Year-round Gambling Fun at Leelanau Sands Casino

n the eastern side of the Leelanau Peninsula, is a casino owned by a people with a rich history - the Anishnabek. They were the people of the Three Fires Confederacy: the Odawa (Ottawa), Ojibwa (Chippewa) and Bodowadomi (Pottawatomi). They were peaceful and successful traders who traded with the French and English when they came to the area. Wars, unfortunately, followed. The English won the first and the French moved north. The Americans won the second and, in time, the US Government became interested in the peoples' land. In 1836, two-thirds of the land which now makes up the State of Michigan was ceded by the people in a treaty which also reserved hunting, fishing and gathering rights for the people.

Treaty or no, the people went without services from 1855 until 1980. The people applied for federal recognition three times before being approved in 1980 and being re-recognized as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. In 1983, the tribe created an Economic Development Corporation to serve its membership. The Leelanau Sands Casino followed as did Turtle Creek.

Leelanau Sands is located north of Suttons Bay in Peshawbestown about 35 miles from the Visitors Center, 19 miles north of Traverse City. It offers slot machines, card games, bingo, entertainment, food and beverage services and a small amount of lodging.

For more information, visit www.casino2win.com/leelanau_sands.