PedAle Trolley

The PedAle Trolley is Frankenmuth most playful way to see the old town. It is a pedal-powered trolley that seats up to sixteen people on benches around a central bar, each pedaling at their own pace while a trained driver steers and brakes. The City River Tour covers the Main Street area, the riverfront and the covered bridge on a loop that lets you hear the story of the town while you roll through it. Public tours let you book a few seats and join strangers, while private tours are popular with birthday parties, bachelorette outings, anniversaries, family reunions and team-building days. The mood is cheerful and sociable, with music on board, a playlist you can influence and plenty of waving to people on the sidewalk. Some tours are themed, and the operator runs variations that include a pub-style route, attractions-focused outings and a Main Street mixer for groups who want to stop along the way.

Practical details help. The trolley seats around sixteen, and not everyone needs to pedal; the driver handles steering and braking, and a motor assists on slopes. Tours typically run about two hours, and the route stays on town streets, so the experience is gentle rather than athletic. Participants of mixed ages and fitness levels manage well, but younger children and anyone with mobility concerns should confirm the rules with the operator when booking.

Ask about seasonal operation, because pedal trolleys are generally a spring-to-fall experience and some tours run in other seasons only for private groups. Alcohol policies vary, so ask in advance what you may bring aboard and whether stops at restaurants or breweries are built into the route.

How to choose between public and private: a public ticket is a bargain for couples and small groups who like meeting people, while a private booking gives you control of the music, timing and stops. For larger parties the private option usually works out cheaper per head and avoids the awkwardness of splitting a vehicle.

Plan the tour for the middle of the day or the early evening so you can finish at a restaurant, and pair it with a chicken dinner or a brewery visit. Dress for the weather, since the canopy gives some shade but the sides remain open, and bring a light layer in the evening.

Expect the driver to point out landmarks along the way, including the historic district, the church spires, the covered bridge and the riverfront. The route can be adapted to your group interests, so a family reunion may favor family-friendly stops, while a bachelorette party may prefer a more social route.

Reservations are essential during summer and festival weekends. Cancellation and weather policies vary by operator, so check them when you reserve. For an overview of both pedal trolley options in the region, see our pedal trolley guide, and for the sister experience in Bay City, see the Sunrise Pedal Trolley.

To get the most from the ride, set expectations with your group before you climb aboard. Agree on a rough playlist, decide who will handle the cooler or snacks if permitted, and remember that the pace is a leisurely roll rather than a workout. Ask the operator about restroom access, since a two-hour tour is a long time, and consider eating beforehand.

Photographers will enjoy the open sides, which offer unobstructed views of the covered bridge and church spires. If you are celebrating something special, mention it when booking, as the crew often add small touches like decorations or a special route stop.