St. Croix Tribe Eyes Spring Groundbreaking for Major Turtle Lake Casino Expansion

By Joe Morey

Rez Life Weekly Editor

On the crisp morning of December 23, 2025, an important moment unfolded for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin as the Tribal Council signed the final document for the tribe’s fee-to-trust application for the long-anticipated Turtle Lake Casino Project. The action marks the culmination of years of planning, negotiation, and collaboration between the Tribe and partner governments, and sets the stage for what leaders say will become a cornerstone of regional economic growth.

“This important milestone reflects the Tribal Council’s forward-looking vision and commitment to creating long-term opportunities and stability for Tribal Members,” the council said in a statement to their membership. The application will now move to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for approval, where tribal leaders expect swift movement given the strong partnership the Tribe has fostered with the Village of Turtle Lake Board on this project.

In mid-January 2026, BIA officials confirmed they have received the application and begun the initial review formalities, a necessary step before the property can be placed into federal trust status, which is required before construction can begin.

At the center of the project’s vision is Will LaPointe, Chief Executive Officer of St. Croix Casinos, who spoke passionately about what the new flagship casino means for the Tribe, its employees, and the broader region.

“This new casino project is poised to be one of the most transformative developments in our tribe’s modern history,” LaPointe said in an interview. “This is not just a building, this is an economic engine that will bring jobs, stability, and enhanced opportunity for tribal members and the surrounding communities for generations.”

Building on Three Decades of Gaming History

The existing St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake has stood as a fixture in the region for more than three decades. Established in 1992, the Turtle Lake casino has served as the flagship of the tribe’s gaming enterprise and has helped shape the tribe’s economic footprint in northwest Wisconsin. The property, located on U.S. Highway 8 and Highway 63 in the village of Turtle Lake, currently features gaming, a hotel, restaurants, entertainment, and an event center that has become a gathering point for locals and visitors alike.

“The current Turtle Lake casino has been in our community for 32 years and it has served us well,” LaPointe said. “But it’s long overdue for an update and expansion that reflects the potential of this gaming enterprise and the aspirations of our Tribe.”

LaPointe emphasized the emotional significance of the project for the St. Croix people. “This is about honoring our past while building for our future,” he said. “It’s time for our flagship casino to get some dedicated resources, and to be a place where our employees feel valued, our guests feel welcomed, and where Tribal Members can take great pride.”

A Multi-Million Investment With Broad Appeal

The proposed Turtle Lake Casino Project is a bold multi-million investment that reflects both scale and ambition. Spread across roughly 93,000 square feet, the new facility will include:

• A grand gaming floor with approximately 980 slot machines

• A brand new sportsbook with integrated bar and viewing experiences

• A poker room with eight tables 

• Multiple restaurants and lounges

• A multi-phased hotel tower overlooking Skinaway Lake

• An event center capable of hosting weddings, conferences, banquets and community celebrations

“We will be offering live craps, live no limit poker, live roulette, and on-site sports betting… amenities that no other casino in the Twin Cities region can offer,” LaPointe said. “We are strategically positioned to be the closest destination from Minneapolis-Saint Paul that provides a full gaming experience.”

LaPointe explained that guests can expect modern players club promotions, dedicated hosts, and an overall elevated level of service. “From the elegant main bar to the sportsbook bar that spills out into the gaming floor, every space is designed with the guest experience first in mind,” he said.

The new layout includes a corridor connecting the hotel to the casino floor and restaurants, with scenic views of Skinaway Lake and gathering spaces throughout. Additional infrastructure improvements will include multiple access points from Highway 8 and County Highway T, as well as EV charging stations to support future travelers.

Learning From Past Success and Expansion

The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin operate three casino properties in northwest Wisconsin, which together have helped drive tourism and employment in the region. In Danbury, the St. Croix Casino underwent significant upgrades in the 2010s that included expansion of the hotel and convention space, making it a multi-faceted destination for travelers and events.

In Hertel, a new casino was completed in April 2017, replacing an existing gaming facility from the 1990s with a modern complex featuring roughly 250 slot machines, video poker, dining options, and amenities for travelers including a truckers’ lounge, convenience store, and outdoor amphitheater.

These developments have set a precedent for smart, phased growth rooted in community needs and long-term sustainability, and tribal leadership says the Turtle Lake project builds on that foundation.

A Partner in Growth: Local and Regional Impact

LaPointe was clear about the broader impact the project is expected to have beyond tribal boundaries. “This is an obligation to our guests, to our regional partners, and to be a positive workplace as one of the largest employers in three counties,” he said.

The tribe has agreed to make payments equivalent to the local tax base to support infrastructure and community services, a reflection of the collaboration between the tribe and the Village of Turtle Lake.

“We are committed to being a good neighbor and to contributing as a stable economic partner in this region,” LaPointe said. “This project is going to create jobs, boost tourism, and provide a meaningful economic driver for our people and for the surrounding communities.”

When asked about timing for construction, LaPointe expressed cautious optimism. “We are highly hopeful that upon BIA approval we will be breaking ground this spring,” he said. “Our teams are ready. Our partners are ready. And our community is ready.”

He said the new casino is planned to be opened by summer of 2028, but could be as early as January of 2028.

Looking Ahead With Pride and Purpose

For the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, the Turtle Lake Casino Project represents more than just bricks and mortar. It represents opportunity, cultural resilience, and a legacy of economic leadership that began with the original casino’s opening more than 30 years ago and now moves into its next chapter.

“We pride ourselves on being a premier destination,” LaPointe said. “And we look forward to providing our patrons a quality gaming experience and our employees with appealing careers, benefits, and a great work environment.”

As approval processes continue, tribal members and regional stakeholders alike are watching closely, united by a shared belief that this project will be a catalyst for prosperity in northwest Wisconsin for decades to come.