S&K Gaming has started a large-scale renovation project at Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino in Polson, with the goal of creating a family-friendly space.

The project will revamp the resort's front entrance and is expected to create a better guest experience with new amenities. Work is anticipated to wrap up in December.

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 will create a more open entrance that will include a fireplace with a new seating area. It also will incorporate a gift shop, arcade and salt therapy room.

General Manager Louis Cross explained the project is the largest change and most extensive renovation to the Kwataqnuk Resort 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. 

Originally built as a hotel, the casino portion was added around 2011 creating a tight space and other challenges, Cross said. A number of the resort's gaming machines were relocated to the newly completed 400 Horses Casino in Polson, and the Kwataqnuk will now have a 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. 

Cross said the idea for the $7.6 million renovation project was set in motion with the construction of 400 Horses. 

Other upgrades at 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 Montana stone. 

A pre-construction meeting for the project was held last week, and Kwataqnuk staff are 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 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 it happen. 

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

He added that the 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. 

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

Miller said that property was always intended to include a hotel.