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Bavarian Inn Lodge of Frankenmuth – Michigan Staycation Destination

Visitor’s Guide, information, and photos for Bavarian Inn Lodge of Frankenmuth Michigan. Four pools, two slides, as well as great dining options.

Last week my family and I enjoyed an amazing mini staycation at Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. The hotel stay and dinner was covered so that I could share my experience with you. All opinions are my own, your experience may differ.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is an amazing establishment full of history, where families can go to create their own memories to last generations. I remember vacationing at the Lodge when I was younger with my cousins, as well as visiting Bavarian Inn Restaurant for dinner with my family (all 30 + of us) for special occasions. Frankenmuth makes for a great mid-Michigan destination where family from both north and south can join together to share a memorable experience.

Bavarian Inn Lodge Hotel Room

 During our visit, we stayed in the Stille Nacht Suite.  There were two beds in the main room as wells as a pull-out couch in the den.  

Bavarian Inn Lodge Stille Nacht Suite

The room amenities also included two very large screen televisions, a mini-fridge, desk and chairs, and a coffee maker along with other standard amenities.  

Bavarian Inn Lodge

I really enjoyed reading all about the Stile Nacht ceremony that was chronicled throughout the room.  In fact, the whole hotel was rich with articles, pictures, and information that detailed the landmark’s rich history.

Bavarian Inn Lodge Pools

One of the features that bring families to visit is the wide range of pool spaces available to the guests.  This is certainly a big step up from a regular hotel with a pool, however, this is NOT a waterpark either.  The use restrictions are very similar to what you expect in a standard hotel, you may use the pools when you are checked in (you may not use the pool before 3 pm on the day of check in) and your pool time ends at check-out (11 am).  Additionally, the pools are closed daily for maintenance form 8-8:30pm.

It should be noted that during our stay we experienced strong pool odor in the hotel and pool areas.  Bavarian Inn asks their guests to make sure they shower both before and after pool use.  It is also advisable to take frequent breaks when swimming to get some fresh air.  There is plenty to do in the hotel and surrounding areas.

The Waterfall Pool

This pool is tucked behind the golf course and is, therefore, less visited.  The area contains a swimming pool (depth 3’ – 4”6”) with a waterfall and two interactive spray jets.   A hot tub is also available in this area which can be used by all guests.

Waterfall Pool Bavarian Inn Lodge
Naomi at the Waterfall Pool

Family Center Pool

Younger guests are sure to love the Family Fun Center Pools.  They are located just outside the elevator (where you get your towels).  The first pool you encounter is a large wading pool with a minimum depth of two feet and goes up to 4.5 feet. This pool was perfect for our family.  Carlyn (age 5) was able to touch without going under in the whole pool.  Naomi (age 2) was able to swim in the shallow end with little assistance.  This section also features a hot tub.

Family Center Pool Bavarian Inn Lodge

Toddler Play Pool

The Atrium pool is perfect for younger guests and features a zero-depth entry, spray features, and shallow waters that max out at 1 foot 6 inches.  

Toddler Play Pool

Two slides are also available for guests.  The Tower Twister Body Slide has a height requirement of 42” while The Bavarian Blast Tube Slide has a height requirement of 48” or 42″ when riding with an adult.

The Courtyard Pool (Adults Only)

If you are looking to enjoy some child-free pool time, then the pool and hot tub in the courtyard are perfect for you.  They offer a quiet space to wind down and relax.  Pool depth ranges from 3’0″ to 5’0″.

Courtyard Pool

Bavarian Inn Lodge Family Fun Center Arcade

The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth is host to the largest hotel arcade in all of the Midwest and offers more than 160 games and advanced technological systems.  The arcade uses a card system to keep track of your tickets and tokens, so you don’t lose or miscount them.

Family Fun Center Arcade

The redemption center offers a wide variety of great prizes too. Some of the games are play until you win, which makes the experience even more exciting.

redemption center

Part of the Family Fun Center is Willi’s Mini-Golf where guests can play 18 holes, indoors.  Naomi and Carlyn make it through about six or seven holes before they wanted to move on to something else.  Rosa and I finished the course.  My advice for younger guests… skip the rules and the scorecard and just have fun.

Willi's Mini-Golf

 In the midst of the arcade games and pools is this wonderful two-story play structure.  It is great for the little ones to play and pretend.  During our visit, there were a few pretend food items and dishes available as well.  

play center at Bavarian Inn Lodge

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is not only a great family destination, it is rich in history and learning opportunities. Be sure to check out the displays and enjoy learning about the background of the hotel and the family behind this amazing landmark.  

Lodge Dining

When you get hungry there are a few different dining options available on the property.

Ratskeller

This cafeteria-style dining facility is located within the Family Fun Center, perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat and getting back to all the action.  What really stands out is the huge selection of beer and malt beverages.  Daily games and activities, along with karaoke (Friday and Saturday evenings) and meal service from morning to late evening hours make this a great place to take a break to refuel.

Ratskeller at Bavarian Inn Lodge

Oma’s Restaurant

My grandma’s parents were born in Germany.  Walking into this restaurant took me back to visiting her home on Sunday for dinner after church.  We enjoyed a breakfast buffet with the standard fare, but they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner items with German roots, along with other classic favorites.   The Lorelei Lounge and Schnitzelbank Bier Garten is located within Oma’s Restaurant and offers live entertainment and happy hour drink specials.

Oma's Restaurant at Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge One Covered Bridge Lane Frankenmuth, MI 48734 1-855-652-7200

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Amber Louchart
Author: Amber Louchart

Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment.  She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.