2015, Jan-June | Bavarian Inn Lodge

Looking for a Great Place to Get Away With Your Family This Summer?
Try the Bavarian Inn Lodge – Winner of a 2015 Family Vacation Critic Favorite Award

• 35,000 Square Foot Family Fun Center Features
o Two Dramatic Waterslides, Three Pools and Two Whirlpools
o Play Areas and more than 150 Video and Redemption Games
o Willy’s Kingdom Indoor Mini-Golf Course
o Entertainment and Special Events

Photo caption: Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course is popular for Bavarian Inn Lodge guests of all ages.

June 4, 2015 – Frankenmuth, MI – For the second year in a row, the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth joins a choice group of properties nationwide selected for the 2015 Family Vacation Favorite Award from Family Vacation Critic, a popular online resource for parents looking for a family-friendly place to vacation.

According to Family Vacation Critic Editor-in-Chief Lissa Poirot, “The Family Vacation Critic Favorite winners represent hotels that truly excel as family-friendly properties. Because awards are only given to hotels that receive a high rating from both our team of experts and family travelers who have stayed at the property, the Family Vacation Critic Favorite Hotels designation offers parents a credible stamp of approval to use when searching for the perfect hotel for their family.”

“We truly are a family business and have a pretty good handle on what vacationing families really want when they stay with us,” said Martha Zehnder Keller, Bavarian Inn Lodge vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognized by Family Vacation Critic and its staff of inspectors as well as its legions of families who offer insights based on their own personal experiences,” she continued.

The Lodge’s Family Fun Center demonstrates its family-friendly focus with a host of video games and play areas for all ages, a newly-renovated 18-hole “Willy’s Kingdom” mini-golf course and an indoor water park, complete with three pools, two whirlpools and two swirling water slides. It continues its family focus by providing a number of family suites so Mom and Dad can have their own mini-vacation, knowing the kids are safe in an adjoining room.

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Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, more than 150 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Let’s ‘meat:’ Jerky Joint grand opening June 12 at Frankenmuth River Place Shops
• Store set to carry 300-500 varieties of meaty treats
• Could be largest selection in U.S. – in one location
• National Jerky Day is June 12

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – May 29, 2015 – There’s a new “meating” spot coming to the Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Jerky Joint – the destination for all varieties of dried, smoked, and cured meats – is planning a grand opening at the popular shopping destination on Friday, June 12 in conjunction with National Jerky Day.

The 700 square foot location at 925 South Main St., Frankenmuth is expected to carry 300-500 different varieties of jerky – all raised and produced in the U.S. – together with exotic meats, pickled foods, seasonings, rubs, and sauces to delight home cooks and grillers.

In addition to the familiar and flavorful beef and turkey jerkies, Jerky Joint will also feature exotic jerkies made of alligator, kangaroo, buffalo, and salmon – to name a few.

And, customers can buy a “Jerky Bouquet,” a container loaded with a variety of jerky and sauce combinations. What a perfect idea for Father’s Day giving.

“We believe that we will have the largest selection of jerky available in the U.S. at one location,” said William Zehnder Keller, manager, Frankenmuth River Place Shops. He imagined the Jerky Joint concept and supervised the store’s creation from the ground up. Keller noted that jerky products will be sourced from Michigan producers as near as Bay City, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, and as far away as Austin, Texas.

Keller pointed to a Huffington Post business report which declared jerky products as “the hottest snack in America,” primarily due to its portability and high protein content favored by active Americans. Jerky is a gigantic business, notes a recent IRIWorldwide report, as total dollar sales in the meat snack category grew from $1.58 billion in 2009 to nearly $2.5 billion last year. A 2014 Nielsen Global Survey of Snacks labeled jerky among one of the world’s fastest-growing snack food categories.

The June 12 Jerky Joint grand opening will begin at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce. The big day’s events include music by Marty Viers & the Music Doctors with their brand of tropical/sunshine rock-inspired tunes, a jerky tasting bar, the prize-awarding “wheel-o-meat,” and a drawing for a Jerky Bouquet.

Store hours for Jerky Joint are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m.to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning in July and continuing through Sept. 6, the shop will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about Jerky Joint, visit the store on Facebook with the search title “jerky joint frankenmuth.”

