If you’re driving down Highway 61 and take the turn toward Welch, you’ll eventually hit a stretch of road that feels like it’s leading nowhere. Then, suddenly, there it is. Treasure Island Resort & Casino on Sturgeon Lake Road in Welch MN looms out of the Mississippi River bottomlands like a neon-lit oasis. It’s a bit of a trip, literally and figuratively. Honestly, if you aren't from around the Twin Cities or Red Wing, you might wonder why there’s a massive Caribbean-themed resort tucked into the prairie of Southern Minnesota.
It's huge.
Owned and operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community, this place has evolved from a small bingo hall in the 1980s into the only resort in Minnesota that boasts a private marina and a massive water park. People come here for the slots, sure, but they stay for the weirdly perfect mix of island vibes and Midwestern hospitality.
The Reality of Getting to Sturgeon Lake Road
Navigation can be a bit finicky if you're relying on older GPS units. You’re looking for 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch, MN 55089. It’s about 45 minutes from St. Paul, but that drive feels longer because you’re transitioning from suburban sprawl to rolling hills and then deep into the river valley. The road itself is two lanes, winding past cornfields and the occasional bald eagle nest.
Don't speed. The local patrols are vigilant, and the deer are even more so.
When you arrive, the scale hits you. We’re talking over 2,000 slots, dozens of table games, and a hotel that feels more like a Vegas satellite than a rural Minnesota getaway. But it’s not just about the gambling. The Prairie Island Indian Community has poured significant resources into making this a legitimate "destination." You see it in the architecture and the way the property hugs the shoreline.
Gaming and the "Island" Atmosphere
The floor is loud. It’s colorful. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a premier casino, but with a specific layout that doesn’t feel as claustrophobic as some of the older spots in the state.
They have everything. Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em, and a high-limit area for the high rollers. But let’s be real: most people are here for the slots. They’ve got the latest machines—those giant, curved-screen beasts that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie.
✨ Don't miss: Historic Sears Building LA: What Really Happened to This Boyle Heights Icon
One thing people often miss is the "Island" branding. It’s everywhere. From the names of the bars to the decor in the Lagoon Water Park. It’s a bit kitschy, but in a way that works. It leans into the escapism. You’re in Welch, Minnesota, where it might be -10 degrees outside, but inside the water park, it’s 84 degrees and there’s a swim-up bar. That’s a powerful selling point during a Minnesota January.
The Lagoon and Family Fun
Is it weird to have a massive water park in a casino? Maybe. Does it work? Absolutely. The Lagoon is a 32,000-square-foot facility. It features a lazy river, which is basically the gold standard for relaxation, and a bunch of slides.
The coolest part? The "adult" side of the pool area. It’s separated enough that you don't feel like you're at a toddler's birthday party while trying to enjoy a cocktail. There is a swim-up bar—the only one in a Minnesota hotel—which feels like a true luxury when the wind is howling outside.
Beyond the Casino Floor: The Marina and Golf
The location on Sturgeon Lake Road isn't accidental. It puts the resort right on the backwaters of the Mississippi River. This allows for the Treasure Island Marina.
If you have a boat, you can literally dock it and walk to the casino. They have 137 slips. It's a massive draw for the river-boating community that travels between Prescott and Red Wing. During the summer, the marina is a vibe all its own. People are grilling, music is playing, and it feels less like a gambling trip and more like a river vacation.
Then there’s Mount Frontenac.
Technically just a short shuttle ride away, this golf course offers some of the best views of the Mississippi River Valley you can find. It’s built onto the bluffs. The elevation changes are brutal if you're walking, so take the cart. The 18th hole overlooks the river, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. It’s a sharp contrast to the flashing lights of the casino floor.
🔗 Read more: Why the Nutty Putty Cave Seal is Permanent: What Most People Get Wrong About the John Jones Site
Dining: From Buffets to Fine Steaks
We have to talk about the food. For a long time, casino food was just "the buffet." Treasure Island still has a solid buffet—Traditions—but they’ve branched out.
