Michigan's Newest And Largest Indoor Water Park Offers Family Fun, Lodging, And Shops

In Michigan, it might seem like water park season is just a few short months. However, even in the dead of a freezing cold winter, it may feel like summer and Oktoberfest are right around the corner at the state's largest indoor water park, Bavarian Blast Waterpark. 

In March 2025, The Bavarian Inn Lodge, a popular family-owned and operated German-themed hotel and resort in Frankenmuth, opened its $80 million, 140,000 square foot Bavarian Blast Waterpark beside the hotel. The waterpark features 16 water slides, indoor and outdoor spas and pools, and aquatic attractions for visitors of all ages. Little ones can splash the day away in the specialty kids' pool, Puddle Platz, or take their first trip down Goldie's Glider, a gentle slide for the whole family. Older kids will likely enjoy twisting and turning on the colorful Super Duper Dragon's Flight. If you'd rather challenge a friend or a family member, the water park has several racing slides, as well as basketball hoops in the specialty activity pool. More energetic visitors can splash in the water park's wave pool or take a few trips around the not-so-lazy river. And if you are feeling a bit lazy, you can enjoy an afternoon lounging under a cabana, in the spa, or even sipping an adult beverage at the water park's swim-up sports bar.

Hotel guests at the resort are provided with wristbands and can visit the water park during their stay as well as on the day of check-out. If you'll only be coming to swim for the day, full-day and half-day passes are available. Admission to the water park varies; daily admission fees range from $40 per adult during the week to $85 on the weekends.

While Leavenworth, Washington, is a mountain town that feels like a slice of Germany, Frankenmuth is known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria." The city's German roots are on full display for visitors throughout the resort property. In addition to the property's authentic German decor and Bavarian-inspired architecture, you'll find yourself transported to the sights and smells of southern Germany. Inside the charming and cute River Place Shops, you'll find over 40 stores and boutiques offering specialty women's clothing at Emilie B's, handcrafted sweet treats at Zac & Mac's Chocolate Haus, and unique souvenirs from Michigan at the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience or Popcorn Wagon Frankenmuth. 

For a taste of Germany, the resort's popular Bavarian Inn Restaurant serves multi-course, all-you-can-eat meals. Choose from traditional Sauerbraten, schnitzel, or bratwurst, or opt for a classic steak or pasta. There are specialty dishes for vegetarians and vegans as well. If you're looking to raise a glass, the bar features a wide selection of beers, including lagers, weisse, and dunkels. The restaurant accepts reservations online through the resort's website as well as through OpenTable. If you haven't yet shopped 'til you've dropped (or eaten 'til you've popped), there are seven more Bavarian-inspired shops, including a toy shop, wine and beer shop, and a candy store in the Bavarian Inn Castle Shops, on the lower level.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge features four restaurants and 360 rooms, with room types ranging from standard hotel rooms with two full-size beds to family suites. Visitors on Google Maps and TripAdvisor have overwhelmingly left positive reviews, citing the hotel's cleanliness, staff, and ease of check-in. Visitors planning to spend a few days at the resort can purchase a discounted package which includes food, accommodation, water park admission, and other perks.

While you'll find plenty of other cool indoor water parks across the United States, the Bavarian Inn has more than just the water park. The lodge features several other attractions for active families, including a Build-a-Bear Workshop, laser tag, putt-putt golf, and mini bowling. For the more adventurous, try indoor rock climbing or tackling a challenging ropes course 45 feet up in the air. On Tripadvisor, visitors to the resort praise the staff for being helpful and patient with younger guests who may be scaling to new heights for the first time. They also rave about the Family Fun Center. It features over 160 games and is an official testing center for new games before they go across the country. It also has dozens of retro games including pinball and claw machines, and even '80s arcade classics. You can relive your childhood by winning tickets and exchanging them for prizes, or show your kids you can still hold your own on the ping-pong or air hockey table.

If you're flying up to Michigan to experience the Bavarian Inn, you've got a couple of options. The nearest airport, Bishop International Airport (FNT), is outside of Flint, about 30 minutes away. Another option (with far more flights) is to fly into Detroit Metro International Airport (DTW), about two hours away. If you've been inspired to make the trip to Germany from visiting the resort or Frankenmuth, check out some of these can't-miss attractions for your first trip to Bavaria.