Frankenmuth River Place Shops: http://frankenmuthriverplace.com is an authentic re-creation of a Bavarian village located just minutes from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. The outdoor mall features more than 40 shops and attractions at one location. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

Restoration Complete: Frankenmuth’s Iconic Covered Wooden Bridge Now Open

Frankenmuth, MI – May 14, 2015 – After being closed for several weeks due to restoration and reconstruction, the Bavarian Inn’s covered bridge that spans the Cass River has reopened for all vehicle, horse and foot traffic. Prior to its makeover, the 239-foot-long bridge, now called Bavarian Inn’s Covered Bridge (Holz-Brücke), had survived 35 years of Michigan’s winters and summers and more than 4 million vehicle crossings.

The reconstruction was led by Tim Gilmour of Gilmour Construction in Frankenmuth. Lumber from Lapeer Hardwoods in Lapeer, Michigan was used to replace the bridge’s cedar shingles and new roadway planking along with 7200 hand pounded nails in the roadway alone. The reconstruction was entirely financed by the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family, and used no tax dollars.

The covered bridge was installed in January 1980 by New Hampshire craftsmen after being built on the river bank over the course of two years. Structural framing timbers from Oregon and locally sourced 3-foot-long shingles were used for the roof along with 16-foot-long 4x8s for the planked roadway.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant: (bavarianinn.com) Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark, thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. [Press Room: http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/]

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, 150 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Editors: See photos from last year’s event at http://dogfunfest.com/photo-gallery/

Frankenmuth River Place Shops host ninth annual Dog Bowl 2015

• World’s largest Olympic style event for dogs
• Expected to draw 50,000 humans, over 5,000 dogs

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. May 8, 2015 – Do you have a canine athlete in your house? Dogs and their owners are invited to the annual Dog Bowl 2015 this Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Frankenmuth River Place Shops in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Friends, family and, of course, dogs will have a great time participating or spectating this unusual, fun-filled, free admission event. It is the world’s largest Olympic-style event for dogs.

“We encourage families to bring their pets and create some great memories,” says Michael Zehnder, General Manager at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Dog Bowl event chairman. “With or without a dog, you’ll have a great time enjoying these dog Olympics.”

Dog Bowl 2015 is a free family event, featuring more than 29 events and competitions, with 22 events for pets and their owners to join in on. Whether it’s watching dogs nearly break world records at the DockDogs Distance Diving Competition, rocking with the Rock ‘N’ Roll K-9’s Performance Team or enjoying Silly Pet Tricks, everyone will find something to enjoy at this year’s event. New activities at this year’s Dog Bowl include selfie stations, Police K9 Demonstrations, Paws With A Cause Demonstration and the Doggie Fashion Show. Learn more by visiting www.dogbowlfun.com.

Dog Bowl 2015 events include:

Dock Dogs Diving Competitions – Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several world records were nearly broken during last year’s competition! Children love to stand poolside to literally “feel” the action as they are sprayed by the resulting splashes. All competitors are strongly encouraged to pre-register online at www.dockdogs.com. On-site registration will be available as long as open slots remain.

Barn Hunt – Frankenmuth River Place Field, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 fee. An exciting new sport, where dogs use their hunting instincts to search through a course of straw bales to signal their owner when a rat is found. The rat will be unharmed and encased in a tube.

Disc Dog Competitions, considered by many spectators as the highlight event of the weekend, will be expanded this year to include two World Qualifying Disc Dog Competitions. On May 23, the Skyhoundz U.S. Open Qualifier will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (www.skyhoundz.com). May 25 brings the Ashley Whippet Invitational (www.ashleywhippet.com). Over 80 dogs will compete as they demonstrate a variety of skills. Some are set to music, while other challenges are for distance and speed. Judges score on the originality and skill of both the dog and the handler.

Doggie Dash De Lure Races – Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Watch professionally trained dogs race through an obstacle course chasing a lure pulled by ropes and pulleys for the fastest times. If your dog likes to chase squirrels, they can attempt the course, too.

Agility Course includes demonstrations and various competitions daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested in trying their “paw” at agility courses are welcome and will have the opportunity to be instructed by professional trainers.

Annual Canine Cruise on the Cass River begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 23. Humans can join for a $3 fee; dogs are free.

