Michigan's biggest waterpark is coming to Frankenmuth, with an $80-million construction project in the works on a massive aquatic center before its grand opening expected this fall.
The Bavarian Blast waterpark at Bavarian Inn is on its way, with summer progress set to give way to a major expansion, over 20 new aquatic attractions and several new family entertainment options.
Frankenmuth getaway
Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn Lodge represents one of the biggest Bavarian-themed resorts in the U.S. Its new expansion will bring the indoor water park and family entertainment center to over 140,000 square feet.
"We are truly raising the bar on fun at the Lodge, creating unique attractions and new types of experiences within our resort," said Michael Keller Zehnder, president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. "This expansion will help us to advance our goal of creating fun and enjoyable experiences for all ages. We are reimagining family fun and see this as an exciting project for all of Frankenmuth."
Previously, the largest expansion the lodge saw was $14-million during its third phase in 1995 — when 156 guest rooms, a gift shop, third indoor pool, second restaurant and an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course were added.
All expansion phases of the lodge have been built by R.C. Hendrick & Son, Inc.
Expansion Status
The project marked its grand opening in December 2023 and is set to continue through the fall.
The first phases included construction on the newly opened Dragon's Lair, a 2,500-square feet laser tag arena; Emilie's Eis, an ice cream and candy shop; and the Treasure Haus, a redemption store for the family fun center games and tickets, according to the Bavarian Inn Lodge.
More: Michigan native Kim Knor, 85, wants to skydive 1,000 times
More: 6 Michigan golf courses ranked among America's top 25 publics for best conditions
Additional updates to the Bavarian Inn include a takeout area remodel at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and a renovation to the Bavarian Inn Castle Shop. There will also be a four-lane Rockin N' Roll mini bowling alley, Skyscaper rock climbing wall and the three-story Michigan's biggest indoor adventure ropes course.
The Big Bounce America will come to Frankenmuth River Place Shops this summer, bringing the world's largest bounce house to town Aug. 8-10. The family-friendly activity features a 24,000 square-foot and 32-feet tall bounce house filled with gigantic slides, ball pits, climbing towers and basketball hoops inside, as well as oversize figures of various colors, shapes and sizes.
Summer construction
Marking Bavarian Inn Lodge's seventh major expansion since opening in 1986, the Bavarian Blast waterpark will feature over 20 new attractions, including:
- A large indoor wave pool
- An adult-only swim-up bar
- A series of 16 water slides
- Indoor lazy river
- Private cabanas
As crews work on the project this summer, progress is underway on the indoor pool, mezzanine deck, walls, water slides and a bucket tower, per a Bavarian Inn Perks Club email.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bavarian Inn will have largest indoor waterpark: Where construction stands
Most Popular
Comments / 0