ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE
Take a tour of some of the leading Tribal Casinos for the ultimate vacation destination
Visiting Native American casinos offers a unique blend of entertainment culture, and excitement. With over 500 tribal casinos spread across 29 states, these establishments have become prominent destinations for those seeking the thrill of gambling in a distinctive setting. What sets Native American casinos apart is their integration of tribal culture and heritage into the gaming experience, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich history of Indigenous peoples. From the architecture and décor to the names of the venues and the artwork adorning the walls, every aspect of these casinos reflects the traditions and values of the tribes that own and operate them.
Moreover, the rise of Native American casinos has transformed the gambling industry, offering players a diverse array of gaming options and luxurious amenities. Visitors can indulge in a variety of casino games, including slot machines, poker, blackjack and bingo, catering to both seasoned gamblers and casual players. Beyond the gaming floor, these venues boast world-class hotels, gourmet restaurants, spa facilities and entertainment venues rivaling those found in Las Vegas and other major gambling hubs. Whether guests are seeking a weekend getaway, a night of entertainment or a cultural experience, Native American casinos provide an all-encompassing destination that promises excitement and relaxation in equal measure.
What follows is a look at some of the top tribal properties from across the country. Each has its own merits, nuances and surprises, but all are fantastic casinos worthy of a visit.
Casino Del Sol Resort & Spa: Experience the Ultimate Desert Oasis
Nestled amidst the mesquites of the high Sonoran Desert and a short drive from downtown Tucson and the airport, lies “The Sol of Tucson”— Casino Del Sol. The casino resort boasts a prestigious five-time AAA Four-Diamond rating and TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, making it a sought-after destination for travelers.
An enterprise of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Casino Del Sol provides a world-class resort experience. Its commitment to excellence and dedication to guest satisfaction continue to set the standard in the casino and hospitality industry.
With 350 rooms, 11 venues and 16 restaurants serving locally sourced cuisine, Casino Del Sol is home to award-winning chefs and has been recognized with the prestigious Wine Spectator award.
With over 1,300 slot machines and live poker, blackjack, bingo and more, Casino Del Sol’s beautiful casino floor welcomes guests to a comfortable gaming environment under a bright blue sky and a Mediterranean sun that never sets.
At Ava Amphitheater, concert-goers can experience top-tier entertainment with a state-of-the-art sound system and seating for 5,000.
Sewailo Golf Club provides an award-winning golf experience amidst the natural Sonoran Desert landscape, recognized by Golf Week, Golf Advisor, Golf Digest, and Golf magazine.
At Hiapsi Spa, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe shares the beauty aids they’ve relied upon to mediate the harshest elements of life in the desert. Relax in private cabanas or by the pool lounge, surrounded by resort amenities.
Located in southwest metropolitan Tucson, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with more than 22,000 enrolled members. The tribe owns and operates several enterprises including Casino Del Sol, a AAA Four Diamond casino resort and named one of the Best Hotels in Arizona by U.S. News & World Report; SolSports, Tucson’s first retail sportsbook; the Casino of the Sun; Estrella at Casino Del Sol, a 151-room hotel; AVA Amphitheater, a 5,000-seat open-air concert venue named Casino Arena/Amphitheater of the Year by Casino Entertainment Awards; Sewailo Golf Club, a par-72 championship course designed by Notah Begay III; the 73-space Casino Del Sol RV Park; and the Del Sol Marketplace.
What’s New
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe will open another casino in central Tucson in the next couple of years. The 65,000-square-foot gaming facility will feature an expansive casino floor complete with a sportsbook, high-limit room, slot machines and table games. The property will also boast three food and beverage outlets including a food court, full-service restaurant and center bar.
For more information and to experience Casino Del Sol’s award-winning offerings, call 1-855-SOL-STAY (765- 7829) or visit www.casinodelsol.com. Follow Casino Del Sol on Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) for the latest updates and exclusive offers.
Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant: Discover Unmatched Entertainment and Hospitality
Choctaw Casinos is dedicated to infusing excitement, energy, entertainment and exceptional hospitality into the guest experience. Situated in Durant, OK, Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant stands as a beacon of luxury and leisure, drawing visitors from far and wide.
The towering Sky Tower, soaring 21 stories high with 1,000 guest rooms, offers unparalleled opulence. Renowned for its expansive amenities, the Sky Tower transcends mere accommodation—it’s an elevated experience.
Meanwhile, the Grand Tower boasts contemporary design and lavish rooms, adding an extra touch of grandeur to the resort. Guests can luxuriate in both the resort’s facilities and the exquisitely appointed rooms.
For those seeking a more laid-back stay, the RV park promises a serene getaway with spacious concrete pads, full hookups and convenient amenities.
Choctaw Durant is a playground of possibilities, boasting 7,400 slot machines, over 100 table games and a top-of-the-line poker room. From classic favorites to the latest innovations, the casino caters to every gaming preference. And for non-smokers, the Sky Casino offers over 3,200 slots and table games in a smoke-free environment.
The gaming experience extends beyond slots and tables, with a plethora of options including craps, roulette, baccarat, Pai Gow and blackjack.
The dedicated poker room ensures both seasoned players and newcomers have a memorable time with its ample space and attentive staff.
Beyond gaming, Choctaw Casino Resort presents a diverse culinary scene, from the upscale 1832 Steakhouse to the casual comfort of Butter-fields Buffet and the lively atmosphere of Gilley’s. Other dining options, such as Velvet Taco and Grand Café, offer a variety of flavors to satisfy every palate.
Entertainment options abound with performances at the Grand Theater and Gilley’s, while The District provides bowling, arcade games and movie theaters for endless amusement.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant is not just a destination; it’s a standard- bearer for world-class hospitality and entertainment. For more details, visit www.choctawcasinos.com.
Graton Resort & Casino: A Premier Destination in Sonoma County’s Wine Country
Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort & Casino has a commanding presence among the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country. This all-encompassing destination caters to everyone, boasting the latest slot machines, exciting table games, upscale dining experiences and entertainment options that appeal to both visitors and locals alike.
Indulge in a culinary journey like no other with Graton Resort & Casino’s array of upscale dining options, including luxury dining at 630 Park Steakhouse, authentic Italian cuisine at Tony’s of North Beach and an eclectic mix of Japanese and East Asian food at Boathouse Asian Eatery. Guests also enjoy Bistro 101, the resort’s newest casual-fare restaurant featuring an American Brasserie meets Wine Country Casual-inspired menu. Offering both breakfast and lunch/dinner menus, guests enjoy locally sourced comfort foods in a social setting.
Step into the electrifying atmosphere of the most exciting poker room in the Greater Bay Area, where the thrill of the game reaches new heights. As an official host of prestigious tournaments like the World Series of Poker and RunGood Poker Series, the live poker room offers a variety of fast-paced and fun-filled experiences that keep both seasoned pros and casual players coming back for more.
Graton Resort & Casino recently began a $1 billion property expansion, adding 2,000 new slot machines, a new poker room, and a new high- limit area to the casino floor. The project also includes a new five-story hotel wing with over 200 premium rooms, a rooftop restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a five-level parking structure with solar panels and EV charging stations, and a 3,500-seat entertainment theater. For more information on all that Graton Resort & Casino has to offer, visit www.gratonresortcasino.com.
Paragon Casino Resort: A Leader in Hospitality and Community Engagement
Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, LA, is Central Louisiana’s premier entertainment destination and is proud to be one of the largest employers in Avoyelles Parish with more than 700 associates. Surveys have revealed that guests love the property because of its Southern hospitality, which the associates embody every day through their exemplary service—just last year Paragon was awarded best buffet by the Alexandria Town Talk.
As a promise made when Paragon Casino Resort was first founded in 1994, the casino resort continues to put the needs of the community above everything. In doing so, Paragon has hosted several opportunities to engage the community, give back to the neighbors and welcome the future to Central Louisiana.
