Bavarian Blast: Michigan’s Largest Indoor Water Park
The Zehnder family, owners of the Bavarian Inn since 1950, have always embraced ambitious goals. Starting as a modest restaurant, the Bavarian Inn has undergone significant transformations, evolving into a vital part of the community while celebrating the area’s German heritage and turning the quaint town of Frankenmuth into “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.” In 1986, the Bavarian Inn Lodge was inaugurated, which later expanded to include a large family entertainment centre, hotel pools, additional dining options, and various other amenities.
In November 2022, the Bavarian Inn unveiled its most ambitious project to date: a remarkable $80-million, 170,000-square-foot indoor water park that aims to establish the property as a year-round destination, not just a resort.
Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Water Park
Promoted as Michigan’s largest indoor water park, Bavarian Blast is set to open in March 2025, generating considerable excitement. Given the Midwest’s notoriously harsh winters, this indoor water paradise is the ideal attraction for families from both near and far, regardless of the season.
Bavarian Blast offers more than just typical indoor water park fun; it transports guests to a fantastical foreign land. Designed with charming Bavarian themes and featuring animal mascot characters throughout (plush toys available in the gift shop), the park aims to evoke the spirit of an Oktoberfest celebration.
To enhance the outdoor feel, a 175 x 275-foot Double Slope Skylight roof by Open Aire has been constructed, allowing for abundant natural light, creating a spacious and welcoming atmosphere while also conserving energy.
In addition to being Michigan’s largest indoor water park, Bavarian Blast boasts:
- The state’s first adult swim-up bar
- The state’s first dual mat racing slides—Mat Parallel Pursuit
- The world’s first Inner Tube Parallel Pursuit
With sixteen water slides, a 5,130-square-foot wave pool, a 300-foot lazy river, ample seating, and food and beverage options, it promises a fun-filled day for all.
Thrills for Every Age
Bavarian Blast features a fantastic variety of water slides catering to all thrill-seekers: body slides, inner tube rides, and family raft rides. From toddlers to tweens and adults, there’s something to entertain everyone.
“Puddle Platz” Kids’ Area
With five gentle slides—a Pool Sider, two AquaTubes, and two Ramp Slides—along with a water table and a tot bounce, Puddle Platz is a haven for the youngest visitors. Unbeknownst to them, the Ramp Slides incorporate advanced fiberglass technology.
This innovative process, known as “veiling,” adds a decorative layer to the slide components, allowing parks to incorporate imagery into the fiberglass, enhancing the storytelling aspect. At Bavarian Blast, the slide named “Schmetterling’s Landing” features a butterfly veil (Schmetterling means butterfly in German), while Goldie, the goldfish mascot wearing an alpine hat, is depicted on the Ramp Slide called “Goldie’s Glider.”
“Cuckoo’s Chaos” and Body Slide Complex
The most striking feature inside Bavarian Blast is the traditional cuckoo clock, complemented by a festive German May Pole. Instead of the typical large tipping bucket found in many water parks, this attraction delights children by dumping water just below the cuckoo bird.
Perfect for preteens and tweens, this area includes four body slides: one Open & Enclosed, two AquaTubes, and one Pool Sider, with whimsical names like Bavarian Blitzer, Pretzel Twist, Buttered Noodle, and Schnitzel Swirl, reminiscent of the delicious food options available at the park.
To enhance safety, Life Floor foam rubber tiles in colours inspired by the Bavarian flag patterns are used to minimise slips and falls.
Inner Tube and Family Raft Ride Complex
Don’t miss the chance to ride with family and friends, whether in the same vehicle or through friendly competition. The inner tube and family raft ride complex at Bavarian Blast features large rides that extend outside the building, optimising the indoor space. The slides include:
“Schnitz & Fritz Racers”
Parallel Pursuit Mat Racer
Michigan’s first dual mat racing slides, Parallel Pursuit, features sections with low dividing walls in both straightaways and curves, allowing competitors to see and hear each other, making the experience more interactive. A translucent stripe runs along the entire ride, allowing natural light to filter in as the flume extends outside, enhancing the atmosphere for riders.
“Rapunzel’s Racers”
1-2-Person Inner Tube Parallel Pursuit
Making its world debut is the inner tube version of Parallel Pursuit. Previously, Parallel Pursuit was only available as a mat or body racer for one-on-one competition. On “Rapunzel’s Racer,” riders race side by side through sections with low dividers, allowing them to see and hear each other, as well as through dark flumes adorned with colourful AquaLucent effects, featuring unique patterns for each lane.
“Willy’s Wild Ride”
1-2-Person Inner Tube Constrictor
Willy the mascot, a green dragon with wings, takes riders on a thrilling journey down the twists and turns of a matching green and blue slide, banking high through two tight coiling Constrictor features.
“Super Duper Dragon’s Flight”
Python + Constrictor Fusion 6-Person Raft Ride
This exhilarating 6-person family raft ride fosters a sense of shared adventure and camaraderie. There’s nothing quite like sitting across from family and friends, sharing laughter and screams as they navigate bursts of AquaLucent colours, a tight coiling Constrictor, and stomach-tickling oscillations inside an impressive Python, finishing with a series of AquaLucent rings. An unforgettable experience!
Making Headlines and Pleasing Guests
The largest indoor water park in America to open this year, Bavarian Blast has garnered significant attention from both industry media and local news outlets. It has not only transformed the Bavarian Inn’s business model but also provided a compelling reason for visitors to stay overnight in Frankenmuth. With its charming details reflecting traditional German themes, a welcoming atmosphere, and thrilling attractions, it stands as the perfect family getaway, regardless of the weather.
“Throughout the four generations of leadership at Bavarian Inn, our mission has always been to create enjoyable experiences. This expansion stands as a testament to our continuous dedication to this pursuit.”
– Michael Keller Zehnder, President, Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge
