ONAMIA, MN – After an extensive nine-month renovation of over 1,100 hotel rooms, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) announced the grand opening of the hotels at both Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held at both locations to celebrate the comprehensive hotel renovations. All rooms and suites have been upgraded to enhance every aspect of the guest experience offering modern designs, amenities, and comfortable accommodations. The significant enhancements reflect MLCV’s strategic vision to revitalize its assets and deliver unmatched hospitality.
The hotels at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley now feature:
- Modern Aesthetics: Rooms with a contemporary ambiance and subtle nods to Ojibwe culture, featuring art crafted by Indigenous artists.
- Enhanced Comfort: High-quality bedding, modern entertainment systems, and a curated range of amenities for comfort and relaxation.
- Welcoming Lobbies: The fully renovated lobbies blend functionality with refined charm, ensuring a warm and inviting welcome for guests.
- Presidential and Themed Suites: Upgraded Presidential and new themed suites, including English pub-inspired, Scandinavian spa-themed, and speakeasy-themed suites, offer unique and luxurious experiences with features like steam showers and saunas. These final touches are nearing completion.
“These renovations not only enhance the guest experience, but also demonstrate our commitment to providing a fun and enjoyable workplace for our associates,” said Ronda Weizenegger, CEO of Grand Casinos. “We believe that guests and associates will be pleased with the transformation.”
MLCV partnered with PCL Construction to complete the renovation alongside Hunt Electric, Egan Company, Cuningham Architects, and Atmosphere Commercial Interiors. The full-scale renovation was a meticulously planned endeavor involving large crews of up to 120 on-site employees.
MLCV also hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies at each property to commemorate the grand openings. Joe Nayquonabe, CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, highlighted the unique aspects of the renovation that set Grand Casinos apart, particularly the art. In total, 14 artists were commissioned for the project.
“The sacrifice of time it took the artists to create the beautiful pieces throughout both properties gives a deeper meaning to this project,” said Nayquonabe. “Our commitment went beyond mere aesthetics; we wanted to authentically portray the Anishinaabe people through every detail of these spaces.”
Nayquonabe spoke of quilt squares at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and the full blankets at Grand Casino Hinckley. “The craftsmanship displayed in the quilt squares and blankets carries profound significance,” said Nayquonabe. “Anyone can walk down the hall and appreciate the beauty they represent, but when an Anishinaabe person sees them, they will know the direct importance, the deep cultural roots, and the healing power each blanket brings.”
Another significant piece Nayquonabe mentioned was the jingle art displayed at Grand Casino Hinckley, which holds special meaning for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. “The jingle art piece is beautiful and holds special meaning for the Anishinaabe – especially from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, where the jingle dress originated from.”
In 2018, the late elder Larry “Amik” Smallwood and producer Rick Anderson captured the significance and history of The Jingle Dress Tradition in a documentary created by TPT. According to the documentary, jingle dresses have evolved and changed over the years; however, the meaning, dance, and tradition have stayed the same throughout the past century.
Following the ceremonies, guided tours of the renovated hotels and lobby spaces followed.
