Grand Portage Casino

2025-11-30

About Grand Portage Lodge & Casino

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino is a premier destination resort located on the shores of Lake Superior in Grand Portage, Minnesota. Operated by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, this 95-room lodge and 15,000 square foot casino offers non-stop gaming, lakeside accommodations, fine dining, and access to some of Minnesota's most spectacular natural attractions.

Over 450 slot machines with 100% coinless gaming technology95 lodge rooms including lakeside whirlpool suites with Superior viewsFull-service marina, RV park with 45 sites, and rustic cabin rentalsIsland View fine dining restaurant and Antlers Lounge with daily happy hourMinutes from Grand Portage National Monument and Isle Royale National Park

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino stands as the northernmost casino resort in Minnesota, offering visitors a unique combination of gaming entertainment, comfortable lodging, and unparalleled access to Lake Superior's rugged beauty. Located at 70 Casino Drive in Grand Portage, this destination serves as both a gaming hub and a gateway to exploring the region's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. The property operates under the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, blending modern amenities with respect for the area's indigenous history.

The resort's strategic location places guests within minutes of three significant protected areas: Grand Portage State Park with Minnesota's highest waterfall, Grand Portage National Monument featuring a reconstructed fur trade depot, and ferry access to Isle Royale National Park. This positioning makes the casino lodge an ideal base camp for visitors seeking both entertainment and outdoor adventure along Minnesota's legendary North Shore.

Gaming Facilities and Casino Experience

The 15,000 square foot casino floor houses over 450 slot machines featuring the latest video gaming technology. The facility has transitioned to a completely coinless system, streamlining the gaming experience with ticket-in, ticket-out technology across all machines. Players will find a diverse selection including traditional reel slots, video poker, keno, and modern multi-line, multi-game machines with progressive jackpots.

Casino operating hours provide substantial flexibility for guests. Monday through Thursday, the gaming floor opens at 8:00 am and closes at 2:00 am. The property extends to 24-hour operation on weekends, opening Friday morning at 8:00 am and remaining open continuously until Monday at 2:00 am. This schedule accommodates both local visitors and tourists exploring the North Shore region who want gaming options outside traditional hours.

The casino includes a dedicated bingo hall for players who prefer this classic gaming format. The Players Club rewards program allows members to earn points on slot play, which can be redeemed for dining, lodging, and other resort amenities. Regular promotions run throughout the year, including seasonal events and special drawings that enhance the gaming experience beyond standard play.

Lodging Options and Accommodations

Grand Portage Lodge features 95 hotel rooms and suites designed to accommodate various guest preferences and budgets. The attached lodge provides convenient access to all casino and dining facilities without requiring guests to venture outdoors. Room categories range from standard accommodations to premium lakeside whirlpool suites that offer direct views of Lake Superior's expansive waters.

Lodge Rooms and Suites

Standard rooms provide comfortable sleeping arrangements with modern amenities including high-speed internet access and WiFi throughout the property. The lodge operates 24 hours daily, ensuring guests can check in at any time regardless of travel schedules. Premium lakeside whirlpool suites feature in-room jetted tubs positioned to take advantage of the spectacular lake views, creating a resort experience that rivals larger destination properties.

Rates vary seasonally, with off-peak pricing starting at $49 per night for standard accommodations. Peak season rates for premium lakeside whirlpool suites reach $185, reflecting the high demand during summer months when North Shore tourism peaks. The lodge also offers bridal suites for wedding parties, and select rooms accommodate pets, making the property accessible to travelers with four-legged companions.

Cabins at Hollow Rock

For guests seeking a more rustic experience, the resort operates seven Cabins at Hollow Rock. These secluded units provide a retreat atmosphere while maintaining proximity to casino action and lodge amenities. All seven cabins remain available year-round, including winter months when the property becomes a hub for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

The cabins operate on a housekeeping or self-catering basis, giving guests independence in meal planning while still providing access to on-site dining options. This European-style accommodation plan appeals to families and groups who prefer flexible scheduling and the ability to prepare some meals independently while enjoying resort dining for special occasions.

Gaming & Hospitality Excellence

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino combines modern gaming facilities with traditional hospitality in one of Minnesota's most scenic locations. The casino operates extended hours throughout the week, staying open 24 hours on weekends from Friday morning through Monday at 2:00 am, providing flexibility for visitors exploring the North Shore region.

The resort follows a comprehensive approach to guest services, offering everything from budget-friendly off-peak rates starting at $49 to premium lakeside whirlpool suites reaching $185 during peak season. The property maintains high standards across all amenities including pool and fitness facilities, meeting spaces for up to 500 people, and accessible accommodations for guests with disabilities.

