Since September, the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe have been working on their new casino gaming venue, within the St. Croix Casino Hertel and Hertel Express of Wisconsin. The cost of the project remains unknown, but the property now includes a brand new gaming facility that is now open to the public.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 1st with the tribe welcoming leaders from the local government as well as state and national positions. The complex now features 250 slot machines along with a new restaurant for dining. A convenience store was also added along with a truck stop and amphitheater with 850 seats for guests. The amphitheater is set to host the first show on the 26th and on the 27th, the tribe will open an RV park with 16 stalls for guests who wish to camp on-site.

The Hertel venue is known as an ‘ancillary’ venue as it operates under a Class III gaming compact. Within the agreement, it states that the facility can include gaming but within no greater than 50% of the property.

Chairman of the St. Croix tribe, Lewis Taylor, started the ribbon cutting ceremony with a prayer and a host drum offered an honor song. The eagle staff and colors were presented by the members of the St. Croix AMVETS Post. During the ceremony, Chairman Taylor thanked those in attendance for coming and stated that the opening day of the new casino was a big day, not only for the tribe, but also the community.

Visitors to the property will be able to enjoy gaming on any of the 250 slot machines, while dining is available at the new restaurant known as ‘Gatherings’. At the full service truck stop, visitors will have access to lounge-style seating along with Wi-Fi, free laundry facilities and toilets with showers.