New this year is the Police K-9 Demonstration – Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the River Place Shops Field. The Saginaw Valley Police Canine Association and BlueLine Police K-9 will exhibit the world of police K-9’s. Narcotics detection, handler protection and criminal apprehension will be demonstrated at this event.

Rock ‘N’ Roll K-9’s Performance Team will perform tricks, relay racing, limbo competitions and choreographed obedience routings and more – all to a Rock ‘N’ Roll musical show. Performance times are Saturday 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The new Paws With A Cause Demonstration – 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Festival Platz. Spectators will witness a trained PAWS Assistance Dog in action and learn about what the dogs are trained to do.

Border Collie Sheep Herding Demonstrations – Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. The demonstrator selects children from the audience to attempt to herd sheep better than one Border Collie. Border Collies will demonstrate their skill set and instincts as they control and move a herd of sheep within a six-acre fenced area.

Annual Pet Parade – Saturday at 1p.m. Come join the parade with your dog! It starts in the south entrance parking lot of River Place and travels north on Main Street, then east over the Wooden Covered Bridge and ends at the east parking lot. Spectators are invited to bring lawn chairs and view the parade from sidewalks along the route.

Enter your dog into the Best Canine Costume Contest – 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. This entertaining event blends the “creativity” of owners with their pets’ “tolerance” for wearing the costume in public.

Visit the Festival Platz Stage Saturday, May 23 at 1:45 p.m. to hear the stories of the winners for the 2015 Dog Bowl King and Queen Award.

Watch the debut of the Doggie Fashion Show at the Festival Platz Stage on Saturday, May 23 at 2 p.m. This is the place to check out the latest in furry fashion.

Dog owners have the opportunity to show off to the public the unique (silly) tricks they have taught their canine at the Silly Pet Tricks event at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Dog owners can sign up on site.

Is your dog fast? Sign up on site for the 25 Yard Small Doggie Fun Run Race on Saturday at 3 p.m. or the 50 Yard Big Doggie Fun Run Race on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Wiener Dog Races will be held for the hottest little hounds in town at 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Festival Platz Stage. All wiener dogs are welcome. Bring your dog and register at 4 p.m. on the day of the event.

New to this year’s Dog Bowl are the Selfie Stations. The stations will be set up for owners to take pictures with their dogs.

More than 20 dog rescue agencies from across Michigan will be attending and looking for homes for many of their “prized pooches.”

Dog Bowl 2015 will also host 40 exhibitors offering unique pet-related products and services, inflatable games for children, and face painting for a small fee.

To print a detailed schedule for Dog Bowl 2015 visit www.dogbowlfun.com. For more information, call 1-800-600-0105. Remember, admission to the event is free!

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Editors: Photos available at www.flickr.com/photos/frankenmuthfun/sets/

‘Balloons Over Bavarian Inn’ Event Expects 216 Hot Air Balloon Launches Over Frankenmuth on Memorial Weekend

Annual event a Bavarian Inn Lodge tradition

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. May 11, 2015 – Thirty-six of the best hot air balloon pilots in the Midwest will be competing in this year’s “Balloons Over Bavarian Inn” event in Frankenmuth Memorial Day weekend, May 22 -25, 2015.

During this competition, pilots will fly hot air balloons for accuracy in flight tasks and have to land on targets on the ground in six flight attempts over the weekend. The first flight will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 22. There will be flights at 6 a.m. and 7 p.m on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. The final flight is a 6 a.m. on Monday, May 25. The free event is sponsored by the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, Gordon Food Service, Pepsi, and many other supporters.

“The competing pilots are from three surrounding states and are from as far away as Iowa. Ten of these pilots rank in the top 100 in North America,” states Jim Engel, chief operating officer, Bavarian Inn Lodge and event chairman. Engel is working with key leaders who have hosted national and world hot air balloon championships to orchestrate the competition over and around Frankenmuth.

Pilot Larry Coan of Livonia, MI will be returning to this year’s competition. Coan has been steadily listed as one of the top 50 pilots in the United States. He will be flying his hot air balloon called “Superfluous.”

Held in conjunction with Dog Bowl 2015, the balloon championship features an elite group of 36 balloon teams, assembled by a core team of balloon pilots and local planners. Derrick Jones, competition director for Balloons Over Bavaria states, “The Frankenmuth balloon events have become one of the favored Midwest balloon events because of the family friendly aspect of Frankenmuth; the unique architecture to fly over, and the tie-in with the Dog Bowl Olympic events and the Tour De Frankenmuth cycling events.”