  • Extended weekend gaming hours with 24-hour operation Friday through Monday
  • Flexible lodging options from rustic cabins to premium lakeside suites
  • Full banquet and wedding services with capacity for 300 guests
  • Year-round outdoor recreation including groomed snowmobile and ski trails

RV Park and Camping Facilities

The Grand Portage RV Park offers 45 total campsites divided between 39 RV or trailer-only sites and 6 tent-only sites. The campground provides full hookups including electric service with 50 amp capacity, water, and sewer connections. A sanitary dump station serves guests who need these services, and the facility meets accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, and a central lodge building. Pets are permitted in campsites, recognizing that many outdoor enthusiasts travel with animals. The RV park operates on daily, weekly, and seasonal rental bases, accommodating both short-term visitors and extended-stay guests who want to explore the region thoroughly. The outdoor setting provides an authentic North Shore experience while maintaining convenient access to casino entertainment and lodge facilities.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino operates multiple dining venues catering to different preferences and schedules. The culinary offerings range from fine dining with lake views to casual deli fare, ensuring guests find appropriate options whether celebrating special occasions or grabbing quick meals between activities.

Island View Dining Room

Island View serves as the property's signature restaurant, offering fine dining in an atmosphere enhanced by panoramic Lake Superior views. The restaurant operates on a structured schedule with breakfast service from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, lunch from noon to 4:00 pm, and dinner daily from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The menu emphasizes quality ingredients with preparations that honor both regional traditions and contemporary culinary trends.

Dining offers and packages frequently combine meals with lodging or gaming credits, providing value for guests planning extended stays. The restaurant accommodates both intimate dinners and larger groups, with the ability to coordinate with banquet services for special events. Reservations are recommended during peak tourism seasons when North Shore visitors fill the dining room.

Casino Deli

For guests seeking quicker, more casual dining, the Casino Deli offers burgers, flatbreads, soups, and other comfort foods. The deli operates Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, remaining closed Sunday and Monday. This schedule aligns with peak casino traffic periods, ensuring food availability when gaming activity is highest.

The deli's menu focuses on satisfying, straightforward preparations that appeal to guests who want to return quickly to gaming or other activities. Portions are generous, and pricing remains accessible, making the deli a practical choice for families and budget-conscious visitors.

Antlers Lounge

The Antlers Lounge provides beverage service and light entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Open Sunday through Saturday from noon to 1:00 am, the lounge features happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This daily promotion offers reduced pricing on select beverages, creating a social gathering point for guests and locals alike.

The lounge regularly schedules evening entertainment, adding live music and performances to the resort's amenities. This programming enhances the destination appeal beyond gaming, giving guests reasons to spend entire evenings on property even when not actively playing slots or participating in other activities.

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino's location provides direct access to extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The property maintains 167 kilometers of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness, offering everything from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes. These trails connect with regional systems, allowing ambitious hikers to explore far beyond the immediate resort area.

The resort operates a full-service marina with dock space, slips, and mooring buoys for boaters exploring Lake Superior. Fishing launches and charters can be arranged, taking advantage of the lake's renowned fishing opportunities. A swimming beach provides supervised water access during summer months, and a lake access boat ramp accommodates guests bringing their own watercraft.

Winter transforms the property into a hub for cold-weather activities. The resort maintains groomed cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails that connect with Minnesota's extensive trail network. The area's reliable snow cover and scenic winter landscapes attract enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Indoor amenities including the pool, sauna, and fitness center provide warm retreats after outdoor adventures.

Meetings, Events, and Special Occasions

The resort's banquet facilities accommodate groups ranging from intimate gatherings to large conferences. The banquet room holds up to 300 guests for seated events, while meeting and convention facilities can handle up to 500 people for presentations, trade shows, and other large-format gatherings. Full catering services are available, with menus customizable to event requirements and dietary restrictions.

Wedding services represent a specialty for Grand Portage Lodge & Casino. The property's lakeside setting provides dramatic backdrops for ceremonies and receptions, and dedicated wedding coordinators assist with planning every detail from floral arrangements to menu selection. Bridal suites allow wedding parties to prepare on-site, and room blocks can be reserved for guests traveling from distant locations.

The resort accommodates tour groups of 40 or more, offering group rates and coordinated services that simplify logistics for tour operators. This capability makes the property popular with motorcoach tours exploring the North Shore, providing a convenient overnight stop with entertainment, dining, and comfortable lodging all in one location.

Nearby Attractions and Regional Context

Grand Portage National Monument sits within minutes of the casino lodge, offering visitors insight into the region's fur trade history. The reconstructed depot and Ojibwe Village exhibit interpret the cultural exchanges that shaped this border region. The historic 8.5-mile Grand Portage trail follows the route voyageurs used to bypass Lake Superior's rapids, providing a challenging hike through pristine wilderness.

Grand Portage State Park protects Minnesota's highest waterfall, where the Pigeon River plunges over a dramatic cliff along the Canadian border. The park's trail system ranges from short accessible paths to the waterfall viewpoint to longer routes exploring the river valley. Winter visitors find the frozen falls equally spectacular, with massive ice formations creating otherworldly landscapes.

Ferry service to Isle Royale National Park operates seasonally from Grand Portage, making the casino lodge an ideal staging point for visitors planning trips to this remote island wilderness. The ferry schedule allows day trips or multi-day backpacking adventures, with secure parking available at the marina for guests leaving vehicles while exploring the island.

