10 Must Do Activities at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan
This summer, we were lucky enough to spend a few days exploring Frankenmuth, Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.” The community was warm and welcoming, there were several historical sites where we could learn all about the area, and plenty of good food and good shopping. One big highlight (and our kids weren’t even with us!) was our stay at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Note: When we visited in July of 2026, the area was blanketed with thick smoke from the Canadian Wildfires. You’ll notice a tint to some of our photos as a result.
The Bavarian Inn Lodge originally opened as the Union House boarding house in 1888. The Zehnder family, who had emigrated from Germany to the eastern part of Michigan, purchased the property in1950 and redesigned and expanded the hotel with a Bavarian theme, reopening it in 1959. The family then purchased seven acres along the Cass River and began construction of The Bavarian Inn Lodge in the mid 1980s, originally with 100 guest rooms, a banquet facility, shops and restaurants and one pool. The resort continued to expand in the 1990s, adding hundreds more guest rooms, activity centers, and more dining and shopping options.
Lodging Options: There are over 350 guest rooms in the Bavarian Inn Lodge, ranging from traditional rooms to family suites and rooms with whirlpools. We enjoyed our stay in a traditional room- lots of room to spread out, a deck overlooking the Cass River, and a bathroom with plenty of amenities. There are also complimentary coffee stations set up throughout the resort available all day. Note: Each guest room is named for a local family and the history of the family and a photo is displayed in each room. See the impressive index and histories here.
Bonus: The resort offers several packages and special promotions here. Our favorite: Having a visit from Willy the Dragon, who delivers cookies and milk to your guest room.
Dining Options: Located within the main resort property, there are several, kid friendly options:
- Ratskeller: Located inside the waterpark, Ratskeller offers quick service breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with plenty of seating in and around the waterpark and adjacent lounge. Bonus: Gluten free options available.
- Oma’s: “Grandma’s” offers German inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner options plus many classics and a substantial kid’s menu. Gluten free options available, too.
- Emilie’s Eis: Located in the Main Lodge near laser tag, Emilie’s offers every possible sweet a child, or child at heart, could want, including two dozen ice cream flavors, candy, homemade chocolates, and more!
- Schnitzelbank Bier Garten: Opening during summer months, the Bier Garten offers small plates and a large drink menu; there’s often live entertainment and music.
- Bonus: Each Sunday, the resort offers a special Brunch in the Courtyard next to the adults only indoor pool. There are over three dozen options included in the brunch, including carving stations, egg stations, and plenty of Frankenmuth staples.
Other Dining Options Nearby:
- Bavarian Inn Restaurant: Located on Main Street and open for lunch and dinner, the Inn Restaurant is famous for its chicken dinner as well as many German classics; great kids menu and take out options. Make sure to take a peek in all 12 German themed dining rooms for the various decor.
- Michigan on Main: A menu filled with Michigan grown produce and products, as well as 15+ beers on tap; located inside the Bavarian Inn Restaurant on Main Street with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Shopping Options:
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- Martha’s Gift Shop: Located next to the check in desk in the main lobby, Martha’s offers hundreds of souvenirs for both the resort and the city of Frankenmuth, including apparel, home decor, and jewelry. There’s also a coffee bar and homemade treats available fresh each day.
- Michael’s Gift Shop: Located near Willy’s Golf, Michael’s offers Bavarian Inn and Frankenmuth clothing for the whole family.
- George’s Wassermarkt: Located next to the entrance to the water park, George’s offers swim apparel and supplies and souvenirs like stuffed animals and toys.
- Castle Shops at Bavarian Inn: Located on the lower level of Inn Restaurant on Main Street, there’s everything from a doll and toy shop to a souvenir shop, to candy and bakery shops, and a wine and beer shop.
- See other popular shopping options in Frankenmuth here.
10 Ways to Have Fun at the Bavarian Inn Lodge:
- Swim: The resort has three indoor and outdoor pools (plus an adults only), including a zero depth entry pool and calmer water play areas for the toddler and preschool set. Older kids will enjoy the Tower Twister Body Slide and the Bavarian Blast Tube Slide.
- Slide down over a dozen water slides and at the Bavarian Blast Waterpark: The waterpark includes 16 waterslides (ranging in level of intensity), a huge wave pool, and lazy river. The park has plenty of lounge and table seating, changing and restrooms within the park, cabana rentals, and dining options. See a good map of attractions here. Note: Admission is included in a resort stay.
- Overcome your fear of heights at Jacob’s High Flying Adventure Ropes Course: The three story, 24 obstacle course include bridges, spinning logs, netting, and wobbly planks. There are great views of the waterpark from 45 feet up in the air. Daredevils may also enjoy the three distinct rock climbing walls.
- Compete in a round of miniature golf at Willy’s: The 18 hole, Bavarian themed course is located in the Family Fun Center. Sports enthusiasts will also enjoy Lexi’s Lanes miniature bowling.
- Race the clock in the Family Fun Center: There’s an arcade with over 150 video games, arcade games, and air hockey, table tennis, and billiards. Guests can redeem their credits for prizes in the Treasure Haus. Bonus: Each day from 8am-9am all video and air hockey games are free to play and there are discounts on other games.
- Put on a show in the Children’s Village play area: Located inside the Family Fun Center and near the indoor pool and whirlpool, the village has a two story playscape perfect for the preschool and younger crowd. There is also a stage area for children to “perform” their own musicals and plays.
- Hide from the competition in the Dragon’s Lair Laser Tag: Anyone over the height of 42 inches can compete in an eight minute “battle”, racing through fog and laser lights to seek out their opponents.
- Find all eight stained glass murals: Originally hung in the main lobby of the Bavarian Inn restaurant througout the 1970s and 1980s, the stained glass murals depicts sentimental scenes from Frankenmuth and feature prominent members of the Zehnder family and other local families. Find most of them on display near the Conference Center.
- Enter a submission for the annual Family Fun Photo Contest: Submit a photo of your family enjoying any part of the resort (or even downtown spots like the Cheese Haus and River Place Shops) and you could win a return visit to the resort. Check out displays of previous winners (dating back decades) large frames that line the resort hallways.
- Check the weekly calendar for special programs and events: Popular traditions include Family Karaoke, murder mystery parties, and seasonal festivals.
Looking for other ways to explore Frankenmuth? Check out our full City Guide here. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Disclosure: We were hosted by the Bavarian Inn; all opinions expressed are my own.
Wow!!! Those photos are amazing. This place looks like so much fun! Thank you Jenn for such a wonderfully detailed description. I definitely am putting this on my list of places to visit.
Very interesting place! Never knew it existed. Great options for a stay with kids. I especially like it that there are lots of options for cold/rainy days, like indoor pool and other activities.
Thanks for noting places to eat that have gluten free options! Make planning much easier for us.
I’ve never been to Michigan, so Frankenmuth was new to me. The Bavarian character of the town looks really charming, and the Bavarian Inn seems to offer plenty to keep visitors entertained beyond simply having somewhere to stay.
I had no idea Frankenmuth had somewhere like this! The stained-glass murals would be right up my alley too, I can see why you could easily spend a couple of days here without ever running out of things to do!
Would love to stay at the Bavarian Inn. There’s so much to do. I always love a water park. Laser Tag sounds like fun, just as finding the stained glass murals. I also love the detail about each guest room being about the history of a local family.
I had no idea there was such a little slice of Bavaria in Michigan. It looks like such a fun place to stay — thanks for sharing!