A growing demand drove the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Mich. to complete a $33 million expansion, adding 138 guest rooms and suites, a steakhouse, and family water attraction.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has long been a bastion for outdoor enthusiasts. From hunting and fishing to dogsleds and snowmobiles, this remote location is both rugged and beautiful.
In the heart of it all, sits the Island Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, a federally recognized Potawatomi Indian Tribe. General Manager Tony Mancilla says the Harris, Mich. resort caters to every taste.
“We have a large number of entertainment options with great packages for each different customer,” he says. “Gaming packages, golf packages, spa and entertainment packages … All with 454 hotel rooms and four dining options.”
What began as a modest bingo hall in the early 1980s has grown into a full-scale casino and entertainment hub. In addition to table games, bingo, poker, and a Vegas-style slot floor, the resort boasts a state-of-the-art, 1,315-seat theatre-style Island Showroom that features world-class entertainment and headline acts.
In 2007, the Palm Tower opened, offering overnight guests a place to stay and play. A year later, the 18-hole Sweetgrass golf course ushered in a new era. Sister course, Sage Run, made its official debut in 2019.
Expansive Expansion
The resort completed a $33 million expansion to cap 2021. The new hotel, which opened on New Year’s Eve, is connected to the south end of the current 11-story Palm Tower. The addition features 138 guest rooms and suites, the Horizons Steakhouse, located on the top floor, and the resort’s new family water attraction, Splash Island.
The new rooms boast modern furnishings, décor and technology with views of the Sweetgrass golf course and Northern Michigan forests. Guest room offerings include specialized Golf and Spa Suites featuring a luxury experience with hot tubs and a unique option of getting in-room massages. There are also 34 rooms that can be converted into 17 family-style suites for people who want to bring children to the new waterpark and pool area.
“This expansion is a fantastic addition for us,” Mancilla said at the time of the opening. “It was developed out of necessity. Our demand and backlog of guests who wanted to get in on the weekends had become overwhelming.”
Mancilla says the project took two years, from planning to completion … and it came in on time and under budget.
“We budgeted $33 million for 138 hotel rooms, a seafood and steakhouse, a pool area with water park features and four new elevators,” he says. “The total came in at $31.5 million. We were able to procure our materials and labor prior to the pandemic and worked during those months.”
Mancilla says the Tribe hired “a great general contractor,” met on a bi-weekly basis and the project went as scheduled. A few specialty items took some extra time to get but did not delay the opening. Next up? Leadership is looking at the convention center and a need for more square footage.
On the Greens
The expansion provides an added perk for golfers with the luxurious Golf Suites. The 675-sq.ft. suites are complete with a king, double queen, sleeper sofas and a common area, all with views of the Sweetgrass Golf Course. Perfect for foursomes looking for added space and a fun environment.
Mancilla says the math was easy when the Tribe decided to add Sage Run. “Golf customers are a very good customers,” he says. “We were doing 16,000 rounds at Sweetgrass. This year, with both courses, we will do over 36,000 rounds.”
Director of Golf Dave Douglas is charged with filling the tee sheet throughout the relatively brief time both courses are open for play. “Our peak season is June through September,” he says. “Both courses open around the first of May and stay open until mid-October.”
Each course employs approximately 26 part-time, seasonal employees and both host major events.
“We continue to help the growth of the game through supporting the local county junior golf program,” Douglas says. “Sage Run and Sweetgrass host the Division 1 Boys and Girls U.P. high school finals, Sage Run is host to an NCAA Division 1 Men’s Tournament, and Sweetgrass has been a 10-year host of an Epson Tour event.
“Hosting the Epson Tour and the NCAA Men’s event gives both courses some media exposure, which in turn helps drive customers to the resort,” he adds.
Sage Run Golf Course Superintendent Matt Sly says there are both similarities and differences between day-to-day maintenance and hosting a major golf event.
“In both situations, the expectation for the golf course is to be in perfect condition, so if we can maintain that standard every day, there is nothing different that needs to be done,” Sly explains. “The biggest challenge is completing our normal routine in less time.”
The differences don’t end there, however. Sly says each layout dictates maintenance practices.
“They are two completely different styles,” he says. “Sweetgrass is highly manicured, and Sage Run is rough and rugged. Both are unique by design.”
Staffing has been an issue across the industry, but Sly has been fortunate with his crew.
“The human resources department does an excellent job recruiting most of the candidates that apply, but I also utilize current crew members to connect with people they know who are interested in work or the benefit of free golf,” he says. “I have found the best way to retain staff is for them to enjoy their job. By rotating tasks and allowing them to have input on how things are done, they take pride in how the golf course looks.”
Splash and Spa
Prior to the expansion, the Island Resort & Casino wasn’t exactly kid-friendly, but the introduction of Splash Island changed that. The waterpark covers 14,010 sq. ft. and has something for everyone. Race down two winding tube slides—one of which empties into the kid-friendly pool—or try the lazy river.
Non-resort guests are welcome to dive in, as well. Day passes are available, based on availability. A large hot tub and 18+ saltwater pool are geared toward a slightly older crowd.
The Drift Spa offers nature-based treatments and skilled therapists to help guests relax, refresh and restore mind-body-synergy … embracing the traditions of Native American healers. Spa guests are invited to relax in tranquility rooms and enjoy the indoor salt-water pool and fitness center, including a co-ed sauna, separate steam rooms and locker rooms.
At a Glance:
Island Resort & Casino
Harris, Mich.
www.islandresortandcasino.com
Guest Rooms/Suites: 454
Showroom: 1,315 Seats
Convention Center: 13,000 sq. ft.
Rounds Played: 36,000
Sweetgrass: Opened 2008
Sage Run: Opened 2019
General Manager: Tony Mancilla
Director of Golf: Dave Douglas
Golf Course Superintendent:
John Holberton (Sweetgrass)
Golf Course Superintendent: Matt Sly (Sage Run)
Director of Food & Beverage: Stephen Gakstatter
Marketing Director: Rachel Sattem
C+RB
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