A landmark era in northeastern Iowa’s gaming history is drawing to a close as Casino Queen Marquette undergoes a substantial transformation. The riverboat casino, moored for decades along the Mississippi River in Marquette, is being rebranded and replaced by a permanent land-based facility under the new name Bally’s Marquette. This move marks a $21 million investment aimed at revitalizing the casino’s presence and offerings in the region.

Construction on the new casino began in October 2024 and is scheduled for completion in early 2026. The switch from a riverboat to a land-based model not only represents a change in infrastructure but also signifies a broader shift in the state’s gaming industry, which has increasingly moved away from its riverboat roots since 2007 when state legislation permitted casinos to relocate inland.

A Legacy Rebranded: From Riverboat to Land

Originally launched in December 1994 as Miss Marquette, the casino has undergone several rebrands over the decades. The vessel was known as Isle of Capri Marquette in 2000, Lady Luck by 2008, and finally Casino Queen Marquette after its 2017 acquisition by The Queen Casino & Entertainment. Now, under the ownership of Bally’s Corporation—a company that became the casino’s parent following its $4.6 billion merger with Queen Casino & Entertainment—the site is entering a new phase of evolution.

“We’re proud to honor Casino Queen Marquette’s deep-rooted connection to the community while ushering in an exciting new era as Bally’s Marquette,” said Robin Corbeil, general manager of Casino Queen Marquette, according to KCRG. “This transformation brings the entertainment experience our guests love onto land — making it more accessible, more comfortable, and more dynamic than ever before.”

A More Accessible and Enhanced Experience

The project includes selling off the iconic riverboat and constructing a new, modern gaming facility onshore near the U.S. Highway 18 bridge that connects Iowa and Wisconsin. The new location also incorporates the site of the former Pink Elephant Restaurant, which has long served casino guests. The casino’s recognizable pink elephant statue, affectionately called “Pinky,” will remain in place as a nod to its storied past.

Accessibility is at the forefront of the redesign. Currently, visitors must traverse a 440-yard path to reach the riverboat from the parking area. The new venue eliminates that inconvenience by allowing guests to enter directly from the parking lot. Additional upgrades include enhanced arrival experiences, improved comfort, and modernized amenities.

The facility will also feature fresh entertainment and dining concepts developed in partnership with local vendors, aiming to create a vibrant, community-connected atmosphere that reflects regional flavors and culture.

Economic Boost and Community Backing

The transition is projected to bring approximately 80 new job opportunities to the surrounding areas of Marquette, McGregor, and Prairie du Chien. These positions will include both part-time and full-time roles across several departments.

Local officials have shown enthusiastic support for the changes. Marquette Mayor Brittany Hemmer expressed confidence in the casino’s direction and said she’s eager to maintain a positive working relationship with the newly rebranded Bally’s Marquette. “I look forward to continuing the partnership with Bally’s Marquette,” Hemmer noted in a statement.

Bally’s Strategic Growth in Iowa

While Casino Queen Marquette is Bally’s only property in Iowa, the rebrand is part of the company’s broader strategy to unify its portfolio under the Bally’s name. Recent rebranding efforts also include renaming the Belle of Baton Rouge to Bally’s Baton Rouge in Louisiana.

The Iowa Gaming Association reports that in fiscal year 2024, Casino Queen Marquette generated roughly $20.7 million in gross gaming revenue. Bally’s is optimistic that the shift to a more inviting, land-based setting will bolster these numbers significantly.

Once Bally’s Marquette officially opens in early 2026, Iowa will have just two riverboat casinos remaining: the Lakeside Hotel Casino in Osceola and the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs.