Island Resort & Casino announces new plans for golf course, convention center

HARRIS, Mich. (WJMN) — Big improvements and additions are in the works for a casino’s golf course and convention center in the south-central Upper Peninsula.

A spokesperson for the Island Resort & Casino announced a $19 million investment into a two-year plan to add nine more holes to its golf course and thousands of square feet to its convention center, among other improvements.

The Island’s general manager said the idea to expand their golf operations was born out of the fact that tee times are often booked solid in the morning throughout the summer. The new holes will not be an addition to the existing course, but a new course of its own.

The new nine-hole course, to be called Cedar, will be designed by Paul Albanese, and “will be inspired by golden age architecture focused on natural landscapes and featuring popular template green complexes designed into the natural environment while offering beauty and strategic play,” according to the spokesperson.

The general manager said the play on the course will have more movement than its Sweetgrass course, and less-severe land features than Sage Run.

In addition to the new course, Sweetgrass is planned to get a new golf shop with lockers and guest showers, as well as a full-service bar and pro shop.

The convention center expansion is set to add 16,900 square feet of space to their current offering, including a new ballroom and high-capacity kitchen.

The new grand ballroom will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 750 guests seated and up to 1200 guests for larger expos and events, adding a much-needed large event space to the area.

“The new facility is designed to better accommodate larger events, including business conventions,” says the general manager. “By offering expanded meeting space conveniently located between Lower Michigan and Northern Wisconsin we will meet the increased demand from regional groups. Many of these groups are looking to have multiple day events during the week. We are in the unique position to also provide hotel accommodations sufficient for these large conventions.”

You can find more information about the Island Resort & Casino on their website.

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