S&K Gaming is starting a large-scale renovation project this week at Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino, with the goal of creating a family-friendly space that will be completed this December.

The project will revamp the front entrance, create a better guest experience and add new amenities to this property. 

The renovation entails redesigning the casino area and front entrance to allow guests to overlook the lake as they check into the newly relocated front desk. A new lobby space creates a more open entrance that will include a fireplace with a new seating area. It further incorporates adding a gift shop, arcade, salt therapy room and more. 

General Manager Louis Cross explained the project is the largest change and most extensive renovation to the Kwataqnuk since it was built in 1992. 

“We really just took a look at the amenities and features that we could offer to be a destination where everything was suitable for an entire family,” Cross said. 

Cross said this space was originally built as a hotel, and later adding the casino portion around 2011 created a tight space and other challenges. However, a number of the resort's machines were relocated to the newly completed 400 Horses Casino in Polson, and the Kwataqnuk will now have a much smaller casino area with about 20 machines. 

 General Manager Louis Cross is excited for the largest renovation the Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino has undertaken since it was built in 1992. (Emily Messer/Leader)

S&K Gaming is an entity under the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes that operates the tribal casinos on the Flathead Indian Reservation. S&K has a managing board of directors that reports to the tribal council. 

This extra space gave them the opportunity to “push forward and reinvent” themselves a bit. Cross said the idea for this $7.6 million project was set in motion with the construction of 400 Horses. 

Other renovations at the Kwataqnuk include expanding the current bar, creating more space in the ballroom, adding bathrooms and widening the hallway downstairs. The ballroom extension will increase the room's capacity from 250 guests to 300. The construction plans also include adding a skywalk to connect the two sections of the building, which will provide guests with easier navigation and access to both sections. 

Cross explained that the gift shop and a new coffee bar, located in the new main lobby, will both be leased out to local businesses from the area. The large floor-to-ceiling fireplace will also be built with local Montana stone. 

The pre-construction meeting for this project was held on Monday, and Kwataqnuk is already in full preparation for construction to begin, with decor removed from the walls and the chandelier coming down last week. 

Cross, who has been the resort's manager for the last year, said he is super excited for this project. He added that the construction of 400 Horses was completed quickly, and S&K Gaming CEO Bryon Miller is a “visionary” who has helped make this happen. 

“Overall, I think the renovation to Kwataqnuk will give us a much-needed family-friendly environment,” Miller stated. “We will appeal to a new crowd of people and be able to provide a high level of tribal hospitality.” 

Miller explained that they believe this property is a gem and they are excited to be able to show it off on behalf of the CSKT. 

He added that this renovation will indirectly benefit 400 Horses by allowing more people to come visit the area, and the shuttle that currently runs between the two properties “connects” the two establishments. 

However, S&K Gaming isn’t done with construction plans yet, Miller added. At Gray Wolf Peak Casino, located on the southern portion of the reservation, hotel plans are in the works.

Miller explained that this property was always intended to include a hotel, with Grey Wolf originally built with the capacity to hold this hotel on top of the existing structure.