Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is bringing an old flour mill on the Cass River back to life.
In 1848, just a few years after Frankenmuth was founded, the Hubinger brothers built a flour mill on the banks of the Cass River, an energetic waterway. The mill was torn down in the 1950s, and 30 years later, a replica was built in its spot. Once it closed, after several ownership changes and concepts, the facility sat empty for years, until the Zehnder family purchased it in 2022.
No, it wouldn’t be another haven for chicken-dinner lovers, but rather upscale lodging — something the town could certainly use.
The Mill at Zehnder Park, a 13,700-square-foot boutique hotel, with four individually curated large suites overlooking the picturesque Cass River, is slated to open for bookings in early 2026.
With much of the renovation complete this fall, a newly constructed waterwheel was recently installed on the back deck as a nod to the site’s 19th-century origins. Created by Sullivan’s Water Wheels of South Carolina, the wheel is constructed from durable Southern yellow pine and stands 12 feet tall. It is self-contained, meaning the water doesn’t come from the river, and runs on about 6 to 10 gallons of water per minute.
Often referred to as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth has long been known as a destination for tradition and hospitality and has never had an upscale boutique hotel. “Zehnder’s recognized a need in the market for guests who are looking for a more elevated, intimate lodging option that reflects the history and character of Frankenmuth,” says Al Zehnder, CEO and chair of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth.
The hotel provides loyal visitors with something new and special, says Jamie Furbush, president and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Filled with impeccable views of the Cass River and Main Street, The Mill at Zehnder Park will embrace a historical story connected to Frankenmuth’s earliest days restored into beautiful and modern luxury suites. New places also attract new people, and we are always excited to welcome new guests to our beautiful city.”
The hotel is anticipated to attract guests celebrating family weddings or reunions or smaller groups who just want to stay amid Frankenmuth’s fascinating history.
“I remember my dad regretting the day when the original mill was torn down, but it was deemed obsolete,” Zehnder said during a media preview in the summer.
The property was taken down to the studs and expanded. “There are 18 types of stone, 24 types of tile, and 22 wallpapers in the facility,” says Ron Ross, Zehnder’s director of engineering and general contractor for this project.
A palette of tans, grays, and blacks, with hints of rich blues, will decorate the suites, while huge windows offer guests bucolic river views. All the suites have kitchenettes, and there is an ADA-compliant 900-square-foot suite on the main floor.
The inn is adorned with restored mill equipment placed in various spots, the waterwheel on the back deck, and an overall rustic vibe that flows from the welcoming lobby straight to the Landmark Lounge, a 1,680-square-foot bar on the lower level that will serve small bites and craft cocktails using premium spirits from partner Iron Fish Distillery, made from grain grown on its Thompsonville property and nearby farms.
“It’s fascinating that we’re in a spot where everything was driven by waterpower,” Zehnder says. Contemplating the transformation, he adds, “We’ve kind of become self-appointed historians.”
Learn more at themillatzehnderpark.com.
This story originally appeared in the November 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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