Bavarian Blast is a new indoor waterpark set to be the largest in Michigan. Originally announced in November 2022 with a projected opening of Spring 2024, this $80 million dollar expansion of the Bavarian Inn Lodge is located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, about a 1.5 hour drive North of Detroit (and home of Bronner’s, the worlds largest Christmas store). 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. Here’s a look at the current state of construction and progress made.
Bavarian Blast concept art
Bavarian Blast – November 2023
Before we get into the latest update, let’s take a quick look back at the state of construction one year ago. The multiple levels of Bavarian Blast were just beginning to take shape.
These photos were taken on Friday, November 2023.
Here’s the view looking south from Heritage park.
All the elevators inside the Bavarian Inn Lodge hotel had these wraps advertising the opening of Bavarian Blast as “Fall 2024.” These same wraps were still present during my quick visit in November 2024.
Bavarian Blast Update – November 2024
Fast forward one year, these pictures of Bavarian Blast were taken on Friday, November 29th, 2024. The main entrance tower with mural is up. The front facades still need some work.
Settled by a community of German immigrants in the mid 1840’s, Frankenmuth is known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, so it’s great to see them continue the theming. Visiting Frankenmuth reminds me of going to Epcot or Disney World; the only thing missing is a nice long, indoor slow moving boat ride, then it would be perfect.
For a project that was supposed to open in “Fall 2024” it was kind of alarming to see how many roof trusses and HVAC pipes still needed to be installed.
Bavarian Blast will include 16 new waterslides for kids and adults alike.
The waterpark will be home to Michigan’s first ever adult only swim up bar complete with large screen TVs.
Concept artwork shows at least two pools outside. including an indoor/outdoor spa.
Michigan’s first duel racing waterslide was designed and built by WhiteWater. The new attraction “is the embodiment of the spirit of competition with a head-to-head enclosed race format from beginning to end. Made up of translucent fiberglass, a separating wall allows guests to see and hear each other, adding to the thrill of the ride. The translucent fiberglass illuminates enclosed flumes, allowing riders to see what’s ahead, and guests a sneak peek into the exciting ride that awaits them. The slides are intended to captivate visitors with eye-catching colors and thrilling twists and turns ultimately heightening guests’ sense of excitement. Guests can anticipate reaching speeds up to 20 mph before approaching the finish line. As the ride concludes the enclosed slide will reopen for guests to declare a victory. I believe this is the pink and white slides.
Throughout this project, Bavarian Inn have closely collaborated with WhiteWater West to bring Aqualucent panels and rings to the slides. During the day, the rings will light up naturally, powered by sunlight, and at night, the magic continues with vibrant lights illuminating the slides, ensuring an unforgettable experience around the clock!
The view from Heritage Park looking south again. Quite the different site since last year. The blue and white slide is the Family Raft Slide, a height of 51.5 feet and length of 453.7 feet, it will be the longest and tallest slide in the waterpark. In addition to the slides, there will be a not-so-lazy river (85.5k gallons) and a wave pool (77.1k gallons).
Surprisingly, Bavarian Blast can already be seen from above in aerial imagery from Google maps. Here’s a quick overview. The expansion area was built over what used to be mostly parking lot. I wonder if they will build a permanent lot across the street where the construction equipment is currently being staged.
Looking up at the newly added ropes course which is now open.
There are so many fun photo ops inside the lodge, like this new one (and that carpet is iconic):
While some guests have expressed disappointment the expansion isn’t open yet, the Bavarian Inn Lodge still has a ton of family fun to offer. Currently open are: four pools, three hot tubs, two waterslides, 18 hole mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, three story ropes course, Build-a-Bear, and a climbing wall. Bowling will also be coming to the lodge but it was unclear exactly where and when that will be.
Bavarian Blast Video
Watch the video below for a quick overview of the current construction status of Bavarian Blast waterpark.
How much will Bavarian Blast cost? The website does not list any costs yet. I assume it will be included during hotel stays and that there will be an option to purchase a day pass.
When will Bavarian Blast open? The website now says “Planned Soft Opening For Christmas!” but there is currently not an official opening date given yet.
For more information and to sign-up to their email list to get the latest news and updates, visit their website.
Are you looking forward to visiting Bavarian Blast whenever it opens? Let us know in the comments below!
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