Frankenmuth, MI – Michigan’s own “Little Bavaria” just got a lot more exciting for families. The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth has officially opened Bavarian Blast, a massive indoor waterpark expansion that now holds the title of the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan. This $80+ million project has transformed the beloved Bavarian Inn into an all-seasons splash paradise, blending Bavarian-themed charm with modern aquatic thrills. Metro Detroit families and Michigan locals have a new reason to plan a waterpark weekend getaway – and they won’t even need to leave the state for a world-class experience.
Bavarian Blast, Facebook
Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark Arrives in Little Bavaria
Frankenmuth has long been a favorite Michigan family fun destination known for its Bavarian architecture, famous chicken dinners, and year-round Christmas cheer. With the opening of Bavarian Blast Waterpark, this small town is making a big splash on the travel map. Spanning 170,000 square feet (about three football fields), the new waterpark is an impressive addition to the Bavarian Inn Lodge complex. It’s a size and scope that eclipses all other Michigan indoor waterparks – positioning Frankenmuth as the place to go for weather-proof, year-round aquatic adventure.
Bavarian Blast soft-opened in late March 2025, just in time for spring break crowds, and is now fully open to guests. For context, the expansion represents nearly a $90 million investment in the region’s tourism infrastructure – a sign of confidence from the Bavarian Inn’s family ownership that Frankenmuth will continue to thrive as a top Midwest getaway. The project took about two years to complete, adding new hotel rooms and conference space along with the water attractions. The result is not just a waterpark, but a multi-faceted entertainment hub that complements Frankenmuth’s Bavarian hospitality heritage with thrilling new options.
Savvy locals might appreciate what this means for the community: more visitors coming year-round (Frankenmuth already draws over 3 million tourists annually), longer overnight stays at local hotels, and a fresh draw for conventions or events. In short, Bavarian Blast is a big win not only for the Bavarian Inn Lodge, but for Frankenmuth’s economy and Metro Detroit families looking for a fun, convenient escape. And at only about a 1.5-hour drive from Metro Detroit, it’s an easy trip for a weekend of waterpark fun without having to trek to Ohio or Wisconsin for a large-scale indoor waterpark.
Inside the Bavarian Inn Lodge Waterpark: 16 Slides, Waves & More
Step inside Bavarian Blast Waterpark and you’ll find a true aquatic playground designed to delight toddlers, teens, and adults alike. The temperature is a comfortable 80°F year-round, and a huge glass atrium roof (an OpenAire design) means you’ll get natural light and even a glimpse of the sky while you swim – so it always feels like summer vacation inside. Here are the headline attractions that make this Frankenmuth waterpark a standout:
- 16 New Water Slides: The park boasts sixteen brand-new waterslides, offering something for every thrill level. There are twisting body slides and tube slides for solo riders, as well as giant raft slides that can fit up to six people at once – perfect for families who want to splash down together. Little ones aren’t left out either; among the 16 are gentler slides ideal for younger children, so everyone from preschoolers to adrenaline-junkies can find a fun way to zoom into the water. (In fact, Bavarian Blast proudly says they have slides for “kids from 1 to 101” in age!)
- “Rip-Roaring” Wave Pool: One of the centerpieces of the waterpark is a massive wave pool that spans over 5,000 square feet. This isn’t a small ripple pool – we’re talking bona fide waves that periodically crash on the “shore” to give swimmers the feeling of being at a Great Lakes beach. The wave patterns even include a giant swell nicknamed the “Big Kahuna,” touted as the gnarliest indoor wave in Michigan. Kids can bob in the gentle shallows, while stronger swimmers can venture further out to brave the bigger waves. It’s a great way for the whole family to catch a wave in any season.
- “Not-So-Lazy” River: Floating down a lazy river is a staple of any waterpark, and Bavarian Blast puts its twist on the concept with a 300-foot-long “Not So Lazy River”. Grab an inner tube and drift along the winding course – but be ready for some surprises, as the current might be a bit more lively than a typical lazy float. This continuous loop carries you past lush tropical plants and under bridges, providing a relaxing tour of the park’s interior. It’s an ideal option when you need a break from the big slides but still want to stay in the water. Parents can relax and kids love riding the river again and again.
- Toddler Play Zone: For the smallest visitors, there’s a dedicated toddler and preschooler area with shallow zero-depth entry pools and pint-sized slides. The highlight here is a giant tipping bucket that fills with water and periodically dumps it out with a big splash (to the squealing delight of little ones). Sprayers, splash pads, and gentle fountains add to the fun, ensuring even toddlers have a safe place to play and get soaked. This area lets younger kids enjoy water adventures at their own pace, away from the big kids zooming by on slides.
