When your family trip to Frankenmuth hinges on one big question—which hotel’s indoor waterpark delivers the most fun per square foot—the answer isn’t as simple as picking the bigger name. Both Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark and the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark include waterpark access with your overnight stay, but each property leans into a different strength. This side‑by‑side comparison uses official property details, tourism authority data, and recent traveler reviews to help you decide which is the better fit for your group.
Last checked: 2026-06-12
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Hotel 1: Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark · Hotel 2: Bavarian Inn Lodge (Bavarian Blast Waterpark) · Waterpark size Zehnder’s: 50,000+ sq ft · Waterpark size Bavarian Inn: Michigan’s newest and biggest indoor waterpark
How we researched this comparison
Last checked: 2026-06-12.
Sources reviewed: official property websites (Zehnder’s Splash Village, Bavarian Inn Lodge), Tripadvisor reviews and forums, Yelp business listings, the Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau, KZOO Kids family travel guide, YouTube waterpark reviews, and Michigan travel community discussions on Facebook and TikTok.
No on‑site visit or staff interview was conducted; all claims are verified against at least one official or neutral platform source.
Frankenmuth indoor waterpark hotels at a glance
- Indoor waterpark area: 50,000+ sq ft (Zehnder’s official site)
- Two distinct waterpark areas with retractable roofs (KZOO Kids)
- 146 deluxe accommodations including 74 family suites (Yelp listing)
- Marketed as “Michigan’s newest and biggest indoor waterpark” (Bavarian Inn official site)
- Home to Michigan’s first indoor waterpark swim‑up bar (Bavarian Inn official site)
- Waterpark access included with overnight stay (policy confirmed by official site) (Bavarian Inn official site)
- Frankenmuth has exactly two major indoor waterpark hotels (Frankenmuth CVB)
- Both parks are open year‑round (Frankenmuth CVB)
- Only Bavarian Blast offers an indoor swim‑up bar (Bavarian Inn official site)
- Zehnder’s does not advertise a swim‑up bar (Bavarian Inn official site)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Hotel 1 | Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark |
| Hotel 2 | Bavarian Inn Lodge (Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark) |
| Waterpark size (Zehnder’s) | 50,000+ sq ft |
| Waterpark superlative (Bavarian Blast) | Marketed as Michigan’s newest and biggest indoor waterpark |
| Swim‑up bar | Only at Bavarian Blast |
| Waterpark included with stay | Yes, at both hotels |
| Towels provided | At both (confirmed by recent reviews) |
| Number of suites (Zehnder’s) | 74 family suites out of 146 rooms |
What Hotel Has a Waterpark in Frankenmuth?
Two hotels in the city offer indoor waterparks that are included in the price of a room. The Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark sits directly attached to its 50,000‑plus‑square‑foot waterpark, and the Bavarian Inn Lodge houses the newly expanded Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark. The Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau lists both as the city’s only indoor waterpark hotels (frankenmuth.org).
Zehnder’s Splash Village markets its waterpark as two distinct areas under retractable roofs—a setup that allows the park to operate in any weather (Zehnder’s official site). Within the complex, guests find a large play structure called Splash Landing, a dumping bucket, and two four‑story tube slides (Giggling Gorge and Perilous Plunge), according to Yelp’s business description (Yelp).
The Bavarian Inn Lodge’s waterpark was redesigned and rebranded as Bavarian Blast. The property’s official page (bavarianinn.com) highlights a wave pool, multiple waterslides, and what it calls the first swim‑up bar ever built inside an indoor waterpark in Michigan (bavarianinn.com). Anecdotal reports from Michigan travel Facebook groups note that Bavarian Blast also includes at least two hot tubs—one adults‑only near the swim‑up bar, and another designed for families (Michigan Bucket List Facebook group).
Which Frankenmuth Water Park Is Best?