Spectators will experience the village of balloons at the Balloon Glow Event on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at River Place Field, giving them an opportunity to walk amongst 15 tethered hot air balloons that glow in the evening sky. Spectators can meet the pilots and crew, get autographs and even take pictures with their children inside or next to the pilot and his basket.

Piloting hot air balloons is a growing sport that is sophisticated and technical. The use of websites to track wind speeds and directions for every thousand foot level combined with the use of GPS technology allows pilots to better target their destination. This brings an unparalleled precision to the sport. During the morning and evening flights, the pilots will navigate their balloon to certain targets, placed and assigned to them by the officials.

Experience balloon launches and flyovers at River Place Field each morning and evening of Memorial Day Weekend. See a complete schedule for the Balloons Over Bavaria Balloon Championships at www.dogfunfest.com/balloons/. Follow the action on Facebook by liking “Balloons Over Bavaria” & Frankenmuth Hot Air Balloon Glow Village. Twitter Updates @BalloonsInMuth. Admission to balloon events is free.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, 150 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn’s Guest Loyalty Program Named Silver Award Winner in Loyalty360 Awards Competition
• Joins the ranks of world’s most recognizable brands
• Perks Club boasts more than 21,000 ‘family members’

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. April 27, 2015 – The Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s “Perks Club” guest loyalty program has been selected as the Silver Award winner in the Best Reward/Loyalty Program category at the second annual Loyalty360 Awards. The program recognizes the world’s best and most innovative customer appreciation programs.

Now in its 16th year, the Perks Club has more than 21,000 “family members,” who enjoy award points, special members-only discounts and priority status for Bavarian Inn Lodge and Bavarian Inn Restaurant reservations. Shopping points are awarded for every dollar spent on all purchases within the Bavarian Inn companies, which includes the Castle Shops, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Covered Bridge and Leather Gift Shop as well as the 14 company-owned shops within Frankenmuth River Place

The Bavarian Inn and its Perks Club program join a field of more than 60 Loyalty360 finalist contestants which comprise some of the world’s most valuable and recognizable retail, travel, hospitality, restaurant and financial services companies, including Coca Cola, Caesar’s Entertainment and Air Canada.

“We’re very proud to have achieved this level of recognition,” said Nancy Sommer, the Bavarian Inn’s Perks Club manager. “This would not have been possible if not for the efforts of our staff who promote the benefits of the Perks Club, enroll new members, maintain our Perks Club member accounts and distribute member awards.”

Winners of the Loyalty360 Awards were announced April 27 at the annual Loyalty Expo in Orlando, Florida.

To learn more about the Perks Club, please visit www.bavarianinn.com .
About the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Restaurant and its sister Perks Club properties

Bavarian Inn Restaurant: (bavarianinn.com) Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

ian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.
Frankenmuth River Place Shops: (http://frankenmuthriverplace.com/) is an authentic re-creation of a Bavarian village located just minutes from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. The outdoor mall features more than 40 shops and attractions at one location. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

About Loyalty360: Loyalty360 is an unbiased, market driven, voice of the customer focused clearinghouse and think-tank that is committed to bringing loyalty to the forefront as a critical marketing strategy. A trusted source for cutting-edge research, best practices, and networking opportunities, Loyalty360 gives members the expert insights and guidance they need to better understand loyalty and develop programs that effectively engage their customers and employees and build stronger relationships with them. With over 70,000 monthly visitors and 115,000 monthly page views to Loyalty360.org, and 500,000 followers collectively on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, Loyalty360 is a prolific resource for loyalty, customer experience and brand/customer engagement strategy. Learn more at http://loyalty360.org.

Bavarian Inn Lodge President Honored by Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association
Judy Zehnder Keller Named RD Musser Hotelier of the Year

2015 HOTELIER OF THE YEAR – Judy Zehnder Keller recognized with the RD Musser Hotelier of the Year Award, the highest recognition provided by Michigan’s lodging community. The award was presented at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids, at the Stars of the Industry Banquet, before more than 1,000 industry peers. Pictured with Zehnder Keller are Ron Cichy, professor, Michigan State University School of Hospitality Business, and Shonda Johnson, area general manager, Detroit Renaissance Center.