- Michigan’s First Swim-Up Bar: One very unique feature at Bavarian Blast is Michigan’s first-ever indoor swim-up bar. Yes, adults can actually swim up to a bar in the pool and order a drink without ever leaving the water. This adults-only oasis (separate from the kid chaos) is attached to a heated indoor/outdoor pool – meaning you can even swim through to an outdoor section of the pool, enjoying a toasty soak in the open air even in winter. The swim-up bar area is decked out with underwater stools and large-screen TVs, so you can catch the Lions or Red Wings game while sipping a locally-brewed beer or a tropical cocktail. It’s a brilliant addition for parents and grown-up travelers who want a little R&R and maybe a sports update, all from the comfort of warm water. (No worries, it’s carefully sectioned off – kids have plenty of other places to splash nearby.)
- Private Cabanas: For those who want to relax in style, the waterpark offers private cabana rentals. There are 20 cabanas available, each essentially a little poolside living room where your family can kick back. Renting a cabana gives you comfy seating, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and dedicated food & drink service. It’s your own home base inside the park – great for celebrating a birthday or just taking a break between waterslide sessions. Cabanas let you feel pampered (and keep an eye on the kids) while you spend all day at the waterpark. They’ve become quite popular, so reserving one in advance is advised if you’re visiting during a busy weekend.
All of these attractions are set within a bright, climate-controlled hall that keeps the Frankenmuth family fun going no matter the weather outside. In the middle of January, you can be floating under palm trees and doing cannonballs into the pool as though it were July. That reliable, year-round appeal is a big part of why indoor waterparks have been booming – and Bavarian Inn’s new addition is state-of-the-art among Michigan indoor waterparks.
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Bavarian Blast, Facebook
Beyond the Water: Ropes Course, Arcade & More Family Fun
The Bavarian Inn Lodge didn’t stop at just building water rides – they’ve also expanded and upgraded the Family Fun Center to make sure there’s plenty to do on dry land. As part of the Bavarian Blast expansion, guests will find a host of new activities and entertainment that can keep the whole family busy for hours:
- Three-Story Ropes Course & Zip Line: If you’ve got adventurous kiddos (or parents!), the new indoor ropes course is a must-try. It towers three stories high inside the building, challenging climbers to navigate rope bridges, balance beams, and other obstacles suspended in the air. Harness up and test your nerve as you make your way to the top level. The course even features a sky rail zip line that lets you glide across a section of the park, giving a brief feeling of flying. It’s a fantastic addition for older children, teens, and adults who want a break from the water and a shot of adrenaline in a different form.
- Climbing Walls: Alongside the ropes course, there are three new climbing walls of varying difficulty. These walls let you strap into a safety rope and attempt to scale up to the ceiling. Each wall has different handholds and themes, so you can race your family to the top or try to beat your personal record. It’s a great workout and confidence-builder for kids – and trust us, ringing the bell at the top feels like a real accomplishment!
- Huge Arcade & VR Games: The Bavarian Inn’s arcade was already a hit, and now it’s even bigger. The Family Fun Center arcade features around 180+ video and redemption games – from classic skee-ball and racing simulators to the latest virtual reality experiences. There’s something for every age, whether it’s toddlers giggling at a whack-a-mole, or teenagers battling zombies in VR. Collect tickets from the games and you can win all sorts of prizes at the redemption counter, adding a bit of friendly competition to your stay.
- “Dragon’s Lair” Laser Tag Arena: A brand new large laser tag arena brings interactive fun for families and groups. Dubbed the Dragon’s Lair, this black-light arena fits the Frankenmuth fantasy theme – picture medieval castle walls and a giant dragon (like the Bavarian Inn’s mascot) overseeing the game. Players gear up with laser tag vests and phasers, then dart around the maze-like arena tagging opponents and avoiding “laser fire.” It’s a high-energy game that’s perfect for birthday parties or siblings-versus-parents showdowns. The arena can host different game formats and challenges, keeping it fresh if you play multiple times.
- Mini Bowling & Indoor Mini-Golf: For a more low-key activity, the resort added mini bowling lanes (duckpin style) and continues to offer its 18-hole indoor mini-golf course. The four mini bowling lanes use smaller balls (no heavy bowling balls to lift) and are great for young kids to grandparents – strikes and spares for everyone. Meanwhile, the mini-golf course winds through an imaginative indoor layout (perfect for a rainy evening). These classics round out the entertainment so there’s never a dull moment, even once you’ve dried off from the pool.
