Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth will soon open the second phase of an $80 million expansion that will make it Michigan’s largest indoor water park and family entertainment center. The first phase debuted just before the holidays last year, when an approximately 15,000-square-foot section of its new Family Fun Center opened. Highlights include an ice cream shop, new redemption prize store where guests can select gifts earned with video and arcade game winnings, and laser tag.
Now, phase two, with mini-bowling, a three-story ropes course, and rock-climbing walls—a total of about 10,000 square feet—is set to open by June. The third and largest phase that will bring the fun center’s water park area to more than 140,000 square feet is scheduled for fall completion.
“There are going to be 16 waterslides. We will have a wave pool, we will have a lazy river, there will be some more concessions … and a swim-up bar for adults,” says General Manager Joanna Nelson, noting the completed water park’s name will be Bavarian Blast. There also will be an area with a dump bucket, climbing structure, and less-aggressive waterslides.
She says the enhanced facilities will add to the attraction for those planning meetings and events at Bavarian Inn Lodge and nearby. “We oftentimes will have attendees bring their families when they find out the meeting is being held in Frankenmuth,” she says. “We also will be promoting after-hours events to planners that incorporate team-building type activities or gatherings in certain sections of the park.”
