Little River Casino Resort launches a large-scale reconstruction for the unique comfort of its guests

When a familiar resort undergoes transformation, expectations and questions multiply: what will change, will comfort be preserved, how will the atmosphere be renewed? Today, Little River Casino Resort in Manistee announced the start of a grand reconstruction, which will last several months and affect key guest spaces.

For regular visitors and local residents, this news has already sparked interest: will the new spaces surprise, and will the service reach a fundamentally different level? Our detailed article will help answer this question and understand how the experience at Little River will change after the renovation.

Reasons and goals for the renovation

According to the official statement from the resort, the main goal of the reconstruction is to create a brighter, more modern, and impression-rich atmosphere for guests (source: Little River Casino Resort press release, September 2023). Representatives note that such an update is necessary to maintain competitiveness amid the growing number of entertainment options in the region.

Industry experts generally note that in the land-based casino segment, updates are essential also because the number of competitors has significantly increased due to online platforms.

They are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer gamblers the opportunity to play slots, roulette, and card games anywhere with internet access. As a result, there is literally no longer a need to visit land-based casinos solely for gambling.

This is especially relevant given that the range of games in online casinos is often broader than in traditional establishments. They can also offer exclusive options, such as crash games, which were developed specifically for the online segment.

Statistics show that Aviator, for example, is among the top most popular gambling games. The list of online casinos we can quickly find here - and this confirms the game's popularity, since it includes many well-known platforms. Some players come to online casinos solely for games with crash mechanics.

Therefore, more and more land-based casinos are following the path of change—they attract players not only with gambling, but also with atmosphere. This is a major competitive advantage—and the management of Little River Casino Resort understands this.

As the resort manager emphasizes, “guests expect not only the traditional set of services, but also new emotions, modern spaces, and thoughtfully organized service.” The decision for a large-scale reconstruction was made taking into account increasing competition and changes in visitor preferences, as noted by independent hospitality industry experts (according to a study by the American Gaming Association, 2023).

Key stages and timeline of the work

Construction began on September 2, 2023, as announced on the resort’s official social media. The project is being implemented in stages:

- opening of the new restaurant The Heron — December 15, 2023

- completion of the gaming floor renovation — April 2, 2024

- full completion of all work — by April 8, 2024

Large-scale coordination of the stages allows for minimizing inconvenience for guests, as organizers specifically report. This approach helps maintain the operation of key services throughout the project.

Main changes for guests

The renovated gaming floor will become one of the central changes:

- a new modern layout will ensure ease of movement and visibility

- carpeting designed with the resort’s theme in mind will add coziness

- integrated lighting—a system in which lighting elements are built into the architecture, creating a dynamic atmosphere

- more than 100 additional slot machines will appear (according to the resort’s announcement)

- the cashier area will be modernized to speed up service

Special attention is given to the new smoking area:

- a personal bank of gaming machines

- an enhanced ventilation system designed to improve air quality

The new restaurant The Heron will introduce the farm-to-table concept, which means using only local and seasonal products. This not only supports local farmers but also ensures high-quality dishes for guests.

Among the most notable improvements for different categories of visitors:

- expanded entertainment options for gambling enthusiasts

- gastronomic discoveries for lovers of local cuisine

- increased comfort and safety for non-smoking guests

- updated lounge areas and quick service for business visits

Contractor: expertise and experience

The project is being implemented by I-5 Design Build from Washington, which has more than 100 completed resort and gaming projects across North America (according to the company’s official website). The contractor specializes in integrating the latest design and engineering solutions in hotels, casinos, and themed centers.

A key representative of I-5 Design Build commented to the local press: “For Little River, we have developed unique ceiling structures and complex signature woodwork, which will give the spaces individuality and a premium style.” All architectural elements, including panels and finishes, are manufactured at the contractor’s own facilities—this allows for quality control at every stage.

How the resort will operate during the reconstruction

The resort’s management emphasizes that slot machines, tables, as well as main services including hotel rooms and bar areas, will function without interruption (official statement on the website). An important condition is that areas where work is being carried out will be separated and provided with additional signage.

To minimize inconvenience, special routes for guests are being introduced, and security measures are being enhanced. The resort actively informs about the progress of the reconstruction on its official website, Facebook and Instagram, as well as through push notifications for registered clients. Visitors are advised to check the location of work zones in advance and follow updates.

Context and significance of the reconstruction

Such updates are not uncommon for the entertainment industry: successful renovation projects in Las Vegas and Atlantic City have already proven their effectiveness in attracting new clients (Casino Journal magazine, 2022). Little River Casino Resort holds an important place in the Manistee economy: the annual guest flow exceeds 500,000 people, which significantly supports small business and the service sector in the region (according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board).

In recent years, the trend toward implementing innovations and eco-friendly concepts such as farm-to-table has become the standard for premium resorts. This enhances the image and allows them to meet the growing expectations of the audience.

Expert and participant opinions

The resort’s management expresses confidence that “the new spaces will create an atmosphere our guests will remember” (quote from the manager, press release). The contractor notes that “the project combines the region’s traditions with modern hospitality standards.” Industry experts believe that such projects increase the average length of stay and average check of guests (according to Hospitality Net, 2023). Visitors surveyed by regional media express hope for “the preservation of coziness and the emergence of new entertainment.”

Opportunities for guests and expected results

After the renovation is completed, guests will have at their disposal:

- modernized gaming spaces with an expanded selection

- signature cuisine based on local products

- safe zones for smokers and non-smokers

- new venues for meetings and corporate events

The resort’s plans include further implementation of digital services and expansion of the entertainment program. It will be interesting to see which changes will elicit the greatest response from regular and new visitors.

Feedback and next steps

You can follow the progress of the reconstruction on the resort’s website, official social media pages, and through newsletters. Guests can leave reviews, questions, and suggestions in online forms and at Guest Relations desks. During the project, special offers and themed events are planned for all visitors—details are available in the news sections.

Would you like to learn more about the changes or share your own expectations? Join the discussion, follow the updates, and get ready for new experiences at the renewed Little River Casino Resort!