If you’re considering a getaway in the heart of West Michigan, Gun Lake Casino Resort has transformed from a regional gaming floor into one of the Midwest’s most complete destination resorts. With a brand-new 16-story hotel tower, a tropical indoor oasis, fine dining, a full-service spa, and over 2,300 slot machines, there’s a lot to unpack before you book.
This guide covers everything: rooms, amenities, dining, gaming, location, and honest tips, so you can plan your stay with confidence.
What Is Gun Lake Casino Resort?
Gun Lake Casino Resort is a 4-star casino resort located in Wayland, Michigan, just off Exit 61 on U.S. Highway 131, roughly halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. It is proudly owned and operated by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe.
The property recently completed a massive $300 million Phase 5 expansion, which officially opened in March 2025. The expansion added a luxury 16-story hotel tower with 252 rooms, a full-service spa, a 32,000-square-foot tropical indoor pool complex, upgraded dining venues, and new event spaces, cementing its status as a true destination resort in the Midwest.
Location and Getting There
Address: 1123 129th Ave, Wayland, MI 49348
The resort is conveniently situated approximately 25 miles from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, making it accessible for both drive-up and fly-in guests. Free on-site private parking is available. The highway location means easy access from I-131, though on weekends, the parking lot fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Nearby attractions include Van Andel Arena (24 miles), the Grand Rapids Art Museum (24 miles), and Grand Valley State University (24 miles), making it a good base for exploring West Michigan.
Hotel Rooms and Suites
The new hotel tower features 252 guest rooms and 31 suites, all designed with a modern, upscale aesthetic inspired by the Michigan landscape. Room amenities include:
- Air conditioning and climate control
- Private bathrooms with free toiletries
- Tea and coffee maker
- Hairdryer, work desk, and dining table
- TV, wardrobe, and laptop safes
- 24-hour room service
Standard check-in is at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out can be requested directly with the property. Room rates start around $235 per night with taxes and fees, based on current listings across major booking platforms.
The Ogema Suite — The Crown Jewel
The most exclusive offering is the Ogema Suite, a two-story, two-bedroom penthouse spanning an impressive 3,368 square feet. It features a private in-suite elevator, a full bar, a fireplace, a kitchenette, and panoramic views of West Michigan. If needed, guests can attach an adjacent balcony suite to create a three-bedroom configuration, ideal for groups or special occasions.
Pro tip: Rooms overlooking the Wawyé Oasis pool area offer a view into the atrium, so guests who prefer privacy may want to request a room on the other side of the building.
Wawyé Oasis — Michigan’s Most Unique Pool Experience
One of the most talked-about new features at the resort is the Wawyé Oasis, a stunning 32,000-square-foot glass atrium tropical paradise, a first-of-its-kind experience in the entire Midwest. The name “Wawyé” (pronounced WAH-Yay) signifies moving water in the Pottawatomi language.
Maintained at a comfortable 80 degrees year-round, the Oasis includes:
- A 21+ VIP Pool with a swim-up bar and in-water lounging chairs
- A Family Pool suitable for guests of all ages
- Private cabanas available for rent
- Poolside food and beverage service
- Live palm trees and tropical flora throughout the glass dome
- A concert stage with capacity for up to 1,000 guests for standing shows, or 400–500 for seated events
- Scheduled entertainment, including headliners and “dive-in” movie nights
The Oasis can also host private events, corporate gatherings, and wedding receptions, offering a truly unique venue unlike anything else in Michigan.
Important note for hotel guests: On some occasions, the Oasis is opened to the public with a $30 day-pass fee, which means hotel guests may compete with day visitors for chairs and cabanas. Arriving early is strongly advised, and booking a cabana in advance is recommended for a guaranteed premium spot.