Frankenmuth, MI – March 24, 2015 – Judy Zehnder Keller, the force behind the creation and success of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, has been chosen as the RD Musser Hotelier of the Year by the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association. Although this is the first year that it bears the Musser name, the hotelier of the year award is presented annually to “a visionary owner or general manager” in the state of Michigan who has:

• Maintained the highest standards of inn keeping over the expanse of his/her career.

• Continually sought to surpass expectations by mentoring rising associate stars and developing new practices that positively impact the guest experience.

• Recognized the importance of striking a balance between property/staff investment and long term viability and profits.

• Been a volunteer who has contributed time, effort and resources to the betterment of the community and the greater industry that he/she serves.

The award was presented at the Star of the Industry Awards Dinner held Monday evening, March 23rd in conjunction with the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

In receiving the award, Zehnder Keller noted that her credo is to try to make every stay memorable for every guest and that she fully believes that the effort begins with every single staff member. “If we can have fun and create enjoyable experiences among ourselves, it naturally flows that we are better able to create enjoyable experiences for our guests,” she said.

Zehnder Keller is known for her dogged determination to respond to the voice of the customer and stay ahead of accommodation trends that are important to the multi-generational family groups that are the Lodge’s target demographic. Why else would she pursue six major project investments since the 1986 opening of one of America’s largest Bavarian-themed resorts and conference centers?

“Let our family serve your family,” is not just a slogan for Zehnder Keller. The Bavarian Inn organization is something she has been a part of since childhood. Often telling people she is simply following the example of her 93-year-old mother, Dorothy, who she sees as teacher, mother, role model, philanthropist, activist, mentor and business leader and who still works in the Bavarian Inn kitchen. Zehnder Keller has built her life on the foundation of service that her parents began in the 1950’s with the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. She officially began working at the restaurant at the age of 14 and worked in a variety of roles for 25 years before building the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

In a fourth generational business, Zehnder Keller has served thousands of families who have made the Bavarian Inn Lodge Trip Advisor’s® highest ranked and most reviewed family resort in Michigan with currently over 2575 reviews. When she learned of the distinction, she simply stated: “The ranking is important because it is determined by guests and there is no greater reward than exceeding your customers’ expectations.”
Zehnder Keller is a pioneer and role model with a long line of “firsts:” first female Frankenmuth City Council Member where she served for 12 years; first female Rotary Club member in 1991 and then president in 2007-08. She continues to mentor men and women inside and outside the corporation.

Her numerous awards include statewide recognition as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2002). Zehnder Keller also ranked 10th out of 200 national finalists in Start Up Nation’s 2011 Leading Mothers in Business competition. In 2012, Zehnder Keller, along with daughter Martha Zehnder Keller, made history by receiving Michigan State University’s prestigious “Industry Leader of the Year” and “Emerging Leader of the Year” awards, becoming the first mother and daughter to claim the honors presented by The School of Hospitality Business at MSU. She also received the Jaycees top honor – the 2011 Herbert L. Keinath Distinguished Service Award – given for selfless contributions to the local community.

Zehnder Keller attended Michigan State University where she received a M.A. in Educational Psychology and a B.A. in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management.

Today, Frankenmuth is visited by over 3 million tourists each year. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge are important to the Michigan economy, employing hundreds of workers and keeping tourism dollars in the state; the Bavarian Inn is the largest consumer of Michigan agricultural products.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (http://www.bavarianinn.com/): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

The Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association was formed in 1905 and while it has undergone a variety of name changes, it has always been the only statewide trade association representing Michigan’s lodging and tourism industries. MLTA represents hundreds of hotels, motels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts, comprising over 50,000 guest rooms. MLTA membership also includes categories for allied/suppliers, convention and visitor bureaus, colleges and universities, students, attractions and transportation operators. Headquartered in Lansing, the MLTA provides a full range of association services. To learn more, go to: http://www.milodging.org/

4th Generation Bavarian Inn Garners Outstanding Family Business Award
Ten Family Members Keep Business Vital as an Extension of Their Family Bond

Photo caption: Ten Bavarian Inn family members work together to continue the success of the iconic Frankenmuth company: (seated from left) William Zehnder Keller, Karen Zehnder, Martha Zehnder Keller, Michael Zehnder, (standing from left) Katie Zehnder, Amy Zehnder Grossi, Bill Zehnder, Dorothy Zehnder, Don Keller, Judy Zehnder Keller.

