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Our Rating: 4.4 / 5
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Gaming Floor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) |
| Hotel & Accommodations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) |
| Dining | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) |
| Entertainment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) |
| Location & Accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) |
In summary: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is Minnesota's largest and most recognized tribal casino, offering an expansive gaming floor, comfortable hotel accommodations, and a full entertainment complex just 25 miles from downtown Minneapolis. It's the go-to destination for Twin Cities casino visitors and a benchmark for Minnesota tribal gaming.
Overview: The Flagship of Minnesota Tribal Gaming
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel sits in Prior Lake, MN — about 25 miles south of Minneapolis — on land belonging to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). The SMSC operates Mystic Lake as part of its broader tribal gaming enterprise, and the property has grown over the decades into one of the most sophisticated casino resorts in the Midwest.
This is not a small regional stop. With over 4,000 slot machines, more than 90 table games, a full-service hotel with 300+ rooms, multiple dining options, and a concert venue that draws nationally recognized acts, Mystic Lake competes directly with destination casinos in Nevada and the Gulf Coast — while maintaining a distinctly Minnesota character.
The casino operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There's no closing time, no downtime, and no off-season.
Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372 Phone: (800) 262-7799 Hours: 24/7
Gaming Floor
Slots: 4,000+ Machines
The slot floor at Mystic Lake is genuinely massive. With more than 4,000 slot machines, this is one of the largest slot floors in the Upper Midwest. You'll find everything from penny slots and classic three-reel machines to high-denomination games and the latest video slots from major manufacturers including IGT, Aristocrat, Scientific Games, and Konami.
The variety is a genuine strength. Whether you prefer traditional fruit machines, progressive jackpots, licensed video slots (based on movies, TV shows, and pop culture), or high-limit rooms with premium machines, Mystic Lake has dedicated areas for all of them. The high-limit room in particular caters to serious slot players with premium seating and a higher-end atmosphere.
Progressive jackpots are live throughout the floor, with some local progressives and linked jackpots that can reach significant six-figure amounts.
Table Games: 90+ Options
The table game selection at Mystic Lake is exceptional for a Midwest tribal casino. With 90+ table games, you'll find:
- Blackjack — Multiple variants including standard, double-deck, and shoe games at various limits
- Roulette — Both American and European wheels available
- Craps — Full craps tables with a lively atmosphere on weekends
- Baccarat & Mini-Baccarat — Popular with both casual and high-stakes players
- Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold'em — Carnival-style poker variants
- Poker Room — Dedicated live poker room with Texas Hold'em cash games and tournament play
Table limits range from $5 minimums during off-peak hours to $25–$50 minimums on weekend evenings at popular tables. The poker room runs its own schedule of cash games and tournaments — check the Mystic Lake website or app for current blind levels and tournament schedules.
Gaming Atmosphere
The casino floor is well-maintained, clean, and brightly lit — a comfortable environment even for long sessions. The air quality has improved in recent years with better ventilation systems, a notable upgrade from older tribal casino properties. Staff on the floor are generally attentive and professional.
The Hotel at Mystic Lake
The hotel component — officially called The Hotel at Mystic Lake — offers 300+ guest rooms and suites designed to support multi-night stays. Rooms are modern and well-appointed, with a quality level you'd expect from a 3.5–4 star hotel brand.
Room Types
- Standard King and Double Queen rooms — comfortable, well-sized for a casino hotel
- Suites — several tiers of suite options for larger groups or higher-spend guests
- Cabins and Villas — the property also offers a cabin/villa experience at the adjacent Little Six Casino and surrounding grounds, offering a more secluded alternative
Hotel Amenities
- Indoor pool and fitness center
- Spa services
- Concierge and valet parking
- In-room amenities consistent with a full-service hotel
The hotel is connected directly to the casino, so guests can walk from their room to the gaming floor without stepping outside — a genuine convenience in Minnesota winters.
Booking note: Hotel rates vary significantly by date. Weekend rates are higher, and event weekends (major concerts, sporting events) can see rates spike substantially. Book in advance for weekend stays.
Dining
Mystic Lake's food and beverage program is broader than most regional casinos. Options include:
Full-Service Restaurants
- The Meadows at Mystic Lake — The flagship dining room with a full American menu, serving steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes. Reservations recommended on weekends.
- Buffet — When operating, the buffet offers a wide selection across multiple stations. Hours vary; check current availability.
Casual and Quick-Service
- Mystic Deli — Deli-style sandwiches and quick bites for players who don't want to leave the floor long
- Grab-and-go options throughout the casino for snacks, beverages, and light meals
Bars and Lounges
Multiple bar areas are distributed throughout the gaming floor, with cocktail service available tableside from gaming staff as well. The bars offer a full liquor selection and feature live music on select evenings.
Overall dining assessment: The dining at Mystic Lake is solid and covers all the bases, but it's not the primary reason to visit. The Meadows is reliably good for a sit-down meal. Expect casino pricing — a step above fast casual but below fine dining in quality-to-price ratio.
