You’re driving down U.S. 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, past endless stretches of cedar trees and the occasional roadside diner, when suddenly this massive complex rises out of the greenery. It’s the Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI, and honestly, it feels a bit like a mirage if you’ve been on the road for three hours. Most people think "casino" and envision the glitz of Vegas or the crowded floors of Detroit. This is different. Owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, a band of the Potawatomi Nation, this place has become a legitimate anchor for tourism in Menominee County.
It's big. Really big.
We aren't just talking about a few rows of slot machines and a buffet. With over 1,200 slots, a dedicated poker room, two championship golf courses that consistently rank on national "Best Of" lists, and a 1,300-seat showroom, it’s a massive operation. But is it actually worth the trek to Harris? That depends on whether you're there for the $10 blackjack or the meticulously groomed greens of Sweetgrass.
The Gaming Floor: More Than Just Bright Lights
If you walk into the Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI expecting a quiet, sleepy bingo hall, you’re in for a shock. The floor is loud. It’s vibrant. It smells like that specific mix of adrenaline and floor wax you only find in high-end gaming pits. They’ve got the classics—Buffalo, Dragon Link, all the heavy hitters—but the real soul of the place is in the table games.
Blackjack is the king here. Unlike some of the strip casinos that have moved to 6:5 payouts (which, let’s be real, is a rip-off), the Island generally keeps things more player-friendly. You’ll find craps, roulette, and a sportsbook that has completely changed the vibe of the place since Michigan legalized sports betting. The Island teamed up with TwinSpires for their sportsbook, and on an NFL Sunday, the energy in that corner of the building is electric. People are shouting at screens, clutching parlays, and generally having a blast.
The poker room is another beast entirely. It’s one of the few places in the U.P. where you can consistently find a live game. They run Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and the local regulars are sharp. If you’re a tourist sitting down for the first time, don't expect them to go easy on you just because you’re on vacation. They know the math, and they know the cards.
🔗 Read more: Blox Fruit Current Stock: What Most People Get Wrong
Sweetgrass and Greywalls: The Golfing Paradox
You can't talk about the Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI without talking about the grass. Specifically, the golf. Most casino-resorts treat golf as an afterthought—something for the spouses to do while the gamblers are inside. Here, the golf is arguably the main event for a huge chunk of the clientele.
Sweetgrass Golf Club is right on-site. It was designed by Paul Albanese and it’s a masterpiece of prairie-style layout. It’s also home to the Island Resort Championship, an official stop on the Epson Tour (the qualifying tour for the LPGA). Think about that. You’re in Harris, Michigan, watching the next generation of world-class golfers. The 15th hole is a famous island green that requires a nerve-wracking shot over water. If the wind is whipping off the bay, that shot becomes a nightmare.
Then there’s Sage Run. It’s a short shuttle ride away, but it feels like a different planet. While Sweetgrass is open and flowing, Sage Run is rugged and hilly. It’s built around a massive drumlin—a long ridge formed by glacial ice. It’s tough. It’s punishing. It’s the kind of course that makes you want to throw your clubs in the woods, but you’ll book another tee time the second you finish.
Where You’ll Be Sleeping (And Eating)
The hotel situation at the Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI has expanded significantly over the last few years. The Palm Tower was a huge $30 million investment that added over 100 rooms and a high-end steakhouse on the top floor.
Horizon’s Steakhouse. That’s the name.
💡 You might also like: Why the Yakuza 0 Miracle in Maharaja Quest is the Peak of Sega Storytelling
Usually, "casino steakhouse" means overpriced shrimp cocktail and a mediocre ribeye. Horizon’s actually puts in the work. Being on the top floor, the views of the surrounding forest and the distant glimmer of the water are actually pretty stunning at sunset. If you aren’t feeling fancy, T. McC’s Sports Bar is the fallback. It’s got a massive wall of TVs and the kind of pub food that hits the spot after a long day on the floor.
The rooms range from "standard hotel" to "luxury suite." If you can swing it, the suites in the newer towers are worth the extra cash. They feel fresh. The beds aren't that weirdly stiff variety you find in older Upper Peninsula motels. You get walk-in showers, modern tech, and enough space to actually breathe.
