Kewadin Casinos Advance Major Renovation Program Across All Five Michigan Properties

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians operates Kewadin Casinos at five locations throughout Michigan, and the organization has now detailed the next stage of its multimillion-dollar multiyear improvement initiative. Projects scheduled to start in summer 2026 cover guest room renovations, new or expanded RV parks and cabin facilities, restaurant and bar upgrades, plus larger additions such as a waterpark and sports bar at the flagship Sault Ste. Marie site.

Scope of the Planned Improvements

Every property will receive targeted work on lodging and recreational amenities, while the Sault Ste. Marie location gains two signature features that expand entertainment options for visitors. Room renovations focus on updating finishes, furnishings, and technology infrastructure across hundreds of guest rooms, and RV park enhancements include new hookups, site grading, and support buildings at locations that currently offer campground facilities. Cabin additions or improvements will provide alternative overnight accommodations for families and groups who prefer standalone units over traditional hotel rooms.

Restaurant and bar projects range from interior refreshes and expanded seating to menu and service adjustments that align with current guest preferences. At Sault Ste. Marie the waterpark will introduce an indoor aquatic area with slides, pools, and play structures, while the sports bar will feature multiple viewing screens, game tables, and a dedicated bar program designed to serve large crowds during events.

Timeline and Phasing

Construction activity is set to begin in summer 2026, with crews coordinating work across the five properties to limit disruption to ongoing operations. Early phases will address guest rooms and smaller amenity upgrades at multiple sites simultaneously, whereas the waterpark and sports bar at Sault Ste. Marie will follow a longer build schedule that extends into subsequent years. Observers note that phased timing allows the tribe to maintain revenue flow while delivering visible improvements on a rolling basis.

Properties Included in the Program

The five Kewadin Casinos affected by the announcement are located in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Christmas, Hessel, and Manistique. Each site already provides a combination of gaming floors, dining, and lodging, and the current upgrade round builds on previous capital investments the tribe has made over the past decade. Because the properties serve distinct regional markets, planners have tailored certain elements such as RV park expansions to match local demand patterns at each location.

Background on the Operating Tribe

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has run Kewadin Casinos since the early 1980s under the regulatory framework established by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Revenue from the properties supports tribal government services, health programs, education, and community infrastructure across the Upper Peninsula. The current capital program continues that established pattern of reinvestment, channeling funds back into facilities that generate ongoing economic activity for both the tribe and surrounding communities.

Regulatory and Planning Context

Before ground is broken, the tribe will complete required reviews with the National Indian Gaming Commission and coordinate with state and local agencies on permitting, environmental assessments, and traffic planning. Such steps follow standard procedures for tribal gaming enterprises undertaking large-scale construction, and the tribe has indicated that design work and contractor selection are already underway to meet the summer 2026 start date.

Conclusion

The announced upgrades represent a coordinated, property-wide effort by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians to refresh and expand Kewadin Casinos over multiple years. With work beginning in summer 2026, the program will deliver updated rooms, new recreational amenities, and signature additions at the Sault Ste. Marie location while maintaining service continuity at all five Michigan sites. Further project milestones will be released as construction schedules are finalized.