New Ojibwa Casino in Marquette amazes guests with new designs and added features

Friday's ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Ojibwa Casino was more than what some community members say they expected to see.

"This is an awesome place,” said Jane Ryan, one visitor from Marquette.

Ryan isn't a gambler, but she says she was motivated to pay the new casino a visit after all the new renovations she heard would be added.

"I wanted to see what this was like. I had never been in the old casino."

But Ryan says she will be visiting the new casino more often.

"I think it's going to be a place that I bring guests just to see what this is all like,” exclaimed Ryan.

During Friday’s soft opening, guests were amazed by the more than 500 new slots added, the gift shop, a bar and lounge providing free live music throughout the week, a 1,200 seat event center and two new signature restaurants.

"When you walk through the property now, it's a complete re-imaging of the Ojibwa Casino Marquette,” said Baraga and Marquette Ojibwa Casino Marketing Director, Jim Orr.

The expansion of the Marquette Tavern, one of the casino's newest restaurants, won't open until early February.

But casino officials are proud of the progress their staff, construction company and design firm made on the $38 million project, which has been in the works for several years.

"Our teams internally have put in a lot of long hours over the last six to eight months as we've roared to the finish line, but it's all been worth it. It's a gorgeous property,” said Orr.

"Marquette is the fastest growing city in the U.P., and we really appreciate doing our part to provide some quality entertainment here in Marquette,” said Keweenaw Bay Indian Community President, Chris Swartz.

New slots are just part one of the project. Next up, the casino is looking to build a new hotel just outside of the casino so guests can stay after they play.