All In: Casinos in West Michigan
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You don’t have to go to Vegas to let the good times roll — West Michigan is home to multiple top-tier casinos and resorts.
There are tons of reasons to visit a casino beyond just hitting the slots. Most casinos also have luxury resorts and hotels, spas, signature restaurants, live entertainment and more. It can be an afternoon visit, a night on the town or an exciting weekend away. Best of all, if you get lucky, all the fun pays for itself!
So let’s take a look at what the local casinos have to offer, from gambling to fine dining and beyond.
Gun Lake Casino
1123 129th Ave., Wayland|gunlakecasino.com
Placed very conveniently on the route from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, Gun Lake Casino is a true gem of West Michigan. When it comes to the games, they have more than 2,500 slot machines, video poker, all the table games you could ask for (across 47 tables), and the Bonanza Bucks jackpot.
Gun Lake has also ramped up the entertainment with the enhanced 131 Sportsbar & Lounge, featuring massive LED video walls with over 1,000 square foot of HD viewing. The menu has everything you’d expect from a sports bar, including wings, burgers, nachos and pizza.
Not a sports fan? Just head to the new CBK, Craft Beer Kitchen. Home to Michigan’s only self-serving beer wall, it’s the perfect spot for beer drinkers who love to try something different. Choose from dozens of taps and then order some brewpub food, from an array of sandwiches to unique tacos.
If you’re in the mood for something just a tad more fine dining, the new Shokdé Chophouse (named after the Pottawatomi word for fire) is the place for you. Quality wines and craft cocktails pair with steak, seafood and salads. On the flipside of that is the Harvest Buffet, a massive eatery with options ranging from Asian specialties to Mexican classics and traditional Italian.
FireKeepers Casino and Hotel
11177 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek|firekeeperscasino.com
Just outside of Battle Creek, FireKeepers is a casino with a big focus on live entertainment and a luxury hotel. “Get your Vegas on” with this eight-story, four diamond rated hotel with all the amenities you could ask for, including a newly refinished, multi-level indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room.
FireKeepers is also the kind of place you want to keep tabs on the entertainment calendar. In November, two big shows are coming through: 3 Doors Down and Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium. Both shows are sold out already, but look ahead to December for Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland.
As for dining, FireKeepers recently upgraded and reopened their Smoke ‘n Fire restaurant with new décor and a fresh menu. Burgers, steaks, classic BBQ options and smoked meats — they have it all. Or check out Café 24/7, which is open as often as the name suggests. Or for the signature restaurant experience, visit the contemporary Nibi. Finally, if you’re a sports and/or beer lover, check out Dacey’s Sportsbook & Taphouse.
That’s not to mention the games, with over 2,900 slots, 70 table games and a 26-table non-smoking poker room — plus, of course, sports betting!
Four Winds Casinos
Multiple locations|fourwindscasino.com
With multiple locations across West Michigan, Four Winds has slightly smaller locations offering different experiences. Head to the primary property at New Buffalo for a big 130,000-square-foot space with over 3,000 slot machines and over 60 table games, plus a 416-room hotel. The Hartford location is about half that, while the Dowagiac location is nice and cozy at 12,000 square feet.
Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort
6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant|soaringeaglecasino.com
Out in Mount Pleasant, Soaring Eagle features 210,000 square feet of gaming floor, with thousands of the latest slot machines, a huge variety of table games, a poker room, and the largest spot for Bingo in Michigan (with both traditional and electronic options).
Then there’s the live entertainment, which Soaring Eagle has in spades. November features old school cool like Jodeci and Babyface, sexy fun like Hunks: The Show, and holiday happenings like Cocktails, Carving and Candy Canes. Check out the calendar to see what shows are for you.
For dining fun, visit the recently opened Ascend. This is the place to be for watching and betting on sports, not to mention craft beer, burgers and sandwiches. Or check out Siniikaung Steak and Chop House for an elevated experience featuring the mouthwatering Signature Filet. If you need a more laidback experience, visit Legends Diner for all the classics.
Of course, the resort side of Soaring Eagle is first-class. Premium suites feature impressive amenities like a fire place or an air jet tub, along with access to a 2,400-square-foot free form pool, underwater music and lights, an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi, and a full-service spa.
