Michigan's Bay Mills Resort & Casino breaks ground on $85M expansion

The Bay Mills Executive Council and Enterprise Team recently celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for an $85 million expansion project at the Bay Mills Resort & Casino in northern Michigan.

Richard LeBlanc, General Manager of Bay Mills Resort & Casino, expressed excitement about this development, emphasizing its importance for both the casino and the tribal community.

He stated: "This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bay Mills Resort & Casino and the Bay Mills Indian Community. We are excited to celebrate the hard work that has culminated in this investment, and we look forward to growing our amenities to serve our great customers."

The expansion project has been a long-awaited development, driven in part by the constraints of current hotel occupancy rates. The additional square footage is expected to create new job opportunities, enhance guest amenities, and provide additional space. 

Key components of the project include the construction of a three-story waterfront resort expansion, featuring 134 additional rooms with balconies, a deli, spa with massage therapy rooms, a pool with a splash pad, hot tubs, a nail salon, fitness center, arcade, conference space, and storefront. Exterior plans encompass the creation of new fishing piers, gardens, gazebos, outdoor patios, and marina upgrades. 

Exterior plans include new fishing piers, gardens, gazebos and outdoor patios, as well as marina upgrades. Employees will also benefit from the expansion, as a newly renovated break room with additional amenities and space is planned.

Whitney Gravelle, President of Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC), reflected on the journey leading to this significant project and acknowledged the community's role as trailblazers in Indian Country, citing their establishment of the first casino in the State of Michigan.

"Today, we continue their legacy with this new endeavor – a project that will not only elevate Bay Mills Resort but also the entire Eastern Upper Peninsula," stated Gravelle.

The expansion project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025. Importantly, the resort casino will remain open to patrons throughout the construction period, ensuring that guests can continue visiting Bay Mills Resort & Casino.