A newer addition to the dining scene has been a rotating set of pop-up and seasonal dining concepts that take advantage of the property's outdoor space during Minnesota's warmer months. These range from BBQ setups to themed food events tied to entertainment weekends. They add a welcome variety to what can otherwise feel like a static dining rotation in a large casino environment.
Entertainment
Mystic Lake's Prior Lake Entertainment Venue hosts a robust entertainment calendar of national touring acts, comedians, and special events. The venue has hosted major country, rock, hip-hop, and pop artists — it's a legitimate mid-size concert venue, not just a lounge act setup.
The entertainment calendar is one of Mystic Lake's strongest differentiators versus other Minnesota tribal casinos. Ticket prices vary by act; many shows are general admission with floor standing and tiered seating options.
Beyond the concert venue, the property hosts:
- Seasonal outdoor events on the property grounds
- Poker tournaments with prize pools that attract regional players
- Special gaming promotions tied to holidays and event weekends
Check the Mystic Lake website for the current entertainment schedule. Visiting on an event night significantly enhances the atmosphere but also increases crowds, parking pressure, and table game minimums.
Tips for Visitors
1. Join the MClub Rewards Program Mystic Lake's loyalty program — MClub — earns points on both slot play and table games. Points convert to free play and dining credits. Sign up at the Players Club desk before you play. Even if you're visiting once, the free play offers for new signups are often worthwhile.
2. Arrive Early on Weekends Mystic Lake gets genuinely busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Slot machines at your preferred denomination may be occupied, table minimums will be higher, and wait times at restaurants will be longer. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, Sunday afternoons or weekday evenings are significantly quieter.
3. Use Valet or the Parking Ramp The surface lots fill up fast on busy nights. The parking ramp and valet service are your best options for avoiding a long walk, especially in winter.
4. Check the Entertainment Calendar Before Booking Concert nights drive significantly higher hotel rates and a much more crowded casino floor. If your goal is serious gaming rather than entertainment, avoid concert weekends unless you're there for the show.
5. ATM Fees Are High — Bring Cash Like all casinos, ATM fees at Mystic Lake are steep. Withdraw cash at your bank before visiting, or use your debit card at the cashier cage where fees may be lower.
6. Designated Driver and Rideshare Options Mystic Lake is outside the metro, so plan your transportation. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) do serve the property, though surge pricing on busy nights can be significant. The casino also has a free shuttle from certain Twin Cities locations — check their website for the current schedule.
7. Download the Mystic Lake App The Mystic Lake mobile app gives you access to your MClub balance, current promotions, entertainment schedules, and dining reservations all in one place. It's particularly useful for tracking point balances and knowing when promotions are active before you head to the floor.
8. Set a Budget Before You Walk In This applies everywhere, but especially at a property as large and immersive as Mystic Lake. The scale of the gaming floor, the comfortable environment, and easy access from the hotel room all make it easy to lose track of time and spend. Decide on your session budget before you start playing and stick to it.
Minnesota Tribal Casino Comparison
How does Mystic Lake stack up against other major Minnesota tribal casinos?
| Casino | Location | Slots | Table Games | Hotel | Concert Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Lake Casino Hotel | Prior Lake (25 mi S of Minneapolis) | 4,000+ | 90+ | Yes (300+ rooms) | Yes (large) |
| Treasure Island Resort & Casino | Red Wing (45 mi SE of Minneapolis) | 2,400+ | 70+ | Yes | Yes (mid-size) |
| Grand Casino Hinckley | Hinckley (75 mi N of Minneapolis) | 2,000+ | 50+ | Yes | Yes |
| Black Bear Casino Resort | Carlton (150 mi N, near Duluth) | 2,200+ | 55+ | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line on comparisons:
- Mystic Lake wins on size and gaming variety — no MN tribal casino comes close on pure scale
- Treasure Island offers a more scenic, resort-like setting on the Mississippi River and is popular for weekend getaways
- Grand Casino Hinckley is a convenient stop for I-35 travelers heading north and appeals to players who prefer a slightly less crowded environment
- Black Bear is the Duluth-area option with a loyal regional following and strong entertainment bookings
For Twin Cities residents, Mystic Lake's combination of proximity, scale, and full resort amenities makes it the default first choice.
Is Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Worth Visiting?
Yes — especially for Twin Cities residents. Mystic Lake is the largest, most accessible, and most full-featured tribal casino in Minnesota. The gaming floor alone justifies a visit for any serious casino enthusiast. The hotel, dining, and entertainment options make it viable as a full resort stay rather than just a day trip.
For players accustomed to Las Vegas or major regional casinos in Atlantic City or the Gulf Coast, Mystic Lake will feel familiar in scale and quality — a genuine destination casino, not a rural gaming hall.
For players curious about legal online gambling options in Minnesota, note that Mystic Lake does not offer online casino play. This is a land-based only operation. Minnesota's tribal compact does not include online gaming provisions. For discussions of the legal landscape for online and sweepstakes gaming in Minnesota, see our SF4474 coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mystic Lake Casino the biggest casino in Minnesota? Yes. With 4,000+ slot machines and 90+ table games, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is the largest casino in Minnesota by gaming floