You’re driving through the rolling hills of the Driftless Area, past the apple orchards of Red Wing, and suddenly there it is—a massive, neon-lit Caribbean oasis rising out of the Mississippi River bottomlands. It feels out of place. It feels slightly surreal. But Treasure Island Resort MN has basically become the pulse of entertainment for the entire Twin Cities south metro and beyond.
Most people think they know "The Island." They think it’s just a place where their aunt plays the penny slots on a Tuesday morning. They're wrong. Honestly, the scale of what the Prairie Island Indian Community has built here since the early 80s—when it was just a tiny bingo hall—is kind of staggering. We're talking about a destination that now rivals Vegas properties in terms of sheer square footage and amenity variety, but with a weirdly specific Midwestern charm that you can't really replicate in the desert.
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The Gaming Floor is Just the Start
Let’s be real: the casino is the engine. It’s huge. With over 2,000 slot machines and dozens of table games, the floor at Treasure Island Resort MN is sprawling enough that you might actually get lost trying to find the buffet (which, by the way, has seen some serious upgrades lately).
Blackjack is the king here. Unlike some of the smaller charitable gaming sites or "grey market" machines popping up in bars, this is a regulated, high-stakes environment. You’ve got the high-limit area for the serious rollers, but you’ll also see people playing $5 hands just for the vibe. The dealers are usually locals who have been there for a decade; they’ll chat with you about the weather or the Vikings while you’re busting on a 16. It makes the gambling feel less predatory and more like a social outing.
But what most people miss is how the gaming is shifting. It’s not just rows of flashing lights anymore. They’ve leaned heavily into electronic table games (ETGs) for the younger crowd who finds sitting at a felt table with a dealer a bit intimidating. It's a smart move. You get the same math, the same odds, but without the pressure of a "pit boss" watching your every move.
Why the Island Event Center is the Real MVP
If you haven't seen a show here, you're missing out on one of the best acoustic setups in the state. Most casino showrooms feel like repurposed high school gyms. Not this one. The Island Event Center pulls in names that honestly seem too big for a town like Welch. We’re talking about Hall & Oates, Alabama, and Gabriel Iglesias.
The outdoor summer concert series at the Treasure Island Amphitheater is a different beast entirely. There is something about sitting under the Minnesota stars with 15,000 other people, surrounded by the bluffs, listening to someone like Kenny Chesney or Matchbox Twenty. It gets loud. It gets rowdy. And because it’s a tribal property, the rules are a bit different than a municipal venue in Minneapolis. It feels freer.
The Parlay Lounge Vibe
Need a break from the noise? The Parlay Lounge is where you go when you want to feel like an adult. It’s tucked away, usually featuring live local musicians on a smaller stage. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear your friend talk while sipping a decent Old Fashioned. It’s a necessary palate cleanser for the sensory overload of the main floor.
Not Just for Gamblers: The Family Secret
This is where the "resort" part of Treasure Island Resort MN actually earns its keep. If you have kids, you probably know about The Lagoon. If you don't, you're about to be the hero of the next long weekend. It’s a massive indoor water park featuring a lazy river and a zero-depth entry pool.
Is it the biggest water park in the world? No. But it’s attached to a bowling alley (Island Xtreme Bowl) and a massive arcade. You can literally drop the teenagers at the 24-lane bowling center, take the younger kids to the pool, and still have time to grab a steak at Taza.
- Island Xtreme Bowl: 24 lanes with state-of-the-art scoring.
- Cyber Quest: An arcade that actually has prizes kids want, not just plastic rings.
- The Lagoon: Indoor/outdoor transition pool which is amazing during those October "false spring" days.
The Mississippi River Connection
People forget that Treasure Island is literally on the water. They operate the Spirit of the Water, a 100-foot luxury yacht. It’s not a "casino boat" in the old-school Illinois sense where you have to stay on it to gamble. It’s a sightseeing and dinner cruise ship.
Taking a sunset cruise down the Mississippi is probably the most underrated thing you can do at the resort. You see the eagles, the limestone bluffs, and the massive barges moving through the lock and dam system. It grounds the whole experience in the geography of the region. It reminds you that you aren't in a windowless box in Nevada; you're in the heart of the Midwest.
Where to Sleep (And What to Avoid)
The hotel has grown into several towers: Buffalo, Eagle, and the newer Wolf Tower. If you want the modern, sleek experience, aim for the Wolf Tower. The rooms are crisp, the bathrooms are huge, and the views of the surrounding prairie are surprisingly peaceful.
If you're on a budget, the older towers are fine—they’re clean—but they definitely have that "classic casino" feel. Think heavy curtains and slightly dated carpets. But honestly, are you really spending that much time in the room?
For the outdoor types, the RV park is actually a hidden gem. It’s got 95 pads, full hookups, and it’s right by the marina. You get all the amenities of the resort—the pool, the food, the entertainment—but you get to sleep in your own bed and wake up to the smell of river air. It’s a massive hit with the retirement crowd and people who want to boat during the day and gamble at night.
The Food Situation: Beyond the Buffet
Look, we all love a good buffet. The Tradewinds Buffet at Treasure Island Resort MN is solid. It’s reliable. But if you want a real meal, you have to go to Taza Steakhouse. It’s expensive, yeah, but the dry-aged cuts are legit. It’s the kind of place where the servers know exactly which wine pairs with a ribeye, which isn't always a guarantee in rural Minnesota.
For a quick bite, the food court covers the basics, but the Mongonlian Grill is the sleeper hit. You pick your ingredients, they grill it right in front of you, and it’s arguably the healthiest thing you can eat on the property. Avoid the pizza if you’re looking for artisan sourdough crust—it’s standard "drunk at midnight" pizza—but the sandwiches at the deli are surprisingly massive.
The Logistics: Getting There and Staying Safe
Welch is about 45-50 minutes from St. Paul. The drive is easy, but be careful on Highway 61 and Highway 19 at night. Deer are everywhere. Seriously, it’s like a gauntlet.
The resort runs shuttles from various points in the Twin Cities, which is a total lifesaver if you plan on enjoying the bars. Use them. The Island takes security seriously, and they have a very visible presence, which keeps the vibe feeling safe even when the floor is packed on a Saturday night.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Treasure Island Resort MN, don’t just wing it. You’ll end up spending more than you need to and missing the best parts.
1. Join the Island Passport Club immediately. Even if you don't gamble much. It gets you discounts on rooms, food, and often gives you "free play" just for signing up. It’s the only way to make the pricing truly competitive.
2. Book the Lagoon early. If you’re staying over a weekend, the water park can reach capacity. Make sure your room reservation includes your pool passes and check the hours for the slides, as they sometimes differ from the pool itself.
3. Check the concert calendar six months out. The big shows sell out fast because the venue is smaller than the big stadiums in Minneapolis. You get a much more intimate experience with the artists here.
4. Explore the Marina. Even if you aren't a boater, walk down there. It’s a different world from the casino floor. The air is better, the pace is slower, and it’s a great spot for a walk after a heavy meal.
5. Don't skip Red Wing. Since you're already out there, take 15 minutes to drive into town and see the Red Wing Shoe Museum or hike Barn Bluff. Combining the "Island" experience with the local river town history makes for a much better weekend.
The reality of Treasure Island Resort MN is that it’s a massive economic engine for the Prairie Island Indian Community, and that pride shows in how the property is maintained. It’s not just a gambling den; it’s a fully realized resort that actually understands what Minnesotans want: good food, a place for the kids to burn energy, and a chance to see a world-class show without having to deal with downtown Minneapolis parking.