Every year, Paragon Casino Resort is proud to take the initiative and play host to the Christmas Cheer Food Drive—a massive partnership to donate food to those in surrounding parishes who are grateful for a delicious family meal during the holidays. This year, the resort is proud to have helped give over 80,000 pounds of food for donation and distribution by the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.
Paragon Casino Resort has made a $20,000 donation to the Marksville Fire Department. The donation will be used to complete repairs on the department’s tall ladder truck.
“As the general manager of Paragon Casino Resort, it’s a privilege and a responsibility to contribute to the welfare and well-being of our community,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Paragon Casino Resort GM. “This donation reflects the importance we place on supporting those who dedicate themselves to our neighbors and the importance of having topnotch equipment to service the needs of our community. We are always proud of the Marksville Fire Department and this contribution is just a small token of our thanks to them for their service.”
Each year, Paragon hosts the annual Hit for Hope Tunica-Biloxi Governor’s Cup. The golf tournament benefits United Way of Central Louisiana and is played on Tamahka Trails—Paragon’s 71-par championship golf course that exemplifies what a destination golf club should be.
For indoor gamers, Paragon Casino recently opened the Topgolf Swing Suite inside the newly constructed Draft Room—a 600-square-foot sports bar boasting wall-to-wall sports and gaming options to keep every guest in the moment. The addition of the Draft Room and Topgolf Swing Suite has allowed Paragon to welcome in a new generation of guests who may be more inclined to enjoy sports betting and gaming over slot machines or card tables. This addition, plus newly installed mobile ordering, ensures the fun never stops for Paragon’s patrons.
In addition to making sure there is something for every type of gamer, Paragon is committed to representing the unique and diverse landscape that is Louisiana. The resort has gone to great lengths to give guests a fun way to learn about Louisiana and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s culture. Just inside the hotel lobby, Paragon has a bayou-themed atrium featuring a live alligator habitat where guests can enjoy feeding shows and opportunities to hold baby alligators and snakes.
Paragon’s passion and commitment to guests are second to none. Paragon Casino Resort is always looking to keep visitors smiling and feeling appreciated when they come to Paragon Casino Resort. To ensure that happens, they are constantly motivated to improve and be the best they can be.
The resort is undergoing extensive renovation to allow ultimate comfort in all 531 rooms and suites. Upgraded rooms for guests feature new paint, lighting and carpeting, along with fresh furniture, fixtures and window treatments. Paragon Casino Resort also constructed a brand- new bald eagle sculpture in the resort’s driveway, designed by Gibko Nursery in Bunkie, LA. The eagle is represented in the Tunica Biloxi Tribe’s logo. The eagle represents the messenger of Tunica-Biloxi traditional prayers to the sun, the creator. The sculpture’s installation marks not only a respect for the tribe, but a respect for local artists.
Paragon Casino Resort offers more than 1,000 slot machines, over 30 tables and live poker games and sports betting. This past year, Paragon was proud to have installed 150 new gaming machines on the casino floor. These games feature the latest in gaming technology and include the highly popular “bingo-style” and “Las Vegas-style” slot machines.
If visitors need a break from playing, they can do so in the recently upgraded Spa la Vie or the well-equipped fitness center. Paragon knows kids need excitement, too! To accommodate the young ones, the property boasts a three-screen movie theater, three pools, a supervised play center, Kids Quest and Cyber Quest, which is an arcade-style attraction with a variety of games and entertainment options. For those families who like to take the great outdoors with them wherever they go, Paragon offers an RV park with 30 cabins and 205 sites for a family getaway. Paragon’s RV Resort recently received perfect scores across the board on Good Sam, a site dedicated to judging campgrounds and parks across the U.S.
Paragon Casino Resort is proud and honored to be a leader in the field. Through year-round events and devotion to improvement, Paragon faithfully put the needs of the community first, provided visitors with a fun experience, educated others about Louisiana’s tribal culture and helped shape the future of Central Louisiana. As the property approaches its 30th anniversary, it is well equipped to welcome guests from around the country for decades to come.
