The Bavarian Inn Zehnder Family takes pride in preserving and sharing the deep-rooted history of the Bavarian Inn. From curating World-Famous Chicken Dinners to opening Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark and Family Fun Center, every chapter in our timeline reflects the dedication, vision, and passion that shaped the Bavarian Inn legacy. Architectural details, historical photos, and family crests serve as reminders of our history and are thoughtfully woven into the design of each of the Bavarian Inn properties. The family crests, in particular, stand as emblems of the people and values that built the Bavarian Inn. Let’s take a closer look at the four family crests that have left their mark on our story: the Zehnder, Keller, Nelson, and Hendrick families.
Zehnder
The Zehnder family’s coat of arms proudly represents their legacy of resilience, honor, and hospitality. A legacy that has been proudly represented by each generation.
The noble helmet at the top of the crest represents protection and leadership. The helmet is adorned with a bouquet of plumes, which typically symbolize courage. The flowing red and white mantling signifies bravery, determination, and purity of heart.
The shield’s upper black field symbolizes resilience, featuring a golden sheaf of wheat—an emblem of hard work and serving others. At the bottom of the crest is a silver-white field that represents peace and integrity, with a hunting horn bound in red, a heraldic symbol of vigilance and readiness.
Together, these elements capture the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family’s enduring legacy—a name synonymous with strength, service, and a warm welcome.
Keller
A testament to honor, service, and hospitality, rooted in medieval Europe. The name Keller, meaning “Cellar” in German, reflects a prestigious lineage—once entrusted as the King’s Cellar Keeper, safeguarding fine wines and royal provisions with trust and nobility.
The heraldic shield is divided into two halves. The upper gold field, marked by bold black stripes, symbolizes generosity, wisdom, and resilience, honoring the Kellers’ military service and guardianship. Below, a deep red field shows two interlocked keys, representing authority, duty, and the power to unlock new opportunities.
A bear’s head on the shield embodies protection and tradition, mirroring the vigilance with which the Kellers safeguarded the King’s cellar. Just as a bear’s den preserves life, the cellar protects its treasures.
Crowning the crest, a noble helmet signifies martial valor, flanked by a flowing mantle of gold and crimson colors reflecting the courage and passion that define the Keller legacy.
Nelson
Over the years, the Nelson and Bavarian Inn Zehnder families have built not just professional respect, but a bond rooted in shared values—family, tradition, and a dedication to creating unforgettable experiences. When the Bavarian Inn embarked on its most ambitious expansion yet— the Bavarian Blast Waterpark —Todd Nelson and his family were there every step of the way, offering guidance, encouragement, and a friendship that will last for generations to come.
The detailed imagery and distinguished symbolism of the Nelson crest reflect a rich heritage of honor, faith, and military excellence. The silver background conveys nobility possessed within the bloodline, while the black cross symbolizes the Nelson’s belief in the Christian faith as well as a potential symbol of the family’s involvement in the Crusades. The red band, running from the upper left to the lower right, signifies boldness, leadership, and is often associated with a legacy of high-ranking commanders in the military.
This legacy is embodied in the ancestors of the Nelson lineage, like Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, a celebrated British naval commander from the Napoleonic Wars. His words, “Our world has always been shaped by the bravest among us—those with a clear vision of the future and the resolve to pursue it,” encapsulate the enduring spirit of the Nelson name.
The crest serves not only as a symbol of the Nelson lineage but also as a living reminder of their bravery, commitment to noble causes, and an unbroken connection to honor and tradition.
Hendrick
In 1985, the Bavarian Inn Lodge construction project was awarded to R.C. Hendrick & Son, Inc., marking the start of a decades-long partnership. With skill, dedication, and a deep respect for tradition, R.C. Hendrick & Son, Inc. took on all seven phases of expansion at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge.
The Hendrick Crest is rich with heraldic symbolism, reflecting the values and legacy of the Hendrick name. At its center, the shield features three golden lion faces on a blue background. The lions represent courage, strength, and leadership, while the blue detailing symbolizes loyalty and trustworthiness.
Above the shield, the helmet is adorned with a gold crown, symbolizing authority and achievement, and a red crescent, which commonly represents honor gained through service or victory.
This striking crest encapsulates a history of resilience and commitment to excellence, traits that have been passed down through generations of the Hendrick family.
