Kewadin Casinos Announces Major Multi-Property Renovation Project Across All Five Locations
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has announced a sweeping, multi-year renovationinitiative that will modernize all five Kewadin Casino properties - Kewadin Casino Sault Ste. Marie, Kewadin CasinoSt. Ignace, Kewadin Casino Christmas, Kewadin Casino Manistique, and Kewadin Casino Hessel. The project representsone of the largest system-wide investments in the 40-year history of Kewadin Casinos.
According to tribal leadership, the renovation program is designed toelevate guest experience, modernize gaming environments, andstrengthen the long-term competitiveness of the Kewadin brand across Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Project Overview
The renovation initiative includes:
- Gaming floor upgrades - new carpeting, lighting, signage, and expanded layouts
- Modernized slot and table game areas with improved spacing and accessibility
- New and refreshed dining venues tailored to each property's local identity
- Hotel room renovations at Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace
- Exterior improvements including new facade treatments, landscaping, and signage
- Technology upgrades across all properties, including improved Wi-Fi and digital wayfinding
- Energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce long-term operational costs
Tribal officials emphasized that the upgrades will be phased, allowing all casinos to remain open throughoutconstruction.
Property-by-Property Highlights
Sault Ste. Marie - Flagship Expansion
The largest investment will occur at Kewadin Casino Sault Ste. Marie, where plans include areimagined gaming floor, expanded dining, and a full hotel renovation. This property will serve as the model fordesign standards rolled out across the system.
St. Ignace - Lakeside Enhancements
St. Ignace will receive a major interior refresh, updated hotel rooms, and a redesigned entrance to improve guestflow from the Mackinac Bridge corridor.
Christmas - Tourism-Focused Upgrades
The Christmas location will see improvements aimed at tourist traffic, including a refreshed restaurant, new slotproduct, and a redesigned exterior that leans into the town's holiday theme.
Manistique - Small-Town Modernization
Manistique will undergo a full gaming floor refresh, updated bar and dining spaces, and improved parking andsignage along US-2.
Hessel - Neighborhood Casino Revitalization
Hessel, the smallest Kewadin property, will receive new slots, a refreshed bar area, and exterior improvementsdesigned to better serve visitors to the Les Cheneaux Islands.
Tribal Leadership Statement
Tribal leadership stated that the renovation program reflects the Tribe's commitment to long-term economicsustainability and enhanced guest experience:
"Kewadin Casinos have served the Upper Peninsula for decades. These renovations ensure our properties remaincompetitive, welcoming, and reflective of the Tribe's vision for the future."
Economic Impact
The multi-property project is expected to:
- Support local construction jobs across the Upper Peninsula
- Increase long-term gaming and tourism revenue
- Strengthen the Tribe's economic footprint in the region
- Improve guest retention and visitation across all five markets
Timeline
Renovations are scheduled to begin in late 2026 and will continue through 2028, with each property completingupgrades in phases to avoid major service disruptions.
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