A Quick Breakdown of What to Expect:
- The Vibe: Rural luxury meets high-energy gaming.
- The Crowd: A mix of local Yoopers, Wisconsin weekenders, and hardcore golfers from all over the Midwest.
- The Food: Five-star steakhouse down to a quick-service deli.
- The Entertainment: Big-name country acts, hair metal bands, and tribute shows in the showroom.
The "Island" Experience: Why Location Matters
Harris isn't a metropolis. It's basically a dot on the map between Escanaba and Iron Mountain. This isolation is actually the Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI’s biggest strength. When you're there, you’re there. You aren't distracted by a city. You’re surrounded by the woods.
The resort has leaned into this by building out the Drift Spa. It’s not just a room with a massage table. They’ve gone all-in on Native American-inspired treatments. It’s surprisingly high-end for being in the middle of the woods. You can get a body wrap or a deep tissue massage and forget that there’s a noisy craps table just a few hundred yards away.
Navigating the Player's Club
Look, if you're going to spend more than an hour at the Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI, you have to get the Island Club card. It’s free. Don't be the person who plays without one.
📖 Related: Minecraft Cool and Easy Houses: Why Most Players Build the Wrong Way
The rewards are actually tangible. You earn points for every dollar you spend, whether it’s on slots or at the restaurant. They are pretty aggressive with mailers, too. If you play for a weekend, don't be surprised if you start getting offers for free rooms or "free play" credits in your mailbox a month later. It’s one of the more generous loyalty programs in the regional casino circuit.
Logistics and Getting There
Driving is the only real way to get to U.S. 2 in Harris. If you’re flying, you’re likely landing at Delta County Airport (ESC) in Escanaba, which is about 15 minutes away. They do offer shuttle services, which is a lifesaver if you don’t want to rent a car just to sit at a resort for three days.
If you’re coming from Wisconsin, it’s an easy shot up 141 or 41. From lower Michigan, you’re crossing the Mackinac Bridge and heading west. That drive across the bridge is worth the trip alone, honestly. Just keep an eye out for deer. U.S. 2 is notorious for them, especially at dusk.
Common Misconceptions About the Island
People often think tribal casinos are smaller or less regulated than those in Vegas. That’s just not true here. The Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI is a massive economic driver for the region. They follow strict gaming compacts with the state of Michigan. The machines are fair, the security is tight, and the operation is professional.
Another myth is that it's only for "old folks." While you’ll definitely see the bus-tour crowd during the day, the nights belong to a younger demographic, especially in the sports bar and during concert weekends. The addition of the Splash Island waterpark has also made it a weirdly viable family destination. Yes, a casino with a waterpark. It sounds like a strange mix, but it works because the kid-focused areas are physically separated from the gambling floor.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to the Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI, don't just wing it.
- Book Golf Early: If you want to play Sweetgrass or Sage Run on a weekend, you need to book weeks, if not months, in advance. These aren't hidden gems anymore; the secret is out.
- Check the Show Schedule: The 1,300-seat theater brings in acts that you wouldn't expect to see in a town of 600 people. Think Tesla, Tanya Tucker, or big-name comedians.
- Use the Shuttle: If you’re staying in Escanaba because the resort is full, use the casino's shuttle service. It’s cheaper than an Uber (if you can even find an Uber in Harris).
- Join the Club Immediately: Seriously. The first-day sign-up bonuses usually include some free play or a food voucher.
- Explore the Area: If you have a car, drive 15 minutes to Escanaba and walk the Ludington Park waterfront. It’s a nice break from the sensory overload of the casino.
The Island Resort & Casino U.S. 2 Harris MI is a rare bird. It’s a high-end destination in a part of the country that usually prides itself on being "unplugged." Whether you’re there to chase a jackpot, hit a hole-in-one, or just eat a really good steak in the middle of the forest, it delivers. It’s a testament to how tribal gaming can transform a rural landscape into a legitimate luxury hub. Just remember to set a budget before you hit the floor—the slot machines don't care how far you drove to get there.