Sandia Resort & Casino: Discover Unmatched Luxury at the Preeminate Southwestern Retreat
Sandia Resort & Casino is New Mexico’s largest casino, located in Albuquerque at the base of the majestic Sandia Mountains welcomes guests to a unique Southwestern setting with outstanding service and modern comforts. Upon guests’ arrival, they will be greeted by a distinctive porte-cochère entry and magnificent grand lobby, which boasts stunning mountain views along with original photographs and artwork celebrating the region’s rich pueblo heritage.
The resort and casino have undergone major upgrades, adding 75,000 square feet to the property. The third-floor, state-of-the-art sports center includes a brand-new sportsbook as well as the largest sports bar in the region with 50 televisions and new gaming machines, and an outdoor wrap-around bar and lounge with 360-degree views of the Sandia Mountains to the east and the city views to the west. That space also houses the Mountainside restaurant, and a new Governor’s Room private restaurant.
In addition to the new wing, upgrades took place throughout the property, including the Bien Shur Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge and the resort’s AAA 4 Diamond-rated guest rooms. Renovations have transformed the areas. Darker color schemes were replaced with lighter, brighter décor, carpeting, paint and tile. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround Bien Shur’s lounge area and dining room. A newly erected rectangular bar has plenty of seating and offers amenities such as charging stations for cell phones and convenient hooks for purses and bags. Every room in the resort was stripped down and completely renovated. Draped picturesque windows have replaced the dated wood shutters. Each room underwent a complete décor transformation, from the walls to the carpets to the furnishings.
Sandia Resort & Casino features approximately 2,000 of the latest slot machines, ranging from 1¢ to $100 in denomination, including guests’ favorite traditional spinning reels, video poker and electronic table games. The VIP slots includes a new high-limit area with over 300 slot units and an exclusive Governor’s VIP lounge for exclusive hosted players.
The championship par-72 course has also been updated with a brand- new clubhouse and restaurant. At 7,752 feet, it is the longest course in New Mexico, yet is designed for players of all skill levels. The course winds through the rugged high desert and offers dramatic views of the Sandia Mountains and the greater Albuquerque area. The award- winning club features a fully stocked golf shop, restaurant and bar with outdoor patio overlooking the Sandia Mountains, a full-size practice range with double-tiered all-grass teeing area, a 10,000-square-foot practice putting green, short area, and the Event Center at Sandia Golf Club.
Adjacent to the golf course is the Green Reed Spa, inspired by the subtle, profound abundance of the high desert—brilliant blue skies, healing native plants and unmistakable spirit. Discover, immerse, experience and transform. Situated at the base of the Sandia Mountains with expansive views of the river valley below, the Green Reed Spa’s serenity and luxury is unlike anything else in New Mexico. It features 14 distinctive treatment rooms, Vichy rain showers, soak tubs, private couples’ suites and a tranquil indoor/outdoor relaxation and meditation room. Men’s and women’s amenities feature hot and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, dry saunas and private guest lockers. A shared lounge area offers space for quiet conversation, peaceful contemplation and healthful nourishment. Immerse yourself and find balance, clarity and calm. Distinctive and regionally inspired treatments allow for complete immersion in the high desert. Experience signature services performed with the purest indigenously harvested ingredients available: lavender, prickly pear cactus, honey, rosemary and sage. Or choose a botanically inspired service using the finest plant-based organic products available.
The other major upgrade scheduled for 2024 is to the pool/cabana area.
Featuring a large pool, abundant private cabanas, a restaurant and views from every corner, the pool is a great place to relax or provide a fun place to play for the entire family.
Seven Feathers Casino Resort: Where Tribal Gaming Meets Premium Hospitality in the Heart of Oregon
In the heart of the Oregon landscape, Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, OR, stands as a regional icon, where the thrill of tribal gaming meets the luxury of hospitality. With a 300-room hotel, an expansive Class III gaming floor housing over 900 slots and popular table games, six enticing dining outlets, a full-service spa and an array of amenities characteristic of a premier casino resort, Seven Feathers is an ideal retreat for those seeking a special entertainment and exploration experience.
