Restoration Complete: Frankenmuth’s Iconic Covered Wooden Bridge Now Open

May 14, 2015 - PRLog -- After being closed for several weeks due to restoration and reconstruction, the Bavarian Inn’s (http://www.bavarianinn.com/) covered bridge that spans the Cass River has reopened for all vehicle, horse and foot traffic. Prior to its makeover, the 239-foot-long bridge, now called Bavarian Inn’s Covered Bridge (Holz-Brücke), had survived 35 years of Michigan’s winters and summers and more than 4 million vehicle crossings.

The reconstruction was led by Tim Gilmour of Gilmour Construction in Frankenmuth. Lumber from Lapeer Hardwoods in Lapeer, Michigan was used to replace the bridge’s cedar shingles and new roadway planking along with 7200 hand pounded nails in the roadway alone. The reconstruction was entirely financed by the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family, and used no tax dollars.

The covered bridge was installed in January 1980 by New Hampshire craftsmen after being built on the river bank over the course of two years. Structural framing timbers from Oregon and locally sourced 3-foot-long shingles were used for the roof along with 16-foot-long 4x8s for the planked roadway.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant: (bavarianinn.com) Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark, thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products.  [Press Room: http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/]

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, 150 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 29 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor^®.

[Press Room: http://logos-communications.com/bavarianinnlodge/]

Media contact:          Sue Voyles, Logos Communications

734-667-2005/sue@logos-communications.com