- Tantalus: This is the casual spot. Good for a quick burger between sessions.
- Currents Restaurant: More of a sit-down, classic American feel.
- Mongo Bay: Usually where you find the quick-service stuff.
- Traditions: The classic buffet. It’s predictable, which is exactly what you want from a buffet.
The standout, though, is Tundra. It’s their upscale steakhouse. If you’ve had a good day at the tables, this is where you spend the winnings. The ribeye is generally excellent, and the wine list is surprisingly deep for a resort in Welch. It doesn’t feel like "casino food." It feels like a high-end Minneapolis restaurant.
The Event Center and Big Names
Treasure Island has a massive indoor event center, but their outdoor concert series is what really puts them on the map. They’ve hosted everyone from Carrie Underwood to Kid Rock to Journey.
The outdoor amphitheater setup is unique. You’re sitting in the middle of the river valley, the sun is setting, and you’re watching a Hall of Fame act. There’s something about the acoustics of the valley that makes these shows feel intimate despite the thousands of people in attendance.
Check the calendar before you go. The "Island Event Center" also hosts smaller acts, comedy shows, and MMA fights. It’s a versatile space, though the walk from the hotel rooms to the event center can feel like a marathon if you're wearing heels.
Staying Over: The Hotel Towers
The resort has over 750 rooms. They’re split between different towers.
The Buffalo Tower and the Wolf Tower are the main stays. If you want a modern feel, aim for the newer renovations. The rooms are clean, spacious, and many offer views of the surrounding woods or the river. One thing to keep in mind: on weekends, this place sells out fast. If there’s a concert or a big poker tournament, don't expect to find a walk-in room.
💡 You might also like: Atlantic Puffin Fratercula Arctica: Why These Clown-Faced Birds Are Way Tougher Than They Look
The prices are fair. You aren't paying downtown Minneapolis prices, but you aren't at a budget motel either. You’re paying for the convenience of being 30 seconds away from the action.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that Treasure Island is "just for gamblers."
That's not really true anymore. I’ve seen families spend an entire weekend here without ever stepping foot on the gaming floor (well, they walk through it to get to the pool, but you get the point). Between the bowling alley—Island Xtreme Bowl—and the arcade, there’s enough to keep kids busy.
Another mistake? Ignoring the local area.
Welch is famous for the Welch Mill, where people go tubing down the Cannon River. If you’re staying at Treasure Island during the summer, you owe it to yourself to spend a few hours floating down the Cannon. It’s a slow, scenic drift that ends just a few miles from the resort.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Treasure Island Resort & Casino on Sturgeon Lake Road in Welch MN, keep these things in mind to make it actually enjoyable:
- Join the Island Passport Club. Even if you aren't a big gambler, the club card often gets you discounts on food and hotel stays. It’s free. Just do it.
- Book the Bowling Alley in Advance. Island Xtreme Bowl is popular, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If you show up at 8:00 PM expecting a lane, you’re probably going to be disappointed.
- Check the Shuttle Schedule. If you’re heading to Mount Frontenac or staying at an overflow hotel, the shuttles are reliable, but they don't run every five minutes. Plan accordingly.
- Bring Your Own Snacks. The gift shops are expensive. If you want a soda or a bag of chips for the room, stop at a gas station in Red Wing or Hastings on your way in.
- Explore Red Wing. You’re only about 15 minutes away from one of the coolest river towns in the Midwest. Red Wing Shoes, the historic St. James Hotel, and Barn Bluff are all worth a side trip.
Treasure Island is a bit of an anomaly. It’s a massive, flashy resort dropped into a quiet, rural landscape. It’s not trying to be the Bellagio, and it’s not trying to be a local dive bar. It’s something in between—a legitimate destination that manages to feel like a getaway without the flight to Vegas.
Whether you're there to hit a jackpot, float in the lazy river, or see a legendary rock band under the stars, the place delivers on its promise of being an "island" in the middle of the Minnesota prairie. Just remember to watch for deer on Sturgeon Lake Road. They were there long before the casino was.