The beating heart of Seven Feathers is its modern and ever-changing gaming floor, where the energy can be felt with the anticipation of winning. With a diverse collection of slots, ranging from the latest innovations to cherished classics, and an array of popular table games, the casino provides a playground for both seasoned players and those venturing into the world of chance. Regular updates to the slot titles ensure that each visit brings something fresh, creating an environment of perpetual excitement and discovery.
Beyond conventional gaming, Seven Feathers is creating novel ways to play with a new tournament system. This new system is growing in a way that is unique to this property, bringing innovation and modernization that will be fun for players of every level. First-time gamers and high rollers alike will find tournaments suitable for their interest and skill level, with new opportunities coming regularly.
Seven Feathers believes that a complete casino experience involves satisfying not just the thrill seekers but also the culinary connoisseurs. With six dining outlets, the resort caters to a spectrum of tastes. K-Bar Steak House offers a memorable dining experience with prime cuts and elevated dishes perfect for special occasions and romantic evenings. Cow Creek Restaurant provides a comforting atmosphere for those seeking classic dishes that satisfy, morning, noon and night.
Stix Sports Bar, adorned with screens at every vantage point, offers a lively setting and a menu that makes certain patrons never go hungry during a game—or a break from a game. Weekends at the Steelhead Lounge offer a satisfying sushi menu with items like the Seven Feathers Roll, a sushi masterpiece that transports diners to the heart of Oregon.
To balance the energetic atmosphere of the casino, Seven Feathers also offers the River Rock Spa—a sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation. Guests can escape the fervor of the gaming floor and immerse themselves in a world of pampering, with an array of treatments, massages and relaxation therapies. This spa is a perfect complement to entertainment and nightlife, with skilled therapists and additional services, including hairstyling and nail treatments.
With a prime location in southern Oregon, Seven Feathers is your gateway to the region. From the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast to the pristine majesty of Crater Lake and the vineyard-laden landscapes of Oregon wine country, the resort is a central stop for exploration. In essence, Seven Feathers Casino Resort isn’t just a venue—it’s a destination where entertainment blends with tranquility and where every visit promises something special.
For more information, visit www.sevenfeathers.com.
Snoqualmie Casino: Elevating the Pacific Northwest Gaming Experience with a Luxurious Hotel Expansion
Are you looking for a luxurious getaway just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle? Look no further than Snoqualmie Casino, the perfect destination for gaming, entertainment, dining and soon… relaxation. What’s even more exciting is that the casino is set to offer its guests an even more unforgettable experience with the addition of an expansive hotel slated to open in the second quarter of 2025. Let’s take a sneak peek into what Snoqualmie’s hotel expansion has in store for visitors.
Located in Snoqualmie, WA, Snoqualmie Casino will be expanding to add a new 210-key high-end hotel, an additional 11,000 square feet of gaming floor space, an immersive full-service spa, fitness center and indoor pool with outdoor deck, an expansive 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, a new on-site parking structure and two brand- new restaurants.
While guests of the casino’s future expansion will see and experience new upscale amenities, they will also notice subtle details inspired by Snoqualmie culture. From the modern slant-roof hotel design representing the longhouses of the Snoqualmie Tribe’s ancestors to the carefully chosen artwork placed throughout the resort, guests will enjoy state-ofthe- art comfort alongside a gentle homage to the tribe. The spacious rooms will be equipped with deluxe amenities, ultra-cozy bedding and visually stunning guest room design, and boasting panoramic views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si.
If you’re a foodie, the property expansion will offer two new restaurant concepts, including a new signature steakhouse, with a third to open later. Each restaurant will showcase exceptional cuisine prepared using the highest-quality ingredients. Along with the hotel’s new eateries, current dining options at Snoqualmie Casino will also see updates and improvements.
Since opening to the public in 2008 and becoming known as Seattle’s Closest Casino, Snoqualmie Casino continues to receive regional and national recognition for its commitment to guest experience, community impact and workplace excellence. In 2021, Snoqualmie Casino and the Snoqualmie Tribe made history by becoming the first casino and first tribe to open a sportsbook and offer sports betting in Washington State.
