Little River Casino Resort Fuels Manistee's Economic Growth and Entertains Millions
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06 October 2026
For nearly a quarter-century, the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee County has been a key driver of economic development and a top entertainment destination for the surrounding region.
The sprawling complex, located at 2700 Orchard Highway near the intersection of US 31 and M-22, opened its doors in 1999. Since then, it has grown to include over 1,100 slot and video poker machines, dozens of table games, and a 1,600-seat event center that regularly hosts nationally renowned musical and comedy acts. The 292-room hotel and onboard amenities like a spa, salon, and sportsbook round out the offerings.
Owned and operated by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the resort has been a boon to Manistee County. In its first year, it employed between 550 and 560 people, quickly becoming the area's largest employer, according to an article in the Ludington Daily News. By 2019, it had contributed over $40 million in revenue-sharing payments to the county, with local public safety netting over $8 million, payments in lieu of taxes surpassing $31 million, and community projects receiving around $2.46 million.
However, the resort faces new competition on the gaming front. In January 2024, the Crystal Shores Casino in Benzie County, about 30 miles north, opened its doors in nearby Benzonia. The 8,000-square-foot casino features more than 70 slot machines and on-site dining. Though smaller than Little River, it could impact visitation and local economic development.
More on this is available via www.gambling-world.org.
Looking ahead, Little River Casino Holdings is moving forward with a $91 million project that will include a 210-space parking deck, housing, a heritage venue, a condo-hotel, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and conference space. The company says the Gateway project will enhance the Manistee experience for casino guests and local residents.
As the numbers show, Little River Casino Resort is much more than a casino for the 1.1 million guests who visited in its first year alone. The property continues to stimulate Manistee County's economy while bringing major entertainment acts to the Great Lakes region.