Treasure Island Casino Near Red Wing



Driving down Highway 61 along the Mississippi River, you can’t miss the neon lights reflecting off the water. If you’re coming from the Twin Cities and looking for action closer than a trek to Vegas, the stop at Treasure Island Resort & Casino is likely on your radar. But before you book a room or gas up the car for the 40-mile drive southeast, you probably want the real scoop: Is it worth the trip? Are the tables hot? And what’s the deal with parking?

Location and Getting There from Minneapolis

Treasure Island sits in Welch, Minnesota, just a stone's throw from the historic town of Red Wing. The drive is scenic, tracing the Mississippi River bluffs, which makes the trip feel less like a commute and more like a getaway. Most players drive in from the Twin Cities metro area, making it a prime spot for weekend warriors. The casino offers a massive parking ramp and surface lots, meaning you rarely have to hunt for a spot—a surprising perk compared to some downtown venues.

Gaming Floor: Slots, Tables, and Poker

The gaming floor spans over 150,000 square feet, packing in nearly 2,200 slot machines. You’ll find everything from classic reel games to the latest video slots with high-limit progressives. If you prefer tables, there are roughly 40 options. Blackjack is the main draw, but you can also find Craps, Roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. For poker enthusiasts, the Island Poker Room runs daily tournaments and cash games, offering a competitive atmosphere without the intimidation of high-stakes Vegas rooms. The minimums are generally player-friendly, with $5 tables often available during off-peak hours.

Dining Options Beyond the Buffet

Gone are the days when casino food meant stale buffets and watery coffee. Treasure Island has diversified its culinary lineup. Tado Steakhouse is the upscale option, perfect for spending your winnings on a prime ribeye. For quicker bites, the food court style options serve burgers and pizza, but the real hidden gem is the buffet. While prices have crept up, the variety—especially on seafood nights—offers solid value if you arrive hungry. Don't expect Michelin stars, but it beats the typical stadium food quality found at smaller gaming halls.

Accommodations and The Island Xtreme Bowl

The resort isn’t just a pit stop; it’s a full-service destination. The hotel tower features nearly 500 rooms, ranging from standard queens to luxury suites with river views. What sets this place apart is the entertainment complex. The Island Xtreme Bowl offers a 24-lane bowling alley, making it one of the few casinos in the Midwest where you can roll a strike at 2 AM. It’s a lifesaver if you bring non-gambling partners or need a break from the pit. The hotel frequently runs stay-and-play packages that bundle dining credits with room rates, which is often the smartest way to book.

The Buffalo Tower and VIP Experience

Recently, the property expanded with the Buffalo Tower, a separate hotel wing connected to the casino. This addition caters to higher-roller guests and adds a fresh layer of luxury to the property. It features its own bar and lounge area, creating a quieter, more exclusive vibe compared to the main tower. If you are chasing comps or playing significant hours on slots, inquire about upgrading to this section; the rooms are modern, spacious, and offer a marked step up in comfort.

Entertainment at the Island Event Center

The Island Event Center is a 3,000-seat venue that punches above its weight class. Treasure Island consistently books national touring acts—classic rock bands, stand-up comedians, and country stars. Past lineups have featured names like Dwight Yoakam and Jay Leno. If you plan to catch a show, book early; tickets sell out fast, especially for weekend dates. Catching a concert here is convenient because you don’t have to drive into Minneapolis traffic to see top-tier talent.

Comparing Treasure Island to Other Regional Casinos

How does it stack up against other options in the region? Here is a quick comparison for players deciding where to head for the weekend.

Casino	Distance from Minneapolis	Slots	Hotel Rooms	Unique Feature
Treasure Island	40 miles	~2,200	~500	Bowling Alley & Event Center
Mystic Lake	25 miles	~4,000	~800	Mecca for slots & golf
Grand Casino Hinckley	90 miles	~2,100	~800	Grand National Golf Course

Players Club and Promotions

The Island Players Club handles the rewards program. Sign-up is straightforward, and new members often get a small promo play credit just for joining. The comp system here is points-based; you earn points on slots and electronic table games which can be redeemed for free play, hotel stays, or dining. One detail players appreciate is the Senior Day promotions and the weekly hot seat drawings. Unlike some casinos that bury the fine print, the rules for earning points here are transparent—$1 coin-in typically equals 1 point on reels, though video poker rates vary.

Responsible Gaming and Age Restrictions

It’s crucial to note the legal landscape. Since Treasure Island is located on tribal land owned by the Prairie Island Indian Community, it operates under federal and state compacts. This means you must be 18 years or older to gamble here, unlike Minnesota’s card clubs (like Canterbury Park) where the age is 21. However, you must be 21 to consume alcohol on the floor. The venue takes responsible gaming seriously, offering self-exclusion programs and resources for those who need them.

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