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.
