After an extensive nine-month renovation of over 1,100 hotel rooms, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) announced the grand opening of the hotels at both Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley this past July.
History
This part of Minnesota – where the seasons of the year bring cycles of great beauty to the Lake and the land – has been the setting of their history for more than two centuries.
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe founded Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley in 1991 and 1992. The Band has a historically significant backstory, beginning over 250 years ago when its Ojibwe ancestors settled in East Central Minnesota.
Despite nearly insurmountable hardships, the success of Grand Casino has helped ensure a secure economic future for tribal members. Before the founding years, Mille Lacs Reservation unemployment was more than 80 percent, but thanks to the casinos, it’s approximately 14 percent.*
Each New Business Venture is Planned Around its Impact on the Next Seven Generations
Ronda and Mike discussed some of the unique aspects of the project and the importance to their guests, their team members and to the Tribe.
All rooms and suites have been upgraded to enhance every aspect of the guest experience, offering modern designs, amenities, and comfortable accommodations. These significant enhancements reflect MLCV’s strategic vision to revitalize its assets and deliver unmatched hospitality.
It’s All About the Special Touches (and Themed Suites!)
The hotels at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley now feature:
- Modern Aesthetics: Beautifully designed rooms with a contemporary ambiance and subtle nods to Ojibwe culture, featuring art crafted by Indigenous artists.
- Enhanced Comfort: High-quality bedding, modern entertainment systems, and a curated range of amenities for superior comfort and relaxation.
- Welcoming Lobbies: The fully renovated lobbies blend functionality with refined charm, ensuring a warm and inviting welcome for all guests.
- Presidential and Themed Suites: Upgraded Presidential and new themed suites, including English Pub-inspired, Scandinavian Spa-themed, and Speakeasy-themed suites, offer unique and luxurious experiences with features like steam showers and saunas. These final touches are nearing completion.
Renovations Highlight Anishinaabe Culture and Art
Ronda discussed many of the unique aspects of the renovation including the birch bark, beadwork, quilting and ricing.
In total, 14 artists were commissioned for this project. This includes quilt squares at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and the full blankets at Grand Casino Hinckley.
Another significant piece was the Jingle art displayed at Grand Casino Hinckley, which holds special meaning for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The jingle art holds special meaning for the Anishinaabe – especially from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, where the jingle dress originated from.
To learn more about the hotel renovation, visit grandcasinomn.com/Hotel-Renovation.
*from the https://millelacsband.com/
