Ribbon Cutting at the official grand opening of the Little River Casino on July 23, 1999. Middle left is then-Tribal Ogema (executive leader) Robert Guenthardt. Beside him, wearing a teal blazer, is Tribal Council Speaker Joan Spaulding (middle right).
By Valerie Chandler
MANISTEE – The Little River Casino Resort (LRCR) is planning a three-day, 25th anniversary celebration, July 19-21, that is open to the public. In the parking lot — you won’t miss the signs and tents — there will be live music with multiple bands and vendors, and lots of giveaways.
As a tribal employee, part of my job is to issue temporary tribal business tax licenses to anyone selling merchandise on tribal properties. Lately I have issued and signed a great number of tax licenses for a variety of vendors whose goods will be on display during the celebration. I am excited to peruse the booths for unique finds, deals and, of course, a delicious meal or snack from a food vendor or two, especially since I already know a Native American food truck will be on site.
Then and now
Five days a week I pass by the flashing marquee that advertises the performers coming to LRCR. I know I will have paperwork come across my desk from those performers who sell concert t-shirts and memorabilia.
Often, I reminisce about the progress the tribe has made during the last 30 years since achieving federal reaffirmation in 1994. My grandma, Margaret Chandler, was a vital leader for our Anishinaabek people decades before I was born and until she passed in 1997. (Read “The Enduring Legacy of Margaret Chandler”, Freshwater Reporter, March 3, 2021.) I started working for my tribe in 1996, and I am confident that my grandma is proud of me for carrying on her legacy. I was present 25 years ago when the casino held its grand opening on July 23, 1999. It’s amazing to think back to when the land at the corner of U.S. Highway 31 and M-22 was an old apple orchard and veterinary office, and to watch its transformation into a resort destination for visitors to Manistee County.
In 2002, construction began for an upscale hotel and larger gaming floor. During the next 15 years, expansion continued in multiple phases. The resort now encompasses more than 350,000 square feet, offering over 1,100 slot and video poker machines as well as dozens of table games.
Our lodge-themed resort includes a total of 292 luxurious rooms and a 1,600-seat event center, with nationally headlining acts performing there throughout the year. The resort offers multiple indoor amenities, such as a relaxing spa and salon, buffet and deli restaurants, a sports bar, a gift shop, (12) 24-hour sportsbook kiosks plus pools and gardens. Outdoors are more gardens, including a unique glass pyramid crowning a beautiful winter garden with water features, and a 95-space RV park with hookups and offering guest access to the resort’s pools, sauna and fitness center.
Off site, the resort operates Wolf River Golf Park in Bear Lake, an 18-hole golf course serving all levels of players. New this year at the golf park is a 1.5-acre putting course with changing weekly challenges. A nature path that will loop around the property for walkers and runners is coming soon, too.
Additionally, the tribe offers an online gaming experience through BetRivers.com which features a variety of slots and table games with live dealer options, and includes blackjack, roulette, baccarat and millions of sports betting possibilities.
Tribal community investments
Gaming revenue has allowed the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to invest in infrastructure projects, including a wastewater treatment plant that supports many nearby community facilities. The tribe also built a Justice Center, providing judicial and public safety services, including our K-9 unit. Our Natural Resources Department is integral in supporting a sturgeon program, reintroducing the historic species to the Manistee River. (Read, “Meet the Sturgeon: There are big fish, then there are Big Fish”, Freshwater Reporter, Sept. 2021. ) Access to healthcare has improved, thanks to the construction of a pharmacy that is open to the public and a physician-staffed clinic for the tribal community. The tribe has also invested in education by offering scholarships, vocational education assistance and free tutoring. Housing opportunities have helped tribal members move back to the reservation area and have provided affordable housing to our elders, including an apartment complex.
Providing for others
The Ottawa tradition has always included the sharing of resources and taking care of others. We are proud of the growing success of the Little River Casino Resort because it helps the Manistee community. The tribe is the largest employer in three counties (Manistee, Benzie, Wexford), with more than 800 tribal and non-tribal employees. It also provides many jobs indirectly by contracting goods and services from hundreds of vendors statewide.
Through a compact with the State, LRCR distributes 2% of the casino’s electronic gaming profits as grants to support public safety organizations and other local beneficiaries such as the public schools, West Shore Community College, Dial-A-Ride, Manistee County Conservation District, Manistee County District Library, 911, Manistee Medical Care and the Council on Aging as well as Manistee Township, to name a few. Since 1999, the Little River Casino Resort has provided more than $45.7 million in distributions.
Every year, the LRCR is a sponsor of Tight Lines for Troops, a charity fishing tournament for Michigan veterans and Thunder at the River, a memorial motorcycle-riding event honoring veterans. The resort is a main sponsor of the annual Manistee National Forest Festival, and LRCR’s annual charity golf tournament benefits various local charities. The casino resort’s staff sponsors community drives for food, coats, school supplies and other items to help residents throughout the area.
We’re excited to see what the next 25 years will bring.
The Little River Casino Resort is located at 2700 Orchard Highway. For more information about the 25th anniversary celebration, go to www.lrcr.com and click on the anniversary link.
Valerie Chandler lives in Wellston with her husband Matthew and their border collie/Australian shepherd. Both are citizens of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Valerie is also an employee of the LRBOI tribal government and a cancer survivor. She loves to spend time with family and friends, and has a variety of unique interests.
