Treasure Island Resort & Casino Reopens Rebuilt 246-Room Buffalo Tower After Year-Long Overhaul
Key Highlights
- Strategic Reinvestment: Reopening of the Buffalo Tower caps a year-long, full-scale interior and exterior reconstruction.
- Elevated Inventory: 246 newly redesigned rooms bring the resort’s total to 788 keys — the second-largest hotel footprint in Minnesota.
- Guest-Centric Design: Thousands of guest surveys directly shaped the tower’s modern, luxury-forward upgrades.
Treasure Island Resort & Casino has officially reopened its fully reimagined Buffalo Tower, completing a sweeping year-long reconstruction of the resort’s original hotel structure.
The unveiling on February 10, 2026, marks a transformational milestone for the Prairie Island Indian Community-owned property, elevating its oldest tower into a flagship hospitality offering.
Originally opened in 1995, the Buffalo Tower has been rebuilt from the inside out.
The investment increases Treasure Island’s total room inventory to 788, preserving its standing as the second-largest hotel in Minnesota and reinforcing its position within the competitive Midwest gaming and entertainment market.
A Foundation Rebuilt for the Future
Although the tower retained its original structural foundation, nearly every other component was reconstructed.
Led by Knutson Construction and RSP Architects, the project involved a complete redesign of all 246 guestrooms, alongside major systems modernization and exterior upgrades.
The redevelopment introduces several new accommodation categories designed to expand market reach and drive higher-value bookings:
- Executive Suites: Featuring kitchenettes with breakfast bars, dedicated living areas overlooking the casino floor, and spa-style soaking tubs.
- Family Suites: Designed with pull-out trundle beds to accommodate multigenerational and family travelers.
- Standard King & Queen Rooms: Outfitted with luxury vinyl plank flooring, oversized rain showerheads, enhanced lighting systems, adjustable reading lights, and expanded USB charging integration.
The result is a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic that aligns with evolving guest expectations and higher-tier hospitality standards.
The reopening comes just months after the casino announced an expanded charitable giving initiative for 2026, where it will match all guest donations for the entire year.
Data-Driven Design Strategy
Unlike traditional renovation projects, the Buffalo Tower’s redesign was shaped directly by guest input.
Thousands of survey responses informed key decisions, including the removal of traditional carpeting in favor of durable luxury vinyl plank flooring, upgraded bathroom layouts, and enhanced in-room lighting.
This feedback-first approach reflects a broader shift toward data-informed capital investment strategies within tribal gaming operations.
“The completely remodeled Buffalo Tower represents progress, pride, and our long-term commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience,” said Mike Heavner, Interim General Manager of Treasure Island Resort & Casino. “This investment strengthens our foundational business and helps ensure a vibrant future for generations to come.”
Buffalo Tower Specifications
| Category | Details |
| Total Rooms | 246 (Part of 788 total property keys) |
| Construction Partner | Knutson Construction |
| Architectural Partner | RSP Architects |
| Key Amenities | Rain showerheads, kitchenettes, EV charging access |
| Year-One Guest Projection | 120,000 guests |
Economic Impact and Competitive Positioning
Beyond hospitality enhancements, the project delivered measurable economic impact.
Approximately 400 construction jobs were supported during the year-long buildout, including significant participation from tribal members and regional contractors.
Looking ahead, the resort projects the Buffalo Tower will host approximately 120,000 guests in its first year, representing an estimated 38% increase in lodging volume compared to 2024 levels.
From a strategic standpoint, the tower upgrade enhances Treasure Island’s ability to drive higher average daily rates (ADR) and extended-stay bookings. In an increasingly competitive Twin Cities gaming market, where tribal and commercial properties are investing heavily in amenities, the move positions Treasure Island to protect market share while elevating its brand perception.
By modernizing its oldest asset into a premium offering, the resort is executing a long-term reinvestment strategy to drive sustained revenue growth and regional dominance.
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