MnoYé Spa — Relaxation Redefined
The MnoYé Spa (pronounced Mm-NO-Yay) opened alongside the hotel in March 2025 and offers a full-service luxury wellness experience. Spa highlights include:
- A saltwater tranquility pool with a saltwater whirlpool
- Private treatment rooms with customizable lighting and music
- Gooseneck massagers and bubble massage benches
- Deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, and reflexology services
- Couples treatment rooms
- A serene atmosphere designed to feel like a true retreat
The spa is conveniently bookable and earns consistent praise from guests for the quality and professionalism of the staff.
Dining at Gun Lake Casino Resort
With six dining venues on-site, there’s something for every appetite and occasion:
Shkodé Chophouse — The resort’s fine dining flagship, offering a contemporary American menu with premium steaks and upscale atmosphere. Note: Some guests find it slightly on the pricier side.
CBK (Craft·Bar·Kitchen) — Inspired by Michigan’s craft brewery culture, CBK is the go-to for casual dining, burgers, and craft beers in a relaxed setting.
Harvest Buffet — A fan favorite for variety and value. Guests regularly highlight this as one of the best dining options on the floor.
131 Sportsbar & Lounge — Over 6,500 square feet of sports viewing space with 1,000+ square feet of panoramic screens. Perfect for game days and live events.
Lucky Dragon Noodle Bar — The Asian-inspired option for noodle dishes and lighter fare.
Sandhill Café — Reimagined and reopened with the Phase 5 expansion, the café features an all-day breakfast menu and classic comfort food. A Sandhill Express grab-and-go outlet is also open 24/7 for hot meals, snacks, and drinks.
Complimentary self-serve coffee and soda machines are available around the casino floor, a nice touch that frequent visitors appreciate.
Gaming Floor
Gun Lake Casino Resort boasts one of the most expansive gaming floors in Michigan at over 150,000 square feet, comparable in size to iconic Las Vegas properties. The casino currently features:
- 2,300+ state-of-the-art slot machines
- Over 50 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette
- A high-limit table games room and a high-limit slots room for premium players
- A live poker room
- A modern sportsbook for sports betting
- Keno
For those who prefer gaming from home or on the go, there is also the Play Gun Lake online casino and sports betting app, available to Michigan residents.
Honest tip from real guests: Most visitors report that table games offer a more enjoyable experience than slots, with players at blackjack and roulette consistently reporting better outcomes.
Other Amenities
Beyond gaming and pools, the resort offers:
- A state-of-the-art fitness center
- Versatile meeting and event spaces for corporate groups, weddings, and conventions
- Appliques Gift Shop for souvenirs and travel essentials
- 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, and luggage storage
- EV charging stations in the parking area
- Free WiFi throughout the property
- Full-day security and on-site staff
What Guests Are Saying
Overall, Gun Lake Casino Resort earns strong reviews for its cleanliness, room quality, and friendly staff. Couples in particular rate the resort highly on Booking.com for two-person trips.
The most common praise points are the beautiful, spacious rooms, the welcoming and accommodating staff, and the quality of the Harvest Buffet and CBK dining. The Ogema Suite and MnoYé Spa receive glowing feedback for luxury and quality.
Areas where some guests express frustration include inconsistency in Oasis pool access for hotel guests, pool operating hours that can occasionally be limited, and the noise level from the gaming floor bleeding into some areas of the resort.
Is Gun Lake Casino Resort Worth Booking?
Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a full resort experience in West Michigan that doesn’t require a flight to Las Vegas. The $300 million investment has genuinely transformed the property into a multi-day destination. The combination of top-tier hotel accommodations, the one-of-a-kind Wawyé Oasis, a luxury spa, diverse dining, and a massive gaming floor makes it one of the most complete casino resorts in the Midwest.
For the best experience, book a room with no Oasis-facing windows if privacy matters to you, reserve your cabana at the Oasis in advance, make a dinner reservation at Shkodé Chophouse ahead of time on weekends, and check the Oasis schedule before booking to confirm it aligns with your stay dates.
Whether you’re a gamer, a spa enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a luxurious Michigan staycation, Gun Lake Casino Resort has something for everyone.
