Menominee Tribe Revives Hard Rock Casino Resort Proposal in Kenosha

The Menominee Tribe announced on December 23, 2025 a renewed plan to develop a Hard Rock branded casino resort in Kenosha, presenting a detailed concept for a major entertainment complex that would sit on roughly 60 acres of land. The proposal describes a roughly 70,000 square foot casino floor with about 1,500 slot and electronic gaming positions, roughly 55 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. Plans also call for a 150 room hotel with a spa, multiple restaurants including a Hard Rock Café, and a convention and entertainment venue.

Tribal leadership said construction would take approximately 18 to 24 months once federal and state approvals are secured. The project revives earlier efforts and frames a path that now requires a series of formal approvals. Local authorities must approve city and county land sales for the 60 acre parcel. At the federal level the Bureau of Indian Affairs must complete a trust land review under federal law. For gaming on land that is outside a reservation, the governor must concur for off reservation Class III gaming, a key step under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act framework.

For Menominee County residents the proposal carries both opportunity and uncertainty. If built, the resort would likely create construction jobs and sustained employment in hospitality, gaming and facility operations, while drawing visitors who could boost retail and service businesses in the region. At the same time local officials and residents will weigh potential impacts on roads, public safety services, housing demand, and environmental resources. Tribal sovereignty and the legal framework governing tribal gaming will shape negotiations over revenue sharing, regulatory oversight, and community benefits.

The immediate timeline centers on municipal land sale approvals and the initiation of the BIA trust review. State engagement and the governor's concurrence will follow as the project moves toward any compacting or regulatory decisions. Public meetings and hearings at the city, county, and federal levels are expected to shape the proposal as officials and community members evaluate the economic possibilities and local consequences of a new casino resort in the region.