- On-Site Dining & Treats: All that play works up an appetite, and the Bavarian Inn Lodge has you covered without having to leave the property. Inside the fun center area, you’ll find the Ratskeller café for casual bites and an ice cream and candy shop for those with a sweet tooth. And of course, the main Bavarian Inn Restaurant (famous for fried chicken dinners) is just across the covered bridge, if you want a full Bavarian feast. Having multiple food options on site makes it easy to spend the whole day at the resort – you can take a lunch break, then get right back to the action.
All these additions complement the waterpark to create a full-fledged family entertainment complex under one roof. Essentially, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has evolved into an indoor theme park of sorts – water attractions, games, sports, and more – all with that Frankenmuth flair. It’s the kind of place where, as the local tourism board puts it, “the water’s always 80 degrees — and the fun is cranked to 100”. Even if you somehow tire out from swimming, you’ve got plenty more to explore without ever stepping outside (especially nice on a cold winter night).
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Bavarian Blast, Facebook
A Smart Addition to Frankenmuth’s Attractions
From a Metro Detroit real estate and development perspective, Bavarian Inn’s huge investment in Bavarian Blast Waterpark underscores Frankenmuth’s growing appeal as a year-round destination. In recent years, indoor waterparks have become a booming market for family travel – offering a convenient getaway where the weather is guaranteed to cooperate. We’ve seen other Michigan resorts add waterparks, but Frankenmuth now takes the crown with this largest-in-the-state facility. It’s a strategic move that will likely keep families coming to Frankenmuth for longer stays (think two- or three-night trips instead of a quick day visit) and even draw tourists from neighboring states who want to experience Michigan’s biggest indoor waterpark.
Local businesses are poised to benefit as well. More overnight visitors at the 360-room Bavarian Inn Lodge (now expanded) means more foot traffic in Frankenmuth’s downtown – from shopping at the River Place shops, to indulging in fudge and taffy, to visiting the famous Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland just down the road. For the community, it’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about sustaining tourism through all seasons and creating jobs. (The construction alone employed many, and now the waterpark and fun center will require a larger permanent staff to operate safely and smoothly.) In a sense, this expansion is Frankenmuth looking toward the future while maintaining the fun, family-oriented spirit that put it on the map.
Importantly for “savvy locals,” Bavarian Blast isn’t only for hotel guests – a limited number of day passes are available for those who just want to pop in for a day trip of waterlogged fun. That means Metro Detroit families could drive up in the morning, spend all day enjoying the slides and attractions, and head home at night if an overnight stay isn’t in the cards. However, given the popularity and the sheer amount to do, turning it into a weekend staycation will be appealing for many. (If you do plan to stay, make sure to book your Bavarian Inn Lodge room well in advance, as demand is high since the waterpark opened.)
Plan Your Frankenmuth Waterpark Weekend Getaway
With summer on the horizon and the kids eager for adventure, Bavarian Inn’s Bavarian Blast Waterpark is poised to be the hotspot for Frankenmuth family fun. Picture it: racing your child down a twisting waterslide, floating together in a lazy river, relaxing with a drink at the swim-up bar, and then conquering a ropes course – all in one trip. It’s the kind of all-in-one experience that makes for lasting family memories (and fantastic stories to share back home). Plus, outside the hotel, the quaint streets of Frankenmuth are packed with things to do: from festive festivals and German-themed shops to horse-drawn carriage rides and delicious eateries. You can splash all day and then stroll the River Place in the evening with an ice cream cone in hand.
Metro Detroit families looking for a fresh getaway should definitely put Frankenmuth’s new waterpark on their list. It’s an easy drive, a kid-approved destination, and a smart way to enjoy a mini vacation without the airfare or lengthy road trip. As a community-focused real estate observer might note, attractions like this also reinforce the idea that you don’t have to leave Michigan to find top-tier entertainment and amenities — they’re springing up right in our backyard.
Ready to make a splash? Now is a great time to plan a visit. Whether you decide on a day trip or a full weekend retreat, the Bavarian Inn Lodge waterpark offers an accessible, excitement-filled escape from the daily grind. Pack your swimsuits, load up the car, and head to Frankenmuth to experience Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark for yourself. With its warm welcome and wasser wonders, Little Bavaria might just become your family’s go-to spot for year-round Michigan indoor waterpark fun. Enjoy the waves!
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