Frankenmuth, MI – March 23, 2015 – The iconic Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn received the Outstanding Family Business award from Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU) College of Business and Management at its second annual Best in Business awards ceremony held Friday, March 13 on the SVSU campus in Kochville Township, MI.

In presenting the award, the college noted: “The Bavarian Inn Lodge and Restaurant offers visitors the chance to explore over 40 shops, yearly festivals and events, and a taste of classic German architecture. It employs more than 400 people and serves over a half million meals each year, and is annually ranked among the top independent U.S. restaurants.”

Meeting the SVSU Business College’s award criteria of being an established family-owned business headquartered in the Great Lakes Bay Region, the Bavarian Inn also had to demonstrate:

• its specific strengths as a family-owned business
• its contributions to the community
• its family business best practices.

Reflecting on the significance of this latest award, third generation owner and current restaurant president Bill Zehnder, attributed the success of Bavarian Inn to strong family ties. “My father often said, ‘Family is everything,’” Bill commented. “We continue to live and work by that philosophy. We have a shared history and a shared moral code. We grew up together, worshiped, worked and played together. We truly cherish and respect each other. In business, we adhere to a creed based on our shared values and vision. Work is an extension of our family bond.”

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Frankenmuth River Place Shops: (http://frankenmuthriverplace.com/) is an authentic re-creation of a Bavarian village located just minutes from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. The outdoor mall features more than 40 shops and attractions at one location. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn’s Guest Loyalty Program
Celebrates 16 Very Loyal Years
• Bavarian Inn a pioneer in offering one location loyalty program
• 21,000-plus members in Perks Club

Frankenmuth, MI – March 18, 2015 – What’s it like to have more than 21,000 “family members?” “It’s awesome!” says Jim Engel, COO of the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Engel’s family members are actually members of the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Restaurant’s extended family, the Perks Club. Founded in 1999, the Perks Club is one of the largest private loyalty and rewards programs in the country.

“Many people have told us how they came to Frankenmuth as children and are now bringing their children and grandchildren,” Engel says. “As we continued to hear this from our guests, it became evident that we needed to reward these guests for coming back all these years and being loyal to us.”

What prompted a private loyalty program as opposed to a third-party version? “We knew we had loyal guests of the Bavarian Inn and we knew we saw them frequently, but we truly did not know who they were,” states Nancy Sommer, Perks Club manager. “Recognizing these guests was important for our business and rewarding them for their loyalty was even more important. By creating our own program, we were able to tailor our rewards more to individuals because we learned more about them as people, not just as membership numbers.

“All of our members have their own unique spending patterns,” Sommer continues. “It is very important to appeal to each member of our Club. While most overnight with us, some only dine with us, while others are primarily shopping guests. We offer benefits that appeal to the varied interests of our members and encourage them to visit more frequently.”

Most of the Bavarian Inn Perks members have been in the Club for years. There is very low attrition, with thousands of new member referrals coming from existing members. “We have been studying loyalty clubs of other hotel chains and airlines for years,” stated Engel. “We have not been able to find a significant independent resort running a club like ours anywhere else in the country. With a 16-year history, we believe we are pioneers in offering a diverse and robust loyalty program for a single location.”

Perks Club members pay a small fee for membership, with 10 points awarded for every dollar spent on all purchases within the Bavarian Inn companies: Bavarian Inn Lodge, Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Castle Shops, Covered Bridge and Leather Gift Shop and 14 company-owned shops within Frankenmuth River Place. Reward certificates are generated at each $200 level.

Members also receive priority dining reservations at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant whenever possible and priority status on lodging waitlists as well as a complimentary dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant during the month of their birthday along with a complimentary dinner for the second adult member on the same account during that member’s birthday month. For the fun of it, miniature golf at the Lodge is also free for members on Wednesdays.

Six informational Perks Club newsletters mailed each year play an additional part in the success of the program. “Our newsletters are packed full of special benefits, member-only promotions and reduced offers for lodging, dining and shopping. Our office can always tell when the newest edition of the newsletter has reached members’ households. Our members are calling to make reservations for dinner and special events as well as reservations for lodging at reduced rates. We definitely know they are reading them,” laughs Sommer.