The answer depends on what your family prioritizes—slide variety versus resort‑style amenities, a swim‑up bar versus a dedicated toddler zone. The table below summarizes the key differences.
| Hotel | Waterpark Name | Size | Included with Stay | Swim‑up Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zehnder’s Splash Village | Zehnder’s Splash Village Waterpark | 50,000+ sq ft | Yes (overnight guests) | No |
| Bavarian Inn Lodge | Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark | Marketed as “biggest” (exact sq ft not publicly confirmed) | Yes (overnight guests) | Yes (Michigan’s first indoor swim‑up bar) |
Community discussions reveal a long‑running split in opinion: many Michigan travelers describe Zehnder’s as the stronger choice for water slides and sheer indoor waterpark footprint, while Bavarian Inn is praised for its wave pool, multi‑hot‑tub configuration, and non‑water amenities such as an arcade and indoor mini‑golf (Michigan Bucket List Facebook group). TikTok and YouTube comparisons regularly frame the rivalry as an “ultimate showdown,” with some creators asserting that the Bavarian Inn feels more like a nostalgic home base (TikTok @amyatangerine).
Zehnder’s Splash Village – Pros
- Proven track record with water slides and dual waterpark areas
- Retractable roofs mean year‑round operation regardless of weather
- Reported post‑checkout waterpark access until 4 p.m. (Tripadvisor feature page)
Zehnder’s Splash Village – Cons
- No swim‑up bar or wave pool
- Hotel decoration described as early American rather than Bavarian theme
Bavarian Inn Lodge (Bavarian Blast) – Pros
- Michigan’s first indoor waterpark swim‑up bar
- Wave pool and multiple hot tubs, including an adults‑only option
- On‑site arcade and indoor mini‑golf for breaks from the water
Bavarian Inn Lodge – Cons
- Exact waterpark square footage not publicly disclosed, limiting objective size comparison
- Older reviews suggest the earlier water facilities felt smaller than Zehnder’s; the new Bavarian Blast may address that, but independent verification is limited
Is the Waterpark Included at Bavarian Inn Lodge?
Yes—the Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark is included for all overnight guests at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. The official property website states that waterpark access comes with your room reservation (bavarianinn.com). The same policy applies to Zehnder’s Splash Village: waterpark entry is bundled with the room rate. Neither hotel charges a separate daily access fee for registered guests, though day‑pass options are available for non‑guests at Zehnder’s (pricing was listed by KZOO Kids at roughly $43–$58 for a half‑day and $51–$68 for a full day, depending on date) (KZOO Kids).
Towel service is provided at both properties, according to multiple recent visitor reviews. This eliminates the need to carry wet towels back to your room.
What Is the Newest Hotel in Frankenmuth That Has a Swim-Up Bar?
The Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark is the city’s newest indoor waterpark, and it is the only one in Frankenmuth with a swim‑up bar. The hotel’s official marketing calls it “Michigan’s newest and biggest indoor waterpark” and specifically promotes the swim‑up bar as a first for an indoor waterpark in the state (bavarianinn.com). A timeline of development shows that Bavarian Inn announced and built the Bavarian Blast expansion after its earlier water facilities, effectively replacing the legacy pools and slides with a larger, more modern complex. The exact opening date is not publicly stated, but the designation “newest” is consistent across multiple online sources.
Zehnder’s Splash Village, by contrast, has a longer‑established waterpark footprint—its two‑area configuration with retractable roofs has been in place since at least the mid‑2010s and has not undergone a comparable expansion. So if a swim‑up bar is a must‑have amenity for your adult travel companions, the choice narrows to one hotel.
Key developments in Frankenmuth’s indoor waterpark scene
- Mid‑2000s: Early Tripadvisor forum threads show travelers comparing Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Inn’s original water facilities (Tripadvisor forum).
- By mid‑2010s: Zehnder’s Splash Village reaches 50,000+ sq ft and begins promoting its two retractable‑roof waterpark areas (Zehnder’s official site).
- Circa 2023–2025: Bavarian Inn completes a major expansion and renames its indoor waterpark to Bavarian Blast, adding a wave pool, multiple slides, and the state’s first indoor waterpark swim‑up bar (bavarianinn.com).
- Present: Two competing indoor waterpark hotels operate in Frankenmuth, both included in the city’s official tourism listing (Frankenmuth CVB).
Best for… families with young children vs. groups seeking new attractions
Yelp reviewers frequently note that Zehnder’s Splash Village is well‑sized for younger children, with many describing the park as a good fit for families with kids under 12 (Yelp reviews). The smaller slides, play structure, and dumping bucket are designed for that age range. Bavarian Blast, with its wave pool and swim‑up bar, may appeal more to families with older children and adults who want a resort‑style water experience. The Bavarian Inn’s on‑site arcade and indoor mini‑golf also give you non‑water options, which can be a lifesaver for families who need breaks from swimming.
For group travelers (multiple families or multi‑generational trips), the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s historic Bavarian theming and large property often receive praise for its “homey” feel, as mentioned in TikTok creator @amyatangerine’s post (TikTok).
A sample weekend with young children at Zehnder’s Splash Village
If you’re traveling with kids under eight, here’s how a typical two‑day stay might look:
- Day 1, 3 p.m. – Check into a family suite. The rooms are directly connected to the waterpark, so you can change quickly.
- 4 p.m. – Hit the waterpark. Kids spend an hour on the Splash Landing play structure and the family raft slide (Giggling Gorge). Adults rotate between hot tubs.
- 6 p.m. – Dinner at Zehnder’s restaurant (early American menu, American comfort food) – a short walk through the hotel.
- 8 a.m. Day 2 – Continental breakfast in the hotel, then back to the waterpark for the morning.
- Noon – Check‑out, but you can use the waterpark until 4 p.m. (according to Tripadvisor reports). Great for one last slide session before heading home.
At Bavarian Inn Lodge, a similar itinerary could include a wave‑pool session, lunch at the Bavarian‑themed restaurant, and a round of indoor mini‑golf between water breaks.
Our pick for most families: Zehnder’s Splash Village
After weighing the verified facts, traveler feedback, and amenity differences, Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark edges out the competition for the majority of family groups. Its 50,000‑plus‑square‑foot waterpark is all about water play—multiple slides, a dedicated children’s structure, and the ability to stay wet until 4 p.m. on checkout day. The lack of a swim‑up bar is a non‑issue for families with young kids, and the hotel’s direct connection to the waterpark eliminates the need to walk outside in cold Michigan weather.
When to choose Bavarian Inn Lodge instead: If your group includes adults who want a swim‑up bar, or if you value a resort‑style stay with arcade, mini‑golf, and a wave pool that mimics a beach experience, Bavarian Blast is the better fit. The Bavarian theming also adds a unique charm that many repeat visitors love.
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Frequently asked questions about Frankenmuth water park hotels
Does Frankenmuth have an indoor water park?
Yes, Frankenmuth has two indoor waterpark hotels: Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark (Frankenmuth CVB).
How many waterparks are in Frankenmuth?
Two major indoor waterparks are attached to hotels. The city’s convention bureau lists exactly these two (source).
Are towels provided at Bavarian Inn waterpark?
Yes, multiple recent visitor reviews confirm that towels are provided at both Bavarian Inn Lodge and Zehnder’s Splash Village, so you don’t have to bring your own.
Which is the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan?
Claims vary. Zehnder’s Splash Village advertises 50,000+ square feet, while Bavarian Blast markets itself as “Michigan’s biggest” indoor waterpark—but a neutral third‑party square‑footage figure for Bavarian Blast is not publicly available, making an objective comparison difficult.
Which Frankenmuth water park is better for young children?
Zehnder’s Splash Village is often described by Yelp reviewers as ideal for kids under 12, with a large play structure and two family‑oriented tube slides. Bavarian Blast’s wave pool may be too intense for very young swimmers, though the property does have a family hot tub.
What is included with the waterpark passes at Zehnder’s?
Overnight guests receive complimentary waterpark access. Non‑guests can purchase half‑day or full‑day passes, with KZOO Kids quoting ranges of roughly $43–$58 (half‑day) and $51–$68 (full‑day), varying by date (KZOO Kids).