Honestly, most people heading to the Upper Peninsula just blow right past Brimley. They’re usually aiming for the bridge or headed straight into the deep woods of the Munising area. That’s a mistake. If you’ve ever actually stayed at the Bay Mills Resort & Casino, you know there’s a specific vibe there that you just don't get in the flashier, more crowded spots downstate or even in the heart of Marquette. It’s right on the shore of Waiska Bay. It feels tucked away. It’s the kind of place where you can lose a few hours at a blackjack table and then walk outside to see a literal ore boat sliding across the horizon of Lake Superior.
It isn't just a building with some slots. This place is a massive part of the community and the history of the Bay Mills Indian Community. You can feel that weight when you’re there. It’s owned and operated by the Tribe, and that ownership translates into a hospitality style that feels way more "neighborhood" than "corporate."
What the Bay Mills Resort & Casino experience is really like
Let's be real about what you're getting here. This isn’t the Bellagio. If you come in expecting gold-plated sinks and a five-story waterfall, you’re in the wrong zip code. But if you want a clean, comfortable room where the Lake Superior breeze actually hits your face when you step outside, this is it. The hotel has about 140 rooms. Most of them have views of the water. It’s quiet.
The gaming floor is where the energy lives. It's got over 600 slot machines. That sounds like a lot, and it is for this part of the world, but it doesn't feel like a warehouse. They have the classics—think Buffalo and those high-limit pulls—but they also keep the table games tight. You’ve got your $5 and $10 minimums usually, which is getting harder to find these days. You can actually play for a while without your bankroll evaporating in twenty minutes.
People come for the gambling, sure, but the golf? That’s the sleeper hit. Wild Bluff Golf Course is legitimately one of the best tracks in Michigan. It sits on an escarpment overlooking the bay. The elevation changes are wild. If you’re a golfer, you’ve probably heard people argue about whether it’s better than the courses at Greywalls or Arcadia Bluffs. It’s different. It’s more rugged. It feels like you’re playing on the edge of the world.
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The food situation is surprisingly solid
Don't expect a Michelin star, but do expect a damn good whitefish sandwich. Since you’re literally on the water, the local catch is the only way to go. Sacy’s Restaurant is the main hub inside the Bay Mills Resort & Casino. It’s consistent. It’s reliable.
Sometimes they do these buffet nights that get a little hectic, but the breakfast is the real winner. There is something about eating a massive plate of eggs and hash browns while looking out at the freighter traffic on the St. Marys River that just sets the tone for a UP trip.
If you want something faster, Back Bay Grill & Games is the sports bar vibe. It’s the first "waterfront" craft brew pub in the area. They have a solid selection of Michigan beers. Bell’s, Founders, Upper Hand—the usual suspects are all there. It’s a great spot to park yourself if there’s a big game on and you don't feel like being on the casino floor.
Why the location matters more than you think
Brimley is tiny. It’s basically a blink-and-you-miss-it town. But that’s the secret. You’re only 20 minutes away from Sault Ste. Marie. You can go watch the Soo Locks, which is one of those things every person should do at least once. Seeing a 1,000-foot ship rise or fall 21 feet in a concrete bathtub is genuinely impressive.
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Then you’ve got Point Iroquois Lighthouse just down the road. It’s hauntingly beautiful. You can walk the cobble beaches and look for Agates. Seriously, the rock hunting in this specific stretch of Lake Superior is elite. You’ll see people out there with headlamps at night looking for Yooperlites—those glowing sodalite rocks.
The Bay Mills Resort & Casino acts as a perfect base camp. You aren't stuck in the "city" traffic of the Sault, but you aren't so far out in the wilderness that you can't find a good steak or a decent Wi-Fi signal. It’s the middle ground.
Understanding the Tribal impact
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC). This was actually the first tribal casino in the United States to open after the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that featured "class III" gaming. That’s a big deal. It paved the way for a lot of what you see across the country now.
The revenue from the hotel and casino doesn’t just go into a black hole of corporate profits. It funds health clinics, schools, and infrastructure for the Tribe. When you spend money here, you’re contributing to a local economy in a very direct way. It’s one of the largest employers in Chippewa County. That matters to the people who live there, and you can see that pride in the staff. They aren't just "employees"; many of them are tribal members or neighbors who have worked there for twenty years.
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The "Functional" details you actually need
Getting there is easy, but don't trust your GPS blindly if you're coming in during a snowstorm. M-28 can get dicey. The resort is located at 11386 West Lakeshore Drive.
- RV Parking: They have a dedicated RV park. This is huge for the summer crowd. It fills up fast because it has full hookups and you get access to the resort amenities.
- The "Second" Casino: A lot of people forget there’s a second, smaller property called Kings Club Casino just down the road. It’s even more "locals-only" and usually has some different promos running.
- Sportsbook: They leaned hard into sports betting when it became legal in Michigan. You can place bets right there, which has changed the atmosphere on NFL Sundays significantly.
A few things to watch out for
Look, I’m being honest with you. This is the North. Things move a little slower. If you’re used to the lightning-fast service of a Detroit casino, you might need to take a breath. Sometimes there’s a wait. Sometimes the gift shop isn't open exactly when you think it should be.
Also, the weather. If you’re visiting in January, be prepared for the "Superior Effect." The snow doesn't just fall; it sideways-attacks you. The hotel is well-insulated and cozy, but if you’re planning on doing anything outdoorsy, bring gear that can handle 20-below wind chills. On the flip side, summer nights are perfect. You won't even need an air conditioner half the time because the lake air is so crisp.
How to maximize your stay at Bay Mills
If you want to do this right, join the Funcard club. Even if you hate rewards programs. They actually give you decent free play and discounts on food that make a difference if you’re staying for more than a night.
- Book the Golf Early: Wild Bluff isn't a secret anymore. If you want a morning tee time on a Saturday in July, you better have that locked in weeks in advance.
- Check the Event Calendar: They do a lot of live music and specific tournaments. Sometimes it's a poker run; sometimes it's a regional band. It changes the crowd dynamic entirely.
- Explore the Shore: Don't just stay inside the casino. Walk the shoreline. The beach at Bay Mills is one of the most peaceful spots in the eastern UP.
The Bay Mills Resort & Casino represents a specific kind of Michigan travel. It’s rugged but comfortable. It’s a place where you can wear a flannel shirt to the craps table and nobody blinks an eye. It’s authentic. In a world of over-polished tourist traps, that counts for a lot.
Go to the Soo Locks in the afternoon. Eat a whitefish basket at Sacy’s. Play a round of golf at Wild Bluff. Put $20 on red. Watch the stars over Lake Superior from the parking lot. That’s the full experience. It’s simple, and honestly, that’s exactly why it works.