“We are very proud of the success of our Perks Club” says Judy Zehnder Keller, owner and president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. “Having a formal loyalty program has helped us find out who our best customers are and we have developed long-term, personal relationships with them.”

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Restaurant and its sister Perks Club properties
Bavarian Inn Restaurant: (bavarianinn.com) Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Make Bavarian Inn Lodge Your Destination for Easter Sunday Brunch

March 17, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Make your Easter Sunday special and stress free by letting the Bavarian Inn Lodge spoil your family and friends with their bountiful Easter brunch. Easter Sunday falls on April 5th this year and the brunch will run from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The brunch includes not only tasty breakfast items like fluffy scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes and banana bread, but also all the food that the Bavarian Inn is known for: the famous Frankenmuth chicken®, carved roast beef and ham, whipped potatoes with gravy, spaghetti with meat sauce, baked cod and delicious side dishes. Be sure to leave room for dessert – choices include Edelweiss torte, apple strudel, chocolate mousse and more.

The cost for this special Easter brunch is $22 for adults; $10.50 for children 9-12; $8.95 for children 5-8; children under 4 are free. Tax and gratuity will be added to the check. Reservations are recommended. Call (989) 652-7200 or visit www.bavarianinn.com to make a reservation or for more information.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Frankenmuth Iconic Wooden Covered Bridge to Close for Repairs

Bridge facts:
• Opened: January 1980
• Scheduled closure: intermittently March 16, 2015 to April 17, 2015
• Length: 239 feet; Width: 28 feet
(Roadway: 19 feet, Walkway: 4’6” on each side)
• Used 163,288 board feet of lumber
• Weight: 230 tons; Load capacity: 18 tons
• 4 million vehicle crossings to date

Frankenmuth, MI – March 12, 2015 – After 35 years of Michigan winters – and Michigan summers – and more than 4 million vehicle crossings, the Bavarian Inn’s Covered Bridge (the Holz-Brücke in German) spanning the Cass River in Frankenmuth is having some work done.

Replacing the shingles and roadway planking will begin Monday, March 16, 2015 and last for about four weeks, depending on Michigan’s unpredictable weather. The bridge will be closed to vehicles intermittently during that time (see below for closure schedule). Access to the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Bavarian Inn Restaurant, and Frankenmuth River Place Shops will be available from the Weiss Street entrance. Pedestrians will be able to cross the bridge using a walkway.

There will be a number of Bavarian-themed signs that will direct guests to the alternate entrance.

“Like any bridge or roadway in Michigan, time and weather have taken its toll on our wooden covered bridge,” said Bill Zehnder, president of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, Inc. “Maintaining the bridge is a necessity for the safe passage of our guests and Frankenmuth visitors.”

He added that the roof covers and protects the wooden bridge underneath, so the deterioration of the shingles exposes the structure to potential wear. The covered bridge was installed in January, 1980 after nearly two years of construction on the riverbank. New Hampshire craftsmen used structural framing timbers from Oregon – in some cases 32 feet long – and locally sourced and sawn 3-foot long shingles for the roof and 16-foot long 4x8s for the planked roadway.

The necessary repairs will be made by a Michigan team headed up by Tim Gilmour of Gilmour Construction in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Gilmour has a long history with wooden craft projects. The planking will be locally sourced and sawn by Dennis Miller from Lapeer Hardwoods in Lapeer, Michigan.

If Mother Nature cooperates, the bridge will hopefully reopen for both (gasoline-and horse-powered) vehicular traffic around Friday, April 17, 2015.

Bridge closure schedule
Monday March 16, 2015 to Friday April 3, 2015:
Closed Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 10:30 am only
April 6 – 10, 2015: No bridge construction
April 13 – 17, 2015:
Closed Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 10:30 am only
One pedestrian walkway open at all times during repairs

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two waterslides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Tasty chicken, family fun and yes — fabulous weddings!

Bavarian Inn Lodge Named a Winner in the Knot Best of Weddings 2015
Feb. 17, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. —The Bavarian Inn Lodge is a wedding destination for weddings of all sizes and shapes and it has the accolades to prove it. Once again the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been selected as a winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot.

Located on the banks of the Cass River, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is just a short walk from the attractions, shops, restaurants and accommodations of one of Michigan’s leading destinations.