Practical Information and Guest Services

The Trading Post gift shop operates Monday through Sunday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, offering souvenirs, essential supplies, and locally crafted items. This extended schedule ensures guests can purchase forgotten items or last-minute gifts regardless of arrival times. The shop emphasizes products from regional artisans and items reflecting the area's indigenous heritage.

The property maintains green practices including air quality improvements and energy efficiency measures. These environmental commitments reflect both regulatory requirements and the cultural values of the Grand Portage Band, which has long emphasized stewardship of the land and waters that sustain the community.

Border crossing requirements should be reviewed by visitors planning to explore Canadian attractions across the nearby international boundary. The resort's location just miles from the border makes day trips to Thunder Bay and other Ontario destinations feasible, but proper documentation is essential for smooth crossings.

Conclusion

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino delivers a comprehensive destination experience that extends well beyond typical gaming properties. The combination of modern casino facilities, comfortable lodging options ranging from hotel suites to rustic cabins, quality dining venues, and immediate access to some of Minnesota's most spectacular natural and cultural attractions creates a unique value proposition. Whether visitors prioritize gaming entertainment, outdoor recreation, cultural exploration, or simply relaxing in a beautiful lakeside setting, the resort provides the infrastructure and services to support diverse interests.

The property's year-round operation and seasonal activity programming ensure relevance across all months, from summer's hiking and boating to winter's snowmobiling and skiing. Competitive pricing, especially during off-peak periods, makes the destination accessible to budget-conscious travelers while premium accommodations satisfy guests seeking upscale experiences. For anyone exploring Minnesota's North Shore or seeking a gaming destination that offers substantially more than slot machines, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino merits serious consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours for Grand Portage Casino?

The casino operates Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:00 am. On weekends, the casino opens Friday at 8:00 am and remains open 24 hours continuously until Monday at 2:00 am, providing extended gaming opportunities for weekend visitors.

How many slot machines does Grand Portage Casino have?

The casino floor features over 450 slot machines including video poker, keno, multi-line games, and progressive jackpot machines. The entire facility operates on a 100% coinless system using ticket-in, ticket-out technology for convenient play.

What lodging options are available at Grand Portage?

The resort offers 95 lodge rooms and suites including lakeside whirlpool suites, seven Cabins at Hollow Rock for a rustic experience, and an RV park with 45 campsites featuring full hookups. Rates range from $49 during off-peak periods to $185 for premium suites during peak season.

Does Grand Portage Casino offer dining options?

Island View Dining Room provides fine dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service daily. The Casino Deli serves burgers, flatbreads, and soups Tuesday through Saturday evenings. The Antlers Lounge offers beverages and light fare with happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

What attractions are near Grand Portage Lodge & Casino?

The resort sits minutes from Grand Portage National Monument, Grand Portage State Park with Minnesota's highest waterfall, and ferry service to Isle Royale National Park. The property also provides access to 167 kilometers of hiking trails and Lake Superior recreational opportunities.

Can Grand Portage accommodate weddings and group events?

The banquet room accommodates up to 300 guests with full catering services available. Meeting and convention facilities handle up to 500 people. Dedicated wedding coordinators assist with ceremonies and receptions, and the property accommodates tour groups of 40 or more with special group rates.

Are pets allowed at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino?

Select lodge rooms permit pets, and pets are allowed in RV park campsites. Guests traveling with animals should confirm pet-friendly accommodations when making reservations to ensure appropriate room assignments.

What recreational activities are available year-round?

Summer activities include hiking, marina access, fishing, and swimming beach use. Winter brings groomed cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trail access. Year-round indoor amenities include a pool, sauna, fitness center, and regular entertainment in the Antlers Lounge.

Our Partners

Collaborating with leading organizations to enhance your Grand Portage experience

Featured Experiences at Grand Portage

Gaming and Entertainment

Experience non-stop gaming action with over 450 slot machines, bingo hall, and regular promotions in a modern 15,000 square foot casino with extended weekend hours and 100% coinless convenience.

  • 450+ slot machines with latest video gaming technology
  • 24-hour weekend operation from Friday morning to Monday
  • Players Club rewards program with redeemable points
  • Regular promotions and seasonal special events

Lakeside Lodging and Amenities

Relax in comfortable accommodations ranging from 95 lodge rooms with Lake Superior views to rustic cabins and full-service RV park, all featuring modern amenities and access to pool, sauna, and fitness facilities.

  • Lakeside whirlpool suites with panoramic Superior views
  • Seven secluded Cabins at Hollow Rock year-round
  • RV park with 45 sites and full hookups including 50 amp service
  • Indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center for all guests

Latest Updates

Stay informed about events and offerings at Grand Portage

New Year's Eve Celebration

Join the Disco Down celebration and special promotions to ring in the new year at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino.

Winter Trail Season Opens

Groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are now open for the season with excellent early snow conditions.

Employment Opportunities Available

2025-01-11

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino is actively hiring for multiple positions across gaming, hospitality, and food service departments.