Sometimes a Northern Michigan getaway is all about quiet mornings, lake days, and relaxing around the fire. Other times, it is fun to plan a night out just for the grown ups.
If you enjoy slot machines, card games, sports betting, bingo, or simply grabbing dinner and drinks while taking in the energy of the casino floor, you are in a great spot. There are four casinos within about an hour drive of Dyer Lake Vacation Home, making it easy to enjoy an evening out without spending your whole day on the road.
One of the nice things about the casinos in this area is how different each one feels. Some are larger and busier with table games and multiple dining options, while others are smaller and more relaxed. Whether you want a quick evening out or a full night of entertainment, there is something nearby that fits the mood.
Below is a helpful guide to each casino, including drive times, gaming options, dining choices, and hours so you can easily plan your visit.
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Casinos
Turtle Creek Casino, Williamsburg
35 minute drive, Gambling age: 18+
56,000 square foot casino in Traverse City has everything you need to get your game on including video poker, craps, blackjack, Let It Ride, roulette, and all of the latest slots, from penny to $100 denominations. Sportsbook kiosks available for online sports betting. No smoking except in designated outdoor areas.
Hours:
Casino Floor: Monday through Thursday 7am to 3am and Friday through Sunday 24 hours
Players Club: Monday through Sunday 8am to 2am
Table Games: Monday through Wednesday 12pm to 3am, Thursday through Sunday 9am to 3am
Valet Parking: Friday through Sunday 1pm to 3am
Dining and Beverages
There are coffee and soft drink stations throughout the casino floor. There are also casino bars where you can sit back, relax, and watch the action around you.
Bourbons 72 Restaurant
Open Sunday through Thursday 5pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 10pm
Steakhouse offering hand cut steaks, chops, and premium seafood.
Seasons Buffet
Open Thursday through Saturday 4pm to 10pm
Buffet themes currently include Southern comfort food on Thursdays, international cuisine on Fridays, and American BBQ on Saturdays.
The Deli
Open Sunday through Thursday 7am to 1am, Friday and Saturday 7am to 2am
Classic diner favorites served in a fun 1950s atmosphere.
Crystal Shores Casino, Benzonia
38 minute drive, Gambling age: 18+
Offering over 90 slot machines. Whether you are chasing the jackpot or simply looking for a fun night out, the casino offers a relaxed atmosphere and easy drive from the vacation home. No smoking except in designated outdoor areas.
Hours:
Casino Floor: Monday through Sunday 9am to 2am
Players Club: Monday through Sunday 9am to 2am
Dining and Beverages
There are coffee and soft drink stations throughout the casino floor. Alcohol is available at Loons’ Landing.
Loons’ Landing Restaurant
Open Sunday through Thursday 11am to 12am, Friday and Saturday 11am to 2am
Casual favorites including pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken strips, and snacks.
Leelanau Sands Casino, Peshawbestown
39 minute drive, Gambling age: 18+
More than 300 slot machines and table games on the casino floor. Sportsbook kiosks available for online sports betting. No smoking except in designated outdoor areas.
This casino is also a fun option if you enjoy bingo or euchre nights during your stay.
Hours:
Casino Floor: Sunday through Thursday 9am to 2am and Friday and Saturday 9am to 3am
Players Club: Sunday through Wednesday 9am to 10pm, Thursday 9am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 12am
Table Games: Monday through Wednesday closed, Thursday through Sunday 2pm to 3am
Bingo Games: Sunday noon, Wednesday 5pm, Friday 5pm, last Saturday of each month noon
Euchre: Monday registration 6pm, tournament 7pm
Dining and Beverages
There are coffee and soft drink stations throughout the casino floor. There are also casino bars to sit and relax while enjoying the atmosphere.
Big Dex’s Restaurant
Open Sunday through Thursday 9am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 12am
Breakfast served daily from 9am to 12pm.
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Casino
Little River Casino, Manistee
1 hour drive, Gambling age: 18+
Little River Casino offers over 1,100 slot and video poker machines along with dozens of table games. Sportsbook kiosks are available for online sports betting. There are also two smoking gaming rooms with more than 200 games where smoking and vaping are permitted.
If you are looking for the largest casino experience in the area, this is probably it.
Hours:
Casino Floor: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Players Club: Sunday through Wednesday 9am to 10pm, Thursday 9am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 12am
Table Games: Sunday through Thursday 10am to 2am, Friday and Saturday 10am to 4am
Sportsbook Ticket Window: Monday through Thursday 2pm to 12am, Friday 12pm to 12am, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 12am
Sportsbook kiosks available 24 hours
Dining and Beverages
There are coffee and soft drink stations throughout the casino floor. The Bar is also located just steps from the gaming area.
The Heron
Daily 11am to 3pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 5pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 10pm
Steaks and seafood with a light Italian twist and locally sourced ingredients.
The Rapids Bistro
Sunday through Thursday 7am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 7am to 1am
Pizza, salads, sandwiches, and grab and go items.
Big Lake Dining
Breakfast daily 8am to 12pm
Dinner Thursday and Sunday 4pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 10pm
Buffet and cook to order favorites with live cooking stations and daily specials.
Jackpot Café
Sunday through Thursday 7am to 2pm, Friday and Saturday 7am to 10pm
Coffee drinks, boba tea, and baked goods.
A Fun Night Out During Your Northern Michigan Stay
Whether you enjoy spinning slots, playing cards, trying your luck on sportsbook kiosks, or simply enjoying dinner and drinks in a lively atmosphere, the casinos near Dyer Lake Vacation Home can make for a fun adults only evening during your stay.
One of the best parts is how easy these casinos are to reach. You can spend the day exploring Northern Michigan, enjoy a relaxing dinner, try your luck for a few hours, and still be back at the vacation home to unwind by the lake before the night is over.
As always, please enjoy responsibly and have fun making memories during your Northern Michigan getaway.
Before You Go
- Bring a valid photo ID. All four casinos require guests to be 18 or older.
- Hours for restaurants, table games, and special events can change seasonally, so it is always a good idea to check casino websites before heading out.
- Weekend evenings are typically the busiest times if you enjoy a livelier atmosphere.
- Some casinos offer bingo, sportsbook kiosks, and special promotions throughout the week.
👉 Plan your Northern Michigan getaway
Dyer Lake Vacation Home is centrally located, making it easy to enjoy a fun night out at several Northern Michigan casinos while still returning to the peace and quiet of the lake at the end of the evening. Whether you spend the day exploring the Traverse City area or trying your luck at the tables and slots, it is nice knowing a relaxing lakeside retreat is waiting for you afterward.
Many guests choose to book directly with us to avoid extra platform fees and save a little on their stay. We are always happy to answer questions and help you feel comfortable with the process.
If you prefer using Airbnb, that option is available as well. We want you to book in the way that feels easiest for you.
When you are ready, you can check availability and reserve your dates below.