If you prefer entertainment, you’re in for a treat at Snoqualmie Casino. The hotel expansion will feature an exciting new event venue, accommodating over 2,000 guests. It will showcase exceptional talent and national acts that will perform in various music genres from country to classic rock to comedy.
With its prime location, excellent amenities and exciting new offerings, Snoqualmie Casino’s hotel expansion is set to become one of the top destinations for locals and tourists alike. But don’t wait until then to enjoy the incredible amenities available now. Immerse yourself in topnotch entertainment, indulge in a variety of delicious dining choices, try your luck on the exciting gaming floor, and unwind in the cozy ambiance of Lit Cigar Lounge.
Snoqualmie Casino has it all, and the future expansion will only enhance the already amazing experience. Keep an eye out for updates and announcements leading up to the opening of the hotel expansion in 2025. Stay up to date at www.snocasino.com/expansion.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort: Your Ultimate Destination for Gaming Excitement and Luxury in Michigan
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is the proud owner of one of the premier casino/resort complexes in the world—the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is home to the most action- packed gaming floor in Michigan. Located in beautiful Mount Pleasant, Soaring Eagle is an idyllic Midwest destination of pure gaming excitement and a place where you can also immerse yourself in luxury and escape the everyday.
Unwind in the comfort of its AAA Four Diamond-rated first-class rooms and premium suites that are a retreat all on their own. No matter which of its fresh, well-appointed guest rooms and suites you choose, this is comfort that indulges your senses with everything from patio or balcony options to double-headed walk-in glass showers to deluxe fireplaces. Its dedicated and friendly staff will make sure everything is perfect, exceeding all your expectations.
Table game enthusiasts will experience the widest variety of electrifying table game action, including roulette, craps, blackjack, 3-Card Poker and more. Your favorite is always close at hand. Soaring Eagle Bingo is the largest in Michigan and THE spot for the best bingo action in the Midwest. Bingo runs every Wednesday thru Sunday with schedules in the morning, afternoon and evening.
But the lucky streak doesn’t stop on the game floor. Whether you crave fine dining, casual comfort food, quick bites or something to satisfy that sweet tooth, Soaring Eagle does it right. Prepare to indulge from the moment you are seated.
Siniikaung Bistro is a full-service restaurant that combines the American Bistro experience with an innovative cocktail menu and modern interpretations on classic dishes made from scratch using only the freshest international ingredients. Siniikaung Bistro has approachable food with approachable prices.
There is also Ruth’s Chris Steak House, where your last bite is just as good as your first.
Ascend Sportsbook & Lounge is the place to Watch, Wager and Win on all things sports as well as many televised sporting events. With many large-screen TVs and plenty of seating, there’s no better place to keep the live sports action in full view. Enjoy great food, specialty drinks, craft beer and an unparalleled dining experience.
Legends Diner has all of the classic diner-style favorites. Everything from mouth-watering burgers, dogs and sandwiches to delectable desserts such as malts, floats, sundaes and, of course, their famous banana splits.
The Food District offers hotel and casino guests four different dining options: Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy, Bubbakoo’s Burritos and Bonanno’s New York style pizza. The location of the Food District is where the Aurora Buffet was once located. Hours of operation for the Food District will be Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Bonanno’s will be open daily for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Little Eagle Café, located in the Slot Palace, features popular comfort foods like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, chicken wings and much more. The Little Eagle Café also serves several breakfast favorites.
Looking for a sweet treat or delicious pick-me-up? Native Grind features a cafe-style menu with custom roasted whole bean coffee, housemade artisan breads, pastries, cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream and more.
Soaring Eagle is Mid-Michigan’s entertainment destination for the biggest names in music, comedy and more, with an indoor seating capacity of 3,200 and an outdoor concert venue that seats 13,000.
No matter what you like to play or do, having a great time is always the name of the game at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. Plan your getaway today online at SoaringEagleCasino.com or call 1-877-2-EAGLE.