December 10, 2025
Bavarian Blast Waterpark Earns Global Recognition for Best Marketing Strategy from Aquatics International
Frankenmuth MI – Dec. 9 2025 – Bavarian Blast Waterpark located in the Bavarian Inn Lodge of Frankenmuth Michigan has been acknowledged by Aquatics International as the recipient of the 2025 Best Marketing Strategy Award for the opening of Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark & Family Fun Center. This honor recognizes the innovation and industry impact of marketing strategies developed and executed by aquatic facilities internationally.
Led by Marketing Director, Kelly Martin, the Bavarian Blast Waterpark team created a multilayered strategy that, according to Aquatics International, “elevated this brand-new waterpark to iconic status”. Through a collaborative effort, the Bavarian Blast Marketing team combined thoughtful storytelling through social media, fun visuals, and community engagement to introduce the Bavarian Blast Waterpark brand with clarity and impact.
A central element of the brand’s personality was brought to life through the introduction of mascots. Designed to create an emotional connection with families, the mascots were carefully integrated into every layer of the guest experience. Wayfinding signage, immersive theming throughout the waterpark, and exclusive retail merchandise of the mascots largely contributed to the strategic storytelling element of their Marketing campaign.
Their strategy also featured award-winning graphic design pieces, including award-winning billboard designs. These visuals reinforced the waterpark’s identity and played a critical role in driving awareness and visitation. In parallel, they executed a data driven strategy that achieved strong rankings with key terms relating to waterpark.
A strong emphasis was also placed on day passes. Through geo-targeted messaging and compelling calls to action encouraging families to “book a day pass,” the strategy successfully positioned Bavarian Blast as an accessible, spontaneous escape for nearby communities. This effort was further strengthened by the popular “Community Night Series,” which welcomed guests from surrounding cities with discounted day passes.
The Bavarian Blast marketing team is honored to receive this recognition and proud to celebrate the success of their marketing campaign.
Aquatics International is a magazine serving the aquatics industry, covering public pools, waterparks, fitness club pools, swim schools, university aquatic centers, YMCAs, and JCCs. The publication supports professionals in the aquatic industry by providing relevant information on operations, safety, profitability, and entertainment.
To view the November 2025 Aquatics International Publication, click the link below:
https://lsc-pagepro.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/frame.php?i=857061&p=10&pn=&ver=html5&view=issueViewer
About Bavarian Inn Resort:
The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Resort is a premier Midwest destination for families and groups seeking unforgettable experiences in lodging, dining, shopping, special events, and conference services. The resort features the iconic Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, and the ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn. Guests can also enjoy Bavarian Blast, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark & Family Fun Center, offering endless excitement with water attractions, gaming, and family-friendly activities.
About Bavarian Inn Lodge:
Nestled along the banks of the Cass River in Frankenmuth, Bavarian Inn Lodge has been a beloved destination for family fun for nearly 40 years. Now home to Bavarian Blast, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark & Family Fun Center at over a whopping 170,000 sq. ft. the Lodge offers an expanded experience with 16 new waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and Michigan’s first adult-only swim-up bar, along with endless entertainment for guests of all ages. Enjoy over 3 football fields of family fun all indoors.
The Lodge, currently managed by the 4th generation Bavarian Inn family members, features 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, four gift shops, two lounges, and three restaurants—all under one roof. The 170,000 square-foot Family Fun Center includes two additional thrilling water slides, three pools, two whirlpools, over 180 video and redemption games, Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Mini Bowling, a 3-Story Ropes Course, Climbing Walls, Redemption Store, and Ice Cream Shop. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke.
Banquet facilities accommodate events for 2 to 500 guests for meetings and special events. Bavarian Inn Lodge is a destination for travelers from far and near, evidenced by the 2.6 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.
Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com
Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com
Led by Marketing Director, Kelly Martin, the Bavarian Blast Waterpark team created a multilayered strategy that, according to Aquatics International, “elevated this brand-new waterpark to iconic status”. Through a collaborative effort, the Bavarian Blast Marketing team combined thoughtful storytelling through social media, fun visuals, and community engagement to introduce the Bavarian Blast Waterpark brand with clarity and impact.
A central element of the brand’s personality was brought to life through the introduction of mascots. Designed to create an emotional connection with families, the mascots were carefully integrated into every layer of the guest experience. Wayfinding signage, immersive theming throughout the waterpark, and exclusive retail merchandise of the mascots largely contributed to the strategic storytelling element of their Marketing campaign.
Their strategy also featured award-winning graphic design pieces, including award-winning billboard designs. These visuals reinforced the waterpark’s identity and played a critical role in driving awareness and visitation. In parallel, they executed a data driven strategy that achieved strong rankings with key terms relating to waterpark.
A strong emphasis was also placed on day passes. Through geo-targeted messaging and compelling calls to action encouraging families to “book a day pass,” the strategy successfully positioned Bavarian Blast as an accessible, spontaneous escape for nearby communities. This effort was further strengthened by the popular “Community Night Series,” which welcomed guests from surrounding cities with discounted day passes.
The Bavarian Blast marketing team is honored to receive this recognition and proud to celebrate the success of their marketing campaign.
Aquatics International is a magazine serving the aquatics industry, covering public pools, waterparks, fitness club pools, swim schools, university aquatic centers, YMCAs, and JCCs. The publication supports professionals in the aquatic industry by providing relevant information on operations, safety, profitability, and entertainment.
To view the November 2025 Aquatics International Publication, click the link below:
https://lsc-pagepro.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/frame.php?i=857061&p=10&pn=&ver=html5&view=issueViewer
About Bavarian Inn Resort:
The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Resort is a premier Midwest destination for families and groups seeking unforgettable experiences in lodging, dining, shopping, special events, and conference services. The resort features the iconic Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, and the ResidenZ at Bavarian Inn. Guests can also enjoy Bavarian Blast, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark & Family Fun Center, offering endless excitement with water attractions, gaming, and family-friendly activities.
About Bavarian Inn Lodge:
Nestled along the banks of the Cass River in Frankenmuth, Bavarian Inn Lodge has been a beloved destination for family fun for nearly 40 years. Now home to Bavarian Blast, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark & Family Fun Center at over a whopping 170,000 sq. ft. the Lodge offers an expanded experience with 16 new waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and Michigan’s first adult-only swim-up bar, along with endless entertainment for guests of all ages. Enjoy over 3 football fields of family fun all indoors.
The Lodge, currently managed by the 4th generation Bavarian Inn family members, features 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, four gift shops, two lounges, and three restaurants—all under one roof. The 170,000 square-foot Family Fun Center includes two additional thrilling water slides, three pools, two whirlpools, over 180 video and redemption games, Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Mini Bowling, a 3-Story Ropes Course, Climbing Walls, Redemption Store, and Ice Cream Shop. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke.
Banquet facilities accommodate events for 2 to 500 guests for meetings and special events. Bavarian Inn Lodge is a destination for travelers from far and near, evidenced by the 2.6 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.
Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com
Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com
Contact:
Emily Kurzer, Marketing Promotions Manager
ekurzer@bavarianinn.com, 989-652-9941 Ext. 3288
