Northern Waters Casino Resort

Northern Waters Casino Resort — Gaming Floor

Northern Waters Casino Resort stands as a premier gaming destination in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wilderness, operated by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in Watersmeet since 1996. The casino underwent a significant transformation in 2017, rebranding from Lac Vieux Desert Casino following extensive renovations that modernized the property while preserving its connection to the surrounding Ottawa National Forest. The expansive 25,000-square-foot gaming floor showcases more than 500 slot machines and video poker titles, ranging from classic reel slots to the latest progressive jackpot games offering life-changing prizes. However, what truly sets Northern Waters Casino Resort apart from other Michigan casinos is its comprehensive gaming variety, featuring 18 table games including live blackjack, craps, and roulette that operate Thursday through Sunday. The property maintains a welcoming 18+ age requirement, making it one of the few tribal casinos in Michigan to welcome younger adult players.

Furthermore, the gaming experience extends beyond traditional casino offerings with the integrated Fanatics Sportsbook, which replaced PointsBet following Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s $225 million acquisition in April 2024. The sportsbook features a impressive multi-screen video and odds display wall, 15 high-definition televisions, comfortable sports bar seating, and convenient self-service terminals for live wagering on professional and college sports. Additionally, the recently renovated video poker room and the cutting-edge Jackpot Blitz electronic automated poker system provide modern gaming alternatives. Northern Waters Casino Resort operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with designated smoking areas and complimentary self-parking that includes RV accommodations.

Hotel & Accommodations

The Dancing Eagles Hotel provides luxurious accommodations directly connected to the casino floor, featuring 132 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and suites designed for comfort and relaxation. Standard rooms offer modern amenities and forest views, while premium suites elevate the experience with private fireplaces and indulgent whirlpool tubs perfect for unwinding after a day of gaming or outdoor adventure. Notably, the hotel’s location within the Ottawa National Forest creates an unparalleled setting where guests can enjoy the tranquility of Michigan’s Northwoods just steps from world-class gaming action. The property caters to diverse accommodation needs, including 14 RV parking spots with electric and water hookups available from April through December on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet-friendly policies in the RV area ensure that four-legged family members can join the adventure, making Northern Waters Casino Resort a welcoming destination for all types of travelers.

Meanwhile, hotel guests enjoy access to exceptional recreational amenities including an indoor heated pool, rejuvenating sauna, and relaxing whirlpool that provide year-round comfort regardless of Michigan’s seasonal weather. The property also features practical conveniences such as a business center for corporate travelers, a well-stocked convenience mart, an on-site gas station, and the charming Birch Tree Gift Shop showcasing locally made crafts and curated regional items. These amenities serve both resort guests and the broader Watersmeet community, reinforcing Northern Waters’ role as a cornerstone of local commerce and hospitality.

Championship Golf Course

The 18-hole Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course represents one of the Upper Peninsula’s most spectacular golfing experiences, sprawling across approximately 200 acres of pristine Ottawa National Forest terrain immediately adjacent to Northern Waters Casino Resort. Originally opened as a 9-hole layout, the course underwent significant expansion in 2008 to become a full championship 18-hole facility that challenges golfers of all skill levels while showcasing the natural beauty of Michigan’s wilderness. The course design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding forest landscape, creating holes that wind through towering pines, around natural wetlands, and across rolling terrain that provides both scenic beauty and strategic golf challenges. As a result, the Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course has earned recognition as one of the region’s must-play destinations, attracting golf enthusiasts from across the Midwest who combine their gaming vacation with world-class golf.

In addition to the championship course, golfers have access to a fully equipped pro shop stocked with quality equipment, apparel, and accessories from leading brands. The professional staff provides expert advice on course conditions, equipment selection, and local playing tips that help visitors make the most of their Upper Peninsula golf experience. The course typically operates from late spring through early fall, with peak season offering the most favorable conditions for experiencing this hidden gem among casinos in Watersmeet.

Dining & Nightlife

Northern Waters Casino Resort delivers exceptional dining experiences through three distinct on-site venues that cater to every appetite and occasion. Sugar Bush Restaurant serves as the property’s flagship dining destination, offering full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with a menu that celebrates regional comfort food traditions alongside contemporary favorites. The restaurant’s highlight feature is its robust fresh salad bar, complemented by hearty entrées that reflect both Native American culinary heritage and Upper Peninsula favorites like fresh-caught fish, wild game, and locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere combines casual elegance with warm hospitality, making it an ideal setting for romantic dinners, family celebrations, or business meals.

However, guests seeking a more casual atmosphere gravitate toward NW Sports Bar, strategically located adjacent to the Fanatics Sportsbook for seamless transitions between dining and wagering. The sports bar specializes in craft cocktails, ice-cold beer, hand-crafted pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, and their famous signature Bloody Mary that has become legendary among regular visitors. Furthermore, the lively atmosphere features multiple screens broadcasting live sporting events, creating an energetic environment perfect for watching games while enjoying quality food and drinks. Northern Waters Café rounds out the dining options with specialty coffee drinks, refreshing beverages, artisan bakery items, and hand-dipped ice cream that provide perfect lighter fare for guests exploring the casino floor or taking breaks between outdoor activities.

Outdoor Recreation & Wilderness Access

The location of Northern Waters Casino Resort within the Ottawa National Forest positions it as an unparalleled basecamp for four-season outdoor adventures in Michigan’s pristine Northwoods region. During winter months, the surrounding wilderness transforms into a snowmobiler’s paradise with hundreds of miles of groomed trails that connect to the extensive Upper Peninsula trail system, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities abound for those seeking quieter winter pursuits. Spring and summer bring exceptional fishing opportunities in nearby lakes and streams known for walleye, bass, northern pike, and native trout species, with several pristine lakes within minutes of the resort. The forest also provides excellent hunting opportunities during appropriate seasons, with abundant deer, bear, grouse, and waterfowl populations thriving in the diverse habitat.

Moreover, the extensive ATV trail network surrounding Northern Waters Casino Resort offers thrilling off-road adventures through dense forests, across scenic ridges, and past hidden lakes that showcase the raw beauty of the Upper Peninsula wilderness. These trails connect to regional systems that can provide days or weeks of exploration for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The resort’s location also provides easy access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and seasonal activities like berry picking and mushroom hunting that allow guests to connect with the natural environment that makes this region so special.

Plan Your Visit

Northern Waters Casino Resort operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that gaming action and hospitality services are always available to accommodate any schedule. The Northern Waters Players Club rewards program provides valuable benefits including earned points on gaming activity, exclusive promotional offers, complimentary play opportunities, and special member events throughout the year. Membership enrollment is complimentary and immediate, allowing new visitors to begin earning rewards from their first visit. The casino maintains designated smoking areas to accommodate all guests while ensuring a comfortable environment for non-smokers throughout the majority of the property.

Additionally, ample free self-parking eliminates any concerns about additional fees, while the on-site RV park provides an affordable accommodation alternative for travelers exploring the region in recreational vehicles. The RV facilities include essential hookups and welcome pets, making it easy for families to extend their stay and fully experience both the casino amenities and surrounding wilderness opportunities. Visitors should note that while Northern Waters Casino Resort welcomes guests 18 and older for gaming activities, hotel accommodations and dining venues welcome guests of all ages, making it a versatile destination for multi-generational groups and families seeking a unique Upper Peninsula experience.

Frequently Asked Questions