Kewadin Casinos is set to embark on the next stage of its extensive capital improvement initiative this summer, with ambitious projects planned for all five of its gaming venues located in Michigan's eastern and central Upper Peninsula over the next three years.
The forthcoming enhancements will encompass renovations to hotel rooms, developments for RV parks, upgrades to food and beverage facilities, and the introduction of new entertainment and family-friendly amenities.
To facilitate these upgrades, Kewadin Casinos has engaged Integrated Designs Inc. for architectural and engineering services, while Gundlach Champion will continue as the construction manager overseeing the projects.
At Kewadin Casino St. Ignace, renovations for guest rooms are slated to commence in the fall of 2026. Additionally, a new RV park with comprehensive hook-up services is expected to open in the spring of 2027.
Meanwhile, Kewadin Casino Sault Ste. Marie is set for significant changes, including the demolition of the original casino and hotel complex known as the East Wing along Shunk Road, which will begin in the fall or winter of 2026. The property is also planning to introduce a sports bar featuring virtual gaming bays and a new waterpark with designated areas for both children and adults, with construction for these projects anticipated to start in the summer of 2027.
At Kewadin Manistique, a new RV park with full hook-up facilities is scheduled for summer 2026, alongside renovations to the restaurant and bar, although specific timelines for these updates are yet to be determined.
Kewadin Casino Christmas will also see enhancements to its RV park, adding more full hook-up options starting in summer 2026.
Furthermore, Kewadin Casino Hessel is set to undergo renovations to its bar and deli in the fall of 2026, with additional improvements planned for the cabins and RV park, including 50-amp hook-up options, although the timing for these upgrades has not been finalized.
Allen Kerridge, CEO of Kewadin Casinos, expressed enthusiasm about the renovations, stating, "We recognize that our guests' needs have changed over the years, and we are eager to adapt alongside them. These renovations aim to enhance the guest experience in the areas that matter most, whether it's a family camping trip or a local resident seeking a great meal and an enjoyable night out."
He further noted, "This next phase will enable us to better cater to those needs by improving our RV park offerings, upgrading the hotel at Kewadin Casino St. Ignace, and introducing more family-friendly experiences at Kewadin Casino Sault Ste. Marie, which will feature the only waterpark in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula."
This upcoming phase follows several completed projects under the improvement program, including a comprehensive renovation of the Kewadin Casino Sault Ste. Marie hotel tower, the introduction of new dining options, and the construction of a new main entrance to the casino.
Owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Kewadin Casinos manages five gaming properties across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, collectively offering over 2,000 slot machines, 26 table games, hotel accommodations, and dining options.