New Casino Planned For Mackinaw City

A small casino is slated for Mackinaw City’s abandoned Thunder Falls Water Park.

A five-year project was announced Monday by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians to develop a small casino and an RV park at that location and expand operations at the Odawa Casino in Petoskey. The Little Traverse Band acquired the Mackinaw City property in 2012.

“We have always intended to develop the land, but the timing and the exact plan for the casino haven’t been right until now,” said Regina Gasco-Bentley, chairperson for the Odawa tribe.

Construction of a 5,000-square foot casino is expected to begin in September and be completed in May.

Tribal officials said in a press release they will work with Mackinaw City to reach an agreement to open a Class III casino at the site.
In Petoskey, the tribe plans to add a 130-room hotel that would be adjacent to the Odawa Casino. Construction of that project is expected to begin in 2019.