Kewadin‘s U.P. Empire

Aug. 30, 2006

If you’re a gambler looking for
neon lights and showgirls, go to
Vegas. But if you enjoy table games and slots along with Northern Michigan’s beauty, Kewadin Casinos is for you. With five locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Kewadin’s proximity to all the U.P. has to offer adds to its appeal.
“What makes us unique is that we’re
in the Upper Peninsula surrounded by other attractions and amenities of the area,” says public relations director Michelle Bouschor.
Visitors are within a few miles of Mackinac Island, Agawa Canyon, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and more. Whether staying in one of the casino’s on-site hotels or camping nearby, the beauty of the area is never far away.
“Our casinos have very natural north woods themes,” adds Bouschor. “You just get a good feeling when you come into them.”
Owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Kewadin Casinos will be celebrating its 21st anniversary this fall, offering Vegas-style gaming with more than 2,000 slots and a variety of table games.
“We opened in Sault Ste. Marie in 1985 as a one-room house, with only blackjack,” says Bouschor, admitting Kewadin wasn’t the first casino in the area. Expansions in the Sault were completed four different times by 1997.

NEW IN ST. IGNACE
Kewadin St. Ignace opened in 1987, with locations in Manistique, Christmas and Hessel added in 1994. Originally, just 80 people were employed, but that number has grown to nearly 1,300. The most recent and largest expansion yet was the mid-June opening of a new St. Ignace casino. Offerings include an 81-room on-site hotel, indoor pool, restaurant, lounge and gift shop, with a sports bar and deli opening soon. All gaming continues in the old casino building until an official grand opening in the fall. Continuous shuttles take hotel guests to and from the current gaming facility.
During construction of the new building, which began in May 2004, a land trust issue appeared. The resolution approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission was to create an additional expansion to house all gaming and use the intended gaming room as an entertainment venue.
“The addition of the new gaming facility in St. Ignace is progressing well,” says Bouschor, “and we are looking to open the gaming area in the new building mid-fall.”
Country legend Merle Haggard – who performed a sold out show – and rock group Train appeared in the new facility during the summer. “Both shows were fantastic and the concert goers really seemed to enjoy having the shows in the new St. Ignace facility,” says Bouschor. “We are hoping to have more entertainment in this facility in the near future.”
For additional entertainment options, visit the Dream Makers Theater in Sault Ste. Marie with its newly upgraded sound equipment. Over 20 popular acts appear onstage each year in the 1,500 seat indoor theater.

SEPTEMBER SHOWS
Upcoming September shows include rock group Staind on September 9 and Bill Engvall on September 15.
A huge stage behind the casino is used for outdoor concerts each summer offering reserved and general seating areas and a concession stand.
ZZ Top appeared in 2005, with country superstar Keith Urban visiting this past July.
“The Keith Urban concert was a huge success, not only for Kewadin, but for our entire area,” states Bouschor. “We sold nearly 8,600 tickets, making it our largest concert to date. Nearly every single hotel room in the Sault area was sold out Friday and Saturday night with concert goers from all over Michigan and surrounding states visiting the Eastern Upper Peninsula.”
All casino locations offer dining choices and gift shops carrying a variety of unique items, including hand-crafted Native American art. The Sault Ste. Marie location features the Bawating Art Gallery with many Native American artifacts and artwork from area tribal members, as well as meeting and conference facilities.
Poker enthusiasts can participate in the World Poker Tour at St. Ignace on Saturdays at noon through November 2006 and the 2007 World Series of Poker “No Limit Texas Hold ’Em” on Mondays at 6 pm through March 2007. Weekend tournament packages are available. Check the Kewadin Casino’s calendar online at
www.kewadin.com for offerings at each location.
So remember, if you’re ever crossing the “Mighty Mac” heading north, take some time to check out Kewadin Casinos. What have you got to lose?

Visit www.kewadin.com or call
1-800-KEWADIN for more information on Kewadin Casino locations, hotel or ticket reservations, dining options or individual casino events.