01 October 2026
Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan, remains a major entertainment and economic anchor in the region, despite new competition from a nearby casino. Located at 2700 Orchard Highway, the resort has been a fixture in Manistee since opening in 1999 with 600 slot machines. Over the years, it has expanded to include over 1,100 slot and video poker machines, dozens of table games, and a 1,600-seat event center that regularly books major musical and comedy acts.
Resort Drives Tourism, Economic Activity for Residents
Tourism is a major economic driver in Manistee, and Little River Casino Resort plays a key role in attracting visitors. In 2024 alone, 704,000 people came to Manistee County, with 70% staying overnight. These visitors contributed $172.8 million to the local economy and supported 1,048 jobs, according to Manistee County Tourism data. While the resort clearly brings in visitors year-round, Manistee is still a seasonal destination that draws the majority of its visitors during the peak summer months, officials say.
For years, Little River has been Manistee County's lone casino and a significant source of tourism revenue. Since its opening in 1999, the resort has contributed over $40 million in revenue-sharing payments to Manistee through the county's revenue-sharing board. This funding supports local government operations, public safety, and community projects.
"Little River Casino Resort has been a cornerstone of our local economy and community for over two decades," says Manistee County Commissioner Gene Brower. "We're committed to working with them to continue driving tourism and supporting our residents."
New Neighbor Raises Questions
But a new neighbor may challenge that status. In January, Crystal Shores Casino opened in nearby Benzonia, bringing new gaming options to the region. Clear Spring, the holding company behind Crystal Shores, purchased the property and plans to provide revenue-sharing payments to support public safety and resident services in Manistee.
Manistee officials have expressed concern that Crystal Shores could potentially draw visitors and revenue away from Little River Casino Resort. In a statement, County Administrator Doug Miller said the new casino "raises questions about the sustainability of Little River Casino Resort's current arrangement and the broader impact on our local economy and community."
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An executive of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, which owns and operates the resort, said: "While we're still analyzing the impact of this new competition, we remain committed to providing the best experience for our guests and continuing to support the Manistee community."
Diversifying the Gaming Experience
To stay competitive, Little River Casino Resort has also expanded beyond traditional gaming offerings. The resort operates a popular online and retail sportsbook, connecting its in-person gaming experience with digital entertainment. Additionally, the property's event center has become a major entertainment venue, hosting high-energy events such as the annual Manistee Light Up Parade and the Great Lakes Forest Festival.
Industry analysts say this kind of diversification will be key to Little River's continued success in a shifting regional gaming landscape. "The resort is doing the right things to stay competitive and relevant," says Dennis Childs, senior vice president at Gaming Analyzers. "Expanding into online gaming and big events helps them reach new audiences and justify higher prices, which will generate revenue to build the local community."
For now, Little River Casino Resort remains a major draw for Manistee and a vital source of local revenue and community support. But as Crystal Shores Casino grows its own following and the regional gaming landscape evolves, both the resort and the county will need to adapt to ensure Little River's impact reaches as far as possible.
Resort officials and county leaders are now working together to understand the evolving regional gaming market and craft a path forward that maximizes Little River's economic contribution. Their answers will go a long way in determining what the future looks like for tourism and entertainment in the entire region.