“Tradition and convenience intertwine at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, where we handle all the details – ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, dining, and lodging – everything to make your wedding a treasured experience,” said the Lodge’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Martha Zehnder Keller. “We promise to help you create a memorable wedding filled with extraordinary flavor and unparalleled hospitality.”

In 2015, only 2 percent of the 250,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. The Knot Best of Weddings 2015 provides an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed a sample of almost one million real reviews across the various vendor categories that a bride or groom would want in order to inspire, plan and pull off their own unique wedding.

For more information about planning a wedding at the Bavarian Inn, visit http://www.bavarianinn.com/weddings/at-the-lodge/ or call a special event coordinator at Bavarian Inn Lodge – 877-213-7664.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Bavarian Inn debuts new website

• Easy and enjoyable web experience awaits visitors at www.bavarianInn.com

• New design adapts to all devices for information ‘on the go’

Feb. 10, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Visitors to the joint website maintained by the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the companion Bavarian Inn Lodge, www.bavarianinn.com, have a pleasant surprise in store – a fresh, new website design that makes finding information about the twin tourist meccas and booking a dining table or guestroom easier than ever before.

Improved features of the new website include:

• An easy-to-read and responsive page design, formatted to fit all major browsing devices, including laptop, tablet, and smartphone. For travelers planning their Frankenmuth journey at home or “on the go,” the new design makes getting to Michigan’s most popular tourist destination even more fun.

• A clean and easy-to-navigate homepage, providing visitors a quick path across the wide range of “dine, stay, shop, and play” choices offered by the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge. In addition, conference, special event and wedding planners can take advantage of the dedicated pages devoted to conference facilities, catering options, and wedding packages available at both locations.

• Making dining or guestroom reservations at the new site has become easier than ever, with dedicated reservation links on each www.bavarianinn.com webpage, eliminating the need to search for separate reservation pages.

• In addition, the website’s special events calendar has been improved, making the much-visited calendar more visually attractive and easier to read.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant:
Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge:
The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.
Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: http://www.logos-communications/bavarianinnlodge

Celebrate ‘Super Sunday’ at the Bavarian Inn Lodge

‘Party Time Package’ makes entertaining easy for football classic

Jan. 23, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Looking for a respite from the local sports bar, or the requisite “chips, dips and cheeseball” at the neighbors’ gathering? Here’s a winning play: celebrate “America’s game” on “Super Sunday,” Feb. 1 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge as they offer a special party time package for football fans.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge “Super Sunday” package includes a discounted $89 (plus tax) guestroom rate that accommodates four guests per room, plus a large deluxe pizza and pitcher of your choice of soft drink. Guests can enjoy the big game (and those creative commercials) on their private high-definition TV, and enjoy a warm and comfortable overnight stay in the European-decorated rooms.

In addition, the lodge restaurants will be offering guests its tasty seasonal weekend menu selections. And, if looking for fun and camaraderie on game night, the Bavarian Inn’s Lorelei Lounge will be airing the premiere “pigskin” event of the season on its big-screen TVs, and guests can enjoy a championship selection of beverages and snacks while cheering on their favorite team.

Fans are invited to book a room now at www.bavarianinn.com , or by calling (989) 652-7200 to make a reservation or for more information.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist destination – Frankenmuth – is the one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Chinese New Year fest: Trot over to the Bavarian Inn Lodge

• Celebrate the Year of the Goat

• Games, crafts, family fun, and food await

Jan. 13, 2015 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Goat – in China, that’s 4712 – in grand fashion at the Bavarian Inn Lodge as they offer multiple celebrations of China’s most important holiday throughout the months of January and February.

The 2015 Chinese New Year’s Celebration of the Year of the Goat will be held every weekend in January including Jan. 16-19, 23-24, 30-31 and Feb. 6-7, 13-15, 20-21, and 27-28, 2015. Special festivities for children and family members are held from 6 to 8 p.m. and include:
• Crafts
• Coloring
• Musical Chairs for Prizes
• Various Dances
• Parade with Willy the Dragon
• And MORE!

These special events are open to the public as well as hotel guests. A full dinner menu will be offered and available in the Lorelei Lounge.

Call (989) 652-7200 or visit www.bavarianinn.com to make a reservation or for more information.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist destination – Frankenmuth – is the one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.