The Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino in Watersmeet is sporting a new look these days as it undergoes major renovations and at the same time celebrates two decades of being in business in Michigan.

Renovations began in January when the casino area, the concession/food court area, and hotel rooms were upgraded. Additionally, visitors can look forward to a new exterior façade and the addition of a supper club and sports bar, according to local news agency, WLUC TV6. The report indicates that within the next 18 months, the casino expects the entire renovation process to be completed.

Commenting on the renovation, Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino General Manager, Gary Murrey, told WLUC, “The casino was built 20 years ago.” And, “They built it with a Las Vegas feel; neon, stark colors, lots of bright reds and yellows. We wanted to make it a more inviting, warmer feel. So we brought in the earth tones, we brought in the animals and the woods and embrace where we are from.”

Next weekend the casino will reportedly commemorate its 21st year in business by hosting a birthday party complete with activities and tribute bands. The public can enjoy the festivities free of charge.

Owned and operated by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino is located on US 45 North in Watersmeet, Michigan about eight miles north of the Wisconsin-Michigan border in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula (U.P.). The casino’s 25,000 square foot gaming floor is open 24 hours a day and features over 600 multi-denomination video and reel slots including video poker and video keno, along with 9 gaming tables at which visitors can choose from blackjack, craps, poker, roulette and bingo. Cribbage tournaments are also a regular feature of the casino. The facility’s amenities include a 132-room and suite hotel, full-service restaurant, concession/food court area, sports lounge, RV parking and campground, 18-hole golf course and bar, meeting & event space, indoor pool, whirlpool & sauna and gift shop.

The Watersmeet facility isn’t the only casino in Michigan’s U.P. undergoing renovations these days. Both of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s (KBIC) gambling facilities are currently undergoing major renovations. In August 2016, the KBIC approved two projects which involve its Marquette Ojibwa Casino and Baraga Ojibwa Casino, authorizing a total of $40 million for the projects with the $6.5 million slated for the latter and $33.5 million for the Marquette casino.

Recently, the KBIC was given the green light to move forward with its project in Marquette County, which will see the property completely renovated adding some major amenities. Construction is slated to begin early this summer and is expected to be completed in late November or early December next year.