Casino Near St Cloud
So, you're in the St. Cloud, Minnesota area and you're looking for some casino action. You want to know where to go, what you can play, and maybe even find a decent meal or a show. The good news is, you don't have to drive all the way to the Twin Cities. The region around St. Cloud has a couple of solid options that offer more than just slot machines. Let's break down what's available, what you can expect, and how to make the most of your trip.
The Main Attractions: Northern Lights Casino & Grand Casino Mille Lacs
When people talk about a casino near St Cloud, they're usually referring to one of two places: Northern Lights Casino in Walker or Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia. Both are owned and operated by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and are about an hour's drive from St. Cloud, but in different directions. Northern Lights is roughly 75 miles north, while Grand Casino Mille Lacs is about 65 miles east. This gives you a choice depending on your preferred drive and what you're looking for beyond the gaming floor.
Northern Lights Casino: The Northern Getaway
Northern Lights Casino sits right on the shores of Leech Lake, offering a true northwoods vibe. The gaming floor is expansive, featuring over 1,000 slot machines ranging from classic reels to the latest video slots with progressive jackpots. Their table game selection is robust, with multiple blackjack tables, craps, roulette, and Three Card Poker. A major draw is their high-limit room for players looking for bigger stakes. Off the floor, you'll find the Cedar Lake's Edge Restaurant for fine dining and the FireFly Bar & Grill for quicker bites. They also host regular entertainment, from local bands to well-known comedians, in their events center.
Grand Casino Mille Lacs: The Entertainment Hub
Grand Casino Mille Lacs is the larger of the two properties and functions as a full-scale resort. The casino itself is massive, with over 2,000 slot machines and a wide array of table games, including popular options like Mississippi Stud and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. They also feature a dedicated poker room with daily tournaments. Where Grand Casino really shines is in its amenities. It has two hotels on-site, multiple restaurants (from the upscale Grand Buffet to the casual Diner), a 2,000-seat events center that pulls in major musical acts, and even an indoor water park. If you're looking for a destination where you can spend a whole weekend, this is it.
What to Play: Slots, Tables, and Poker
Both casinos offer a similar core of games, but the scale differs. You'll find all the popular slot themes—from Wheel of Fortune and Buffalo to licensed games based on movies and TV shows. Minimum bets on penny slots can be as low as a few cents, while high-limit machines can take bets of $25 or more per spin. For table game players, blackjack is king. You'll typically find tables with minimums starting at $10, with some $5 tables during off-peak hours. Rules are standard for the region: dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3:2, and you can double down on any two cards. If poker is your game, Grand Casino Mille Lacs is your only option in the area with its dedicated room, offering daily No-Limit Hold'em tournaments and cash games.
Beyond Gambling: Dining, Drinks, and Lodging
A trip to a casino near St Cloud isn't just about gambling. It's a chance to get out, have a nice dinner, and see some entertainment. Northern Lights' Cedar Lake's Edge is known for its steak and seafood, with a great view of the lake. At Grand Casino, the Grand Buffet is a local legend for its variety and prime rib nights. Both properties have sports bars with plenty of TVs, perfect for catching a Vikings or Wild game. For overnight stays, Grand Casino's hotels are the most convenient, but both are close to other lodging options in their respective towns if you want to save a bit.
Promotions and Player's Clubs
Never walk onto a casino floor without signing up for the player's club. It's free, and it's how you get rewarded for your play. Both casinos use the 'My Club' rewards system. You earn points on every slot pull and table game wager, which can be redeemed for free play, food, merchandise, or hotel stays. They also run daily and weekly promotions, like free slot tournaments for members, match-play coupons for table games, and bonus point multipliers. Make sure to check their websites or ask at the club desk when you arrive—there's almost always a sign-up bonus, like $10 in free play just for joining.
Practical Info for Your Visit
You must be 18 years or older to gamble in Minnesota. Both casinos are non-smoking, a huge plus for many visitors, though they have designated outdoor smoking areas. Dress code is casual; you'll see everything from jeans and t-shirts to folks dressed for a night out. Parking is always free and plentiful. If you're not driving, charter bus trips from St. Cloud are common, often organized by local bars or clubs, and usually include a meal voucher or some free play.
FAQ
What is the closest casino to St Cloud Minnesota?
The closest casino to St. Cloud, Minnesota, is Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia. It's approximately a 65-mile drive east on Highway 10 and I-169, taking just over an hour. Northern Lights Casino in Walker is about 75 miles north, also roughly an hour's drive.
Do you have to be 21 to gamble at casinos near St Cloud?
No. The legal gambling age in Minnesota is 18 for all forms of casino gaming, including slots, table games, and poker. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport, to enter the gaming floor and sign up for a player's club card.
Which casino near St Cloud has the best poker room?
Grand Casino Mille Lacs is the only casino in the St. Cloud region with a dedicated, full-time poker room. They offer daily No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournaments and a variety of cash games, including $1/$2 and $2/$5 No-Limit Hold'em. Northern Lights Casino does not have a poker room.
Are there any hotels at the casinos near St Cloud?
Yes, Grand Casino Mille Lacs has two on-site hotels: the Grand Hotel and the Seasons Hotel. Northern Lights Casino does not have its own hotel, but there are several lodging options within a few minutes' drive in Walker, including chain hotels and local resorts.
Can you smoke inside the casinos near St Cloud?
No. Both Northern Lights Casino and Grand Casino Mille Lacs are 100% smoke-free indoors. They have designated, heated outdoor smoking areas attached to the building for smokers. This policy applies to the entire property, including the gaming floors, restaurants, and hotels.