Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is launching its first luxury boutique hotel, set to open in 2026—and it’ll come with a hidden twist. Tucked beneath the property will be The Landmark Lounge, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar offering a moody, upscale vibe.
Located below the in-progress hotel, The Mill at Zehnder Park, the 1,680-square-foot space once served as the mill’s machine room. Now, it’s being transformed into an intimate lounge featuring a wood bar, low-top tables and seating for up to 50 guests.
“Open to guests and visitors, the Lounge is a place to break away for intimate conversation and light food and drink by the light of the fire and vintage industrial decor – a warm mix of inviting and exclusive,” the website reads.
The Detroit Free Press reported that the Landmark Lounge partnered with Iron Fish Distillery to create a signature cocktail menu. Highlights include the Stollen Old Fashioned, Lavender Fields and Rhubarb Thyme Gin Fizz. For those who prefer nonalcoholic options, the lounge will also offer zero-proof cocktails, including a detox drink made with pineapple, celery, agave syrup and lime.
In addition to handcrafted drinks, guests can enjoy small plates and pastries. The lounge will be open to both hotel guests and the public, and available to book for private parties and corporate events.
According to the lounge’s Instagram page, The hotel’s name, The Mill, pays tribute to the original mill on the site, preserving its legacy as a cherished community landmark.
The story dates back to 1848—just three years after Frankenmuth was founded—when a milling operation was established to serve local farmers. Though the original structure was demolished in 1956 after becoming obsolete, it was rebuilt in 1984 as a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage.
While hours of operation and an official opening date have yet to be announced, the lounge is expected to open in 2026.
