Groundbreaking
Zehnder family at groundbreaking.
Michael Zehnder at groundbreaking.
From Michael Zehnder:
My mother Judy had a vision in the 1980’s to build a Bavarian themed resort along the Cass River. Over the years through the hard work of the family, the leadership team and many many team members it became a reality and it kept growing in size too.
There is no question that Judy’s legacy will live on with this building. Our team is ready for this project. We know Judy is smiling down from heaven and we will all hear her in the back of our minds as we progress.
So today we will break ground on a project that will be adding 20 + new amenities to our indoor waterpark. The family fun center addition has a few surprises as well. These unique attractions, will create new types of experiences within our resort, for guests of all ages.
To say we are excited is an understatement!!!
When completed in the spring of 2024 the Bavarian Inn Lodge will be Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark and family entertainment center resort at more than 140,000 sq. ft. of family fun.
Concept art of expansion
Video of Michael Keller Zehnder, Lodge President, making announcement: https://logoscommunications-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/sue_logos-communications_com/ERC-jbuchxxJqEC3RDJmKKABAsP_cN78Ng6_YAZylwEq3w?e=HJEXCS
Major indoor water park expansion planned at Bavarian Inn Lodge
December 13 groundbreaking planned
$80 million project will add 20-plus new attractions, including many water slides, wave pool and adult swim up bar
FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – November 21, 2022 – A major expansion of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, one of Frankenmuth’s major attractions, is planned to begin soon as the Lodge seeks to dramatically expand its water park amenities and Family Entertainment offerings.
A groundbreaking ceremony is planned to take place on Tuesday, December 13 at 10 a.m., for the $80 million project. When completed, the new amenities will make the Bavarian Inn Lodge Michigan’s largest indoor water park and family entertainment center, at more than 140,000 square feet of family fun.
The new expansion will open to guests in the spring of 2024, with some of the new family fun center areas opening in late fall of 2023. The General Contractor for the expansion is R.C. Hendrick & Son, Inc., who have built all previous six phases of the Lodge.
“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.”
The current Family Fun Center will remain in operation throughout the project, said Zehnder, with no disruptions to the Lodge’s conference and banquet center, guest rooms and all of the hotel amenities already in place, including current family water slides, pools and restaurants. More exciting details will be released throughout the stages of construction.
About Bavarian Inn Resort: The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Resort is a Midwest Resort destination for families and groups alike, who seek enjoyable experiences in lodging, dining, shopping, special events, and conference/meeting services. The resort includes Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, the ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn, and more.
About Bavarian Inn Lodge: For over 36 years, nestled along the banks of the Cass River in Frankenmuth, is one of the state’s largest indoor water park hotels. The Lodge, currently managed by the 3rd and 4th generation Bavarian Inn family members, 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 foot Family Fun Center houses two thrilling water slides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 160 video and redemption games, a two-level children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. Banquet facilities can accommodate events for 2-500 guests to enjoy Old World Charm with modern technology and delicious meals. In over 36 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 2.5 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: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com