Introduction
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place to visit, with its pristine lakes, forests, and rugged terrain. But it’s not just the natural beauty that draws visitors to the area. The Upper Peninsula is also home to several casinos offering a range of gaming options, fine dining, and entertainment. This article provides a comprehensive guide to all the top casinos in the area, as well as a look at the history of casinos in the Upper Peninsula, the impact of casinos on the local economy, and tips for making the most of your casino experience.
A Comprehensive Guide to All the Top Casinos in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
If you’re looking for gaming excitement, you won’t be disappointed with the selection of casinos in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here’s a rundown of all the casinos in the area:
Kewadin Casino
With locations in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel, Kewadin Casino has a lot to offer visitors. The casinos boast a variety of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. At the St. Ignace location, you’ll find a 36-hole golf course, while the Sault Ste. Marie location is home to a 319-room hotel. All of the Kewadin casinos feature dining options and regular entertainment.
Bay Mills Resort & Casino
Located in Brimley, Bay Mills Resort & Casino has over 900 slot machines, as well as table games and a poker room. In addition to gaming, the resort offers a hotel with over 140 rooms, dining options, and a golf course.
Ojibwa Casino
With locations in Baraga and Marquette, Ojibwa Casino offers a variety of slot machines and table games. The Baraga location features a hotel with over 40 rooms, while the Marquette location has a 30-lane bowling alley and a sports bar.
Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino
The Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino is located in Watersmeet and offers over 700 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. The resort also features a hotel with over 140 rooms, dining options, and a conference center.
The History of Casinos in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Casinos didn’t arrive in the Upper Peninsula until the late 1980s, when the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians opened Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie. The casino was initially housed in a small building but has since expanded to become a major gaming destination in the area. Other casinos soon followed, including Bay Mills Resort & Casino and Ojibwa Casino.
Over the years, casinos in the area have continued to evolve and expand, adding new gaming options, dining choices, and other amenities to attract visitors. Most casinos in the Upper Peninsula are operated by Native American tribes, with gaming profits helping to provide jobs and support local communities.
The Impact of Casinos on the Local Economy
Casinos in the Upper Peninsula have had a significant impact on the local economy, particularly when it comes to creating jobs and generating tax revenue. According to a report from the American Gaming Association, the Upper Peninsula casinos support over 4,000 jobs and generate over $200 million in economic activity each year. In addition, casinos are major contributors to local tax revenue, providing funding for everything from schools to infrastructure projects.
But the impact of casinos on the local economy goes beyond just jobs and tax revenue. Casinos attract visitors from all over the region, who spend money on everything from hotel rooms to dining to entertainment. This ripple effect helps to support small businesses in the area and further boosts the local economy.
Exploring the Non-Gambling Amenities Offered by Upper Peninsula Casinos
While gaming may be the main attraction for many visitors to Upper Peninsula casinos, there are plenty of other amenities to enjoy as well.
Fine Dining Options
Many casinos in the area offer dining options ranging from casual to upscale. At the Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace, for example, you can indulge in steak and seafood at the Horseshoe Bay Restaurant, or grab a quick bite at the Northern Pines Lounge. Bay Mills Resort & Casino boasts the award-winning Back Bay Buffet, while the Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino offers everything from classic American fare to Asian and Mexican cuisine.
Entertainment Options
In addition to gaming, many Upper Peninsula casinos feature regular entertainment options, including live music, comedy acts, and more. At Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, for example, you can catch a concert at the DreamMakers Theater, while Bay Mills Resort & Casino features a variety of events, such as karaoke nights and outdoor concerts. Ojibwa Casino in Marquette is home to the Ojibwa Casino Event Center, which hosts everything from music performances to MMA fights.
Golf Courses and Spas
Several Upper Peninsula casinos offer non-gambling amenities, such as golf courses and spas. Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace has a 36-hole golf course, while the Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino offers a championship golf course with stunning views of the surrounding forests and lakes. At Bay Mills Resort & Casino, you can relax and rejuvenate at the on-site spa, which offers massages, facials, and more.
Comparing the Different Gaming Options Available at Upper Peninsula Casinos
Each casino in the Upper Peninsula offers a unique gaming experience, with varying types of games and other options. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing the different casinos:
Types of Games Offered
Most casinos in the area offer a range of slot machines, as well as table games such as blackjack and roulette. Poker rooms are also available at many casinos. However, the types and number of games offered can vary depending on the casino.
Popular and Unique Games at Each Casino
Some casinos have games that are more popular or unique than others. For example, the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie is known for its Dream Catcher Sports Lounge, which features sports betting and a variety of TVs for watching games. The Bay Mills Resort & Casino has a bingo hall, while the Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino offers free shuffleboard and pool tables.
Tips for Visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Casinos on a Budget
Visiting a casino doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for making the most of your experience without overspending:
Strategies for Stretching Gambling Dollars
Set a budget before you start gambling and stick to it. Choose games with lower minimum bets to make your money last longer. Take advantage of player rewards programs that offer discounts on food, rooms, and other amenities.
Taking Advantage of Special Promotions and Offers
Many Upper Peninsula casinos offer special promotions and discounts throughout the year. Check the casino’s website or sign up for their email newsletter to stay up to date on these offers. Some casinos also offer senior discounts or military discounts, so be sure to ask about these options.
Conclusion
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a great place to visit for its natural beauty and unique attractions, including its casinos. With a wide range of gaming options, dining choices, and other amenities, there’s something for everyone at the area’s casinos. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking to have some fun, plan a visit to one or more of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula casinos today.