October 28, 2025
FRANKENMUTH, Mich – Oct. 22, 2025 – Bavarian Blast Waterpark, located at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, has been recognized with the highest accolade; the Leading Edge Award, at the World Waterpark Association (WWA) during their annual Symposium & Trade Show.
The Leading Edge Award pays tribute to exceptional creativity and innovation in the waterpark industry. The World Waterpark Association defines the Leading Edge Award as a recognition awarded to “individuals or parks for creativity in the development of new themes, facilities, programs, services, or operational concepts in the water attractions industry.”
This award was presented to the team in recognition of their most recent business endeavor, opening Bavarian Blast Waterpark, Michigan’s biggest indoor waterpark and family fun center.
“Receiving the Leading Edge Award is a true testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work of our entire team,” said Michael Keller Zehnder, Owner and President of Bavarian Inn Lodge. “We are proud to provide families with unforgettable experiences at Bavarian Blast Waterpark and honored to be recognized by our peers in the waterpark industry for our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional guest enjoyment.”
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
Photo caption: From Left to Right: Brandon Hutson, Joanna Nelson, Michael Keller Zehnder, Kelly Martin, Jackie Zervos Elizondo
The Leading Edge Award pays tribute to exceptional creativity and innovation in the waterpark industry. The World Waterpark Association defines the Leading Edge Award as a recognition awarded to “individuals or parks for creativity in the development of new themes, facilities, programs, services, or operational concepts in the water attractions industry.”
This award was presented to the team in recognition of their most recent business endeavor, opening Bavarian Blast Waterpark, Michigan’s biggest indoor waterpark and family fun center.
“Receiving the Leading Edge Award is a true testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work of our entire team,” said Michael Keller Zehnder, Owner and President of Bavarian Inn Lodge. “We are proud to provide families with unforgettable experiences at Bavarian Blast Waterpark and honored to be recognized by our peers in the waterpark industry for our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional guest enjoyment.”
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
Photo caption: From Left to Right: Brandon Hutson, Joanna Nelson, Michael Keller Zehnder, Kelly Martin, Jackie Zervos Elizondo
Contact:
Emily Kurzer, Promotions Manager
ekurzer@bavarianinn.com, 989-652-9941 Ext. 3288
