GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – The renovations are complete at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.
The popular gambling spot just south of the Pigeon River border crossing this week unveiled the results of Phase 2 of a planned three-stage project with the opening of their new 12,000 square foot casino floor.
General manager Steven StandingCloud said they’ve added a slew of new slot machines, including Orange is the New Black, Going XI Fa Cal and Alladdin’s Fortune 3D to round out their collection of old favourites.
Blackjack is also making a triumphant return to the casino floor, he said.
“On the casino floor we have over 400 machines and dozens of those machines are brand new games. We’re going to be reintroducing blackjack to the casino floor and that should be coming in the following weeks.”
The hotel lobby has also been revamped.
It was just time for a facelift, StandingCloud said.
“New and bigger is always better. We wanted to offer our guests a better atmosphere and give them more space to move around, new surroundings and give them more games to play, including new game and the games they’re used to,” StandingCloud said, adding the casino’s many customers from Thunder Bay and Ontario’s North Shore are excited to check out the changes.
“And with the blackjack we hope to appeal to a newer, younger demographic.”
The facility has added a streamlined deli on the casino floor, as well as a coat check. On the hotel side there will be an arcade, a fitness room and a new pool area, which will be opening at the end of next month.
It makes it a family friendly atmosphere, StandingCloud said.
“There are also a lot of area attractions,” he said. “There’s a national monument and there’s the High Falls and a little spirit tree … a sacred site here in Grand Portage. It’s a prideful thing and a very sacred place for our band members.
Phase 3, expected to be completed by the fall, will include a revitalization of the restaurant and lounge and an event centre with banquet and meeting rooms.
A grand opening is scheduled for later this year.
