered with Franconian treasures. Its iconic Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland offers year-round festive experiences. Amble along the riverside in the historic center and enjoy a few beers in the region’s traditional breweries.

Spend a rainy afternoon in the stores of Birch Run Premium Outlets, which is so large, it’s like a village unto itself. Have pizza, chicken wings or more international cuisine in one of the mall’s restaurants. Kids can be entertained for hours on the inflatable playground of the Spring Break Family Fun Center.

Birch Run is located in the southeastern suburbs of Saginaw in Saginaw County. Arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and travel north for 90 miles (145 kilometers), turning off at the hamlet after Flint and before Frankenmuth.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Birch Run-Frankenmuth, MI
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Birch Run-Frankenmuth, MI
3 out of 5
12112 S Beyer Rd, Birch Run, MI
Fully refundable
The price is P4,272 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P4,272
P4,827 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birch Run. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall ...
6.6/10 (1,006 reviews)
"Convenient to Frankenmuth. Bathroom door looked like it had been in a war. There were some electrical plugs that did not work. Only receive maid service every three days."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Birch Run-Frankenmuth, MI
Americas Best Value Inn Birch Run
Americas Best Value Inn Birch Run
2 out of 5
9235 E. Birch Run Road, Birch Run, MI
The price is P3,970 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P3,970
P4,486 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birch Run. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The accessible room was really perfect for our group. Spacious."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Americas Best Value Inn Birch Run
Comfort Inn Birch Run - Frankenmuth
Comfort Inn Birch Run - Frankenmuth
2.5 out of 5
11911 Dixie Hwy, Birch Run, MI
The price is P4,685 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P4,685
P5,294 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birch Run. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Everything is great only thing to consider construction in progress but my room looks updated and fresh and everything is great for the price"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Comfort Inn Birch Run - Frankenmuth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins The Thumb
Postcard Cabins The Thumb
2 out of 5
3184 Columbiaville Rd, Columbiaville, MI
Stay at this cabin in Columbiaville. Enjoy free parking and climate control. Popular attractions Lake Henson and Buttercup Beach are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"We had an amazing time definitely will do this again"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Postcard Cabins The Thumb
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
3 out of 5
Saginaw
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy free parking, a pool table, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Saginaw ...
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
Clio Apt on 3 Acres, 14 Mi to Frankenmuth!
Clio Apt on 3 Acres, 14 Mi to Frankenmuth!
3 out of 5
Clio
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Clio. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Clio Area Amphitheater and Auto City Speedway are located ...
Cute, quaint and clean.
"Was the cleanest bnb my husband and I ever stayed in. All the little extras placed by the host were very much appreciated. Definitely would stay there again"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2023

Clio Apt on 3 Acres, 14 Mi to Frankenmuth!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do