Little River Casino and Resort
Situated on the banks of Lake Michigan, in the town of Manistee, you’ll find the luxurious and picturesque Little River Casino and Resort.
Owned and operated by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little River Casino and Resort opened in 1999. This resort is a massive gaming destination that resembles a modern lodge nestled among a forested setting.
The expansive facility includes a 23,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring over a thousand slots and video poker machines and dozens of table games.
Their 292-room luxury hotel includes amenities like a restful spa and salon, several good restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools as well as a live entertainment venue that presents music acts like REO Speedwagon, Martina Mcbride and Chubby Checker.
Becoming a member of their River Rewards club will give you discounts on food, merchandise, gaming and access to VIP accommodations.
Their table games and poker room offer the most popular games including craps, roulette wheels, poker and poker tournaments and all of your other favorite card games.
Given that sports betting is now legal in Michigan, Little River has announced it will soon convert the River Rock Grille into River Rock Sportsbook and Grill, but no confirmation has been made as to who they will partner with in order to provide sports betting services.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
In 1998, Michigan’s Gov. John Engler signed an agreement between the State of Michigan and the Little River Band of Ottawa that allowed gambling on reservation property.
A year later the casino and resort opened, and ever since its revenues have helped to raise the standard of living for the tribe and help them thrive.
With the support of the casino and other business ventures, Little River Band of Ottawa were able to reclaim some of their homelands in 2000 when they purchased 740 acres of Mason County, Michigan.
Near the resort is the Manistee River which is the traditional home of the Ottawa and where they had first-contact with Europeans in the form of French fur traders in the 1700s.
The Little River Band of Ottawa is one of 567 tribes to be federally recognized as Native Americans of the United States.
The Casino at Little River
Little River has dozens of table games with limits that range from $1 to $5000.
Low-limit games are perfect for players who need to learn a new type of game without having to lose their shirt while doing so. At the same time, this casino offers fairly high-limit play so seasoned gamblers can really test their mettle and put their skills on display.
If you are looking for such high-stakes action, they have a luxurious high-limit room where you can bring your bankroll and play blackjack, poker or choose from one their 50 high-dollar machines to play.
Their gaming floor is spacious and comfortable, so you won’t have to squeeze through crowds trying to get to the game of your choice. You can also order beers and cocktails right from your seat at the card table.
Available games include blackjack, roulette, craps, Mississippi Stud, Crazy 4 Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold‘em, Let It Ride, and three-card poker.
Among the over 1,400 slots and video poker machines that stand out for fans of the one-armed bandits are Dragon Links, Golden Gecko, Celestial Goddesses, Sword of Destiny and Casablanca.
The staff at Little River prides itself on being available to provide answers to any questions their patrons might have while on the gaming floor. They’ll even be able to help you out if you need a few pointers on a game you might not be familiar with.
Little River Casino Resort Players Club
Once you sign up for their Players Club reward membership, you’ll be earning points that will give the opportunity to take part in giveaways and earn discounts toward games and merchandise all over the resort.
These are the four reward tiers to their loyalty program:
Lucky Club
Once you sign up to become a member you’ll receive five points on slots or choose to buy-in for $50 credit on table games. You can also go to one of their promo kiosks and play their new member promotion game where you can win one of several prizes.
At this initial level, you’ll also be able to start converting points into River Credits for free slot play. You’ll also start earning points for spa treatments and discounts on hotel accommodations and restaurants.
Silver Club
Once you earn 1,000 points in membership credits you’ll achieve the silver level.
At this tier you’ll have access to exclusive promotions, receive special online offers, entries into daily giveaways, 10% off resort restaurants, and get 10% off purchases at the White Pine Boutique.
Gold Club
To achieve the gold level you need to earn 7,500 points in membership credits.
At this level, you’ll get priority access to the buffet and the Players Club, access to VIP concierge services, reserved VIP parking, access to the VIP lounge, 15% of all restaurant orders and 15% off anything you buy at White Pine Boutique.
Elite Club
And when you’ve accumulated 18,750 points, you will have reached the elite tier.
You’ll then get discounts on fuel purchases at the Little River Trading Post gas station, have access to the express VIP hotel check-in counter, and get a 25% discount at the White Pine Boutique.
In addition, you’ll get free valet, access to chartered boat fishing and premium seats at concerts.
Hotel Accommodation
All that winning at the gaming floor can really take it out of a person, so it’s fortunate their hotel offers quiet and comfortable rooms for you to retire to after a long day.
Every room comes with a giant flat-screen TV, a personal safe, 24-hour room service, a coffee maker and high-speed WiFi.
The hotel also provides a private fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, two indoor pools, a spa and salon, a sauna and a hot tub. You can also book a reservation for one of their luxury suites that come with a separate living area and fireplace.
The Nectar Spa and Salon
The Nectar Spa and Salon strives to give guests of the hotel a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Here you’ll be able to recharge your mind and body before you head back to the casino floor.
This spa offers private men’s and women’s lounges that have steam rooms and saunas and offer access to both indoor pools and whirlpools.
Their spa treatments feature several different types of massages including deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stones, scalp and neck and foot and hand.
They also offer rejuvenation techniques that offer full-body exfoliation, facial wraps and skin-hydration treatments.
Dining and Drinks
No matter what kind of cuisine you prefer, Little River Resort and Casino is sure to satisfy the hunger of every guest.
River Rock Sports Bar and Grille
With over 60 HDTV screens, you’re sure to be able to watch your favorite sports team while you chow down on some spicy wings or a tasty burger at the River Rock Sports Bar and Grille.
Open until 10 p.m. ET Sundays through Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, there’s plenty of quick-eating appetizers to be had if you need to get back to the tables, but there’s also a healthy selection of premium entrees as well.
Their menu selections include plenty of fresh salads as well as prime cuts of beef including ribeyes, sirloin and prime rib.
Big Lake Buffet
Unlike a lot of casino buffets around the country, Big Lake Buffet’s entrees include fresh ingredients cooked right before your eyes. On Saturdays, they offer a spread of prime rib and crab legs.
Buffets are always a great way to grab something hot and quick if you don’t want to break the rhythm you have going at the gaming tables.
Rapids Bistro
If you’re looking for something even faster than a buffet, Rapids Bistro has pre-made grab-and-go items so you won’t have your hot streak wear off.
They also serve breakfast from 3 a.m. – 11 a.m. which includes all-American classic fare like omelets, pancakes and steak and eggs.
Being open 24 hours a day, they can also provide you with a little extra energy boost if you choose from one of their gourmet coffee selections. These high-octane selections come in the form of brewed coffee, espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, chai teas and macchiatos.
The Horseshoe Bar
If you’re looking for a different form of liquid octane, then check out the bar in the middle of the casino called The Horseshoe.
They have a wide selection of local craft beers, Scotch whisky, martinis, whiskeys and specialty cocktails. They also have an assortment of cigars behind the bar if you happen to be in the mood.