12 Jun 2026
Kewadin Casinos Launches Next Phase of Property Upgrades Across Upper Peninsula Sites
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians operates Kewadin Casinos, and the organization announced the next phase of a multiyear, multi-million-dollar renovation program covering all five Michigan properties in the Upper Peninsula. Projects center on hotel room renovations, new or improved RV parks equipped with full hookups, upgrades to bars, restaurants, and delis, plus major additions such as a waterpark and sports bar at the flagship Sault Ste. Marie location. Work begins in summer and fall 2026 before extending into 2027.
Observers note the initiative targets enhanced family and regional appeal while maintaining existing operations at each site. The five properties include locations in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Christmas, Hessel, and Manistique, each scheduled for tailored improvements that align with local visitor patterns.
Scope of Renovations at Individual Properties
Hotel room renovations form a core element across multiple sites, with updates focused on modernizing furnishings, technology integrations, and accessibility features. RV park enhancements introduce full hookups at select locations where none existed previously, while existing parks receive expansions and infrastructure upgrades. Bar, restaurant, and deli areas see refreshed interiors, expanded menus, and improved service flows designed to accommodate both day visitors and overnight guests.
At the Sault Ste. Marie flagship property, plans include construction of a waterpark alongside a dedicated sports bar. These additions represent the most substantial structural changes within the current phase, with design work emphasizing year-round usability in the region's climate. Construction timelines coordinate around peak tourism seasons to minimize disruptions for existing patrons.
Timeline and Implementation Details
Initial phases of construction commence during summer and fall 2026, with subsequent work continuing through 2027. Project managers coordinate activities across the five properties simultaneously, though individual timelines vary based on scope and permitting requirements. The multiyear structure allows for phased rollouts that maintain operational continuity at each casino and hospitality venue.
According to coverage in the Mining Journal, tribal leadership outlined the investments as part of ongoing efforts to align facilities with evolving guest expectations. The announcement came in June 2026, setting the stage for bidding processes and contractor selections that precede ground work.
Those familiar with prior renovation cycles at Kewadin properties point out that earlier phases addressed gaming floor expansions and basic infrastructure. The current round shifts emphasis toward hospitality and recreational amenities, reflecting broader trends in regional casino development.
Strategic Focus on Family and Regional Visitors
Enhancements prioritize attractions that draw families and regional travelers rather than solely gaming enthusiasts. The addition of a waterpark at Sault Ste. Marie, combined with improved RV facilities, creates options for extended stays. Restaurant and bar upgrades aim to serve both casino patrons and non-gaming visitors from surrounding communities.
Data from Michigan tourism reports indicate steady growth in Upper Peninsula visitation over recent years, particularly among groups seeking combined lodging and recreational experiences. The renovation program positions Kewadin properties to capture a larger share of that market segment through the 2027 completion window.
Background on Kewadin Operations
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has operated Kewadin Casinos since the early 1990s, establishing five locations that serve as significant employers and economic contributors in the Upper Peninsula. Each property combines gaming, lodging, dining, and entertainment under one management structure. The current upgrade program builds on previous investments while introducing new amenities not previously available at these sites.
Project documentation shows coordination with state and local regulatory bodies for permitting, environmental reviews, and compliance with tribal-state gaming compacts. Construction phases incorporate local labor where possible, consistent with past tribal development practices.
Conclusion
The announced renovations represent a coordinated expansion of hospitality offerings across Kewadin's five Upper Peninsula locations, with work slated to begin in summer and fall 2026 and continue into 2027. Hotel updates, RV park improvements, dining enhancements, and the flagship additions of a waterpark and sports bar form the centerpiece of this phase. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians continues to manage the properties through the upgrade period, maintaining regular operations while construction proceeds according to the published timeline. Additional details on specific contractor selections and final design specifications remain forthcoming as the June 2026 announcement moves into execution.