Menominee Casino Resort
Nestled in the North Woods amongst vast towering timber in Keshena, Wis., the Menominee Casino Resort (MCR) has served as an entertainment destination since 1987. Owned and operated by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, a federally recognized sovereign nation, the Menominee Casino Resort became Wisconsin’s first Las Vegas-style casino on June 5, 1987.
Since then, the Menominee Casino Resort underwent a significant transformation, both in the physical and brand sense. Phase one of three consisted of the renovation of the property’s hotel and the construction and design of the Menominee Conference Center.
The visually stunning 13,000-square-foot Menominee Conference Center represents the history, culture and traditions of the Menominee people. The subdued color scheme consists of natural earth tones that signify the representation of the trees, leaves, moss and grass. Throughout the entire facility, the carpet’s design represents black ash and floating oak leaves, traditional Menominee basket weave designs, branches, wild grasses and long, flowing wild rice stalks. The interior illumination located on the side walls symbolizes glowing campfire embers, and the eye-catching wood work was designed to represent Menominee weaving patterns.
The Five Clans Ballroom has the capability of hosting weddings and functions for up to 600 guests. Also located in the Conference Center are five large breakout rooms that can host meetings for up to 50 people. For small outdoor gatherings, the Convention Center offers a stone terrace in the vicinity of the meeting rooms and a beautifully landscaped courtyard area. Cozy enough for birthday parties and big enough for trade shows, the Conference Center is what sets Menominee Casino Resort apart from any other resort in the eastern North Woods.
The Menominee Hotel is luxurious in all aspects. More than 100 lavishly furnished hotel rooms connect the Menominee Conference Center to the gaming floor. Each elegant hotel room includes wireless internet, a refrigerator, HDTV with cable, a hair dryer and an in-room safe. Additional hotel amenities include an attractive 121,000-gallon swimming pool, a steam and shower room, a fitness center, Cabana Bar and an 800-gallon spa. Menominee Casino Resort is an all-in-one destination featuring gaming, dining, entertainment, a conference center and lodging.
The Menominee Tribal Legislature and the Menominee Indian Gaming Authority continue to seek funding for phases two and three of the expansion project. Phase two will involve a brand-new gaming floor, fine dining and an entertainment venue, which will seat 1,100 individuals theater-style.
Brand Foundation
Menominee Casino Resort’s branding foundation concentrates on the following primary core values: honesty, integrity and friendliness. Brand attributes were assigned human characteristics so that the audience is able to relate on a personal level. Concrete images play off of existing subconscious associations. With that, the resort offers fine dining, classy hotel accommodations, remarkable entertainment and the friendliest staff in the North Woods.
The most recent branding strategy and the design of the Menominee Conference Center incorporates much of the history and culture of the Menominee people. The elders within the community provided significant input in terms of cultural direction. In turn, the Menominee Casino Resort visually and stylistically differentiates itself from its competitors.
The appearance of the Menominee Casino Resort’s logo underwent a gradual transformation to replicate the cultural characteristics of the Menominee history. The Menominees are recognized as “Omaeqnomenewak – the Wild Rice People.” Long ago, the Menominees relied on wild rice as it served as a key food source for the hunters and gatherers. The latest logo reflects just that as a wisp of wild rice was added to the distinguished large “M.” The “M” also depicts the feel of earth, water and sky.
These elements are a prominent component of Menominee Casino Resort’s image that represents the traditions of Wisconsin’s first people. “MENOMINEE” is centered large beneath the “M” with an accent of water in the “O.” “CASINO RESORT” is centered smaller underneath “MENOMINEE.” Prior to this transformation, the logo consisted of a full head dress and flamboyant colors. The bold colors have been replaced by more natural and subdued tones, which incorporate serenity and nature as found within the Menominee Nation.
Future Forecast
The Menominee Casino Resort’s General Manager Jim Reiter states, “The overall development of our phase one project could not have been completed without the blessing and input from our elders, community, tribal government and the Menominee Indian Gaming Authority Board. With the collaboration of our community and our project’s initial success, our marching orders are to continue to work feverishly to secure funding for phase two and three.
“Throughout our history, our tribe has demonstrated its determination and perseverance to face and overcome difficult obstacles such as an attempt to remove us from our present reservation due to termination. With that, our present obstacle of facing a poor economy will not influence our goal to succeed.”
The transitioning operation provides leisure and business-related groups with accessibility for business, pleasure, relaxation and excitement. The staff contributes and excels by providing an overall personalized experience based on cutting-edge customer service. The unique environment then reflects the heart and heritage of the Menominee Nation.
Guests at the Menominee Casino Resort experience gaming at its best with their choice of 850 reel and video slot machines, Bingo, The Big 6 Wheel, Poker Games, Roulette, Blackjack, Craps and Let-it-Ride table games. The 33,000-square-foot gaming floor encompasses progressive slots along with video and live poker. The venue houses a full-service lounge where free live entertainment is showcased Thursday through Saturday nights. Guests enjoy a wide array of country, rock, R&B and big-name tribute performers. National acts also appear in the Five Clans Ballroom throughout the year.
The growth of the establishment and the dynamic team of employees at the Menominee Casino Resort continue to serve as a gateway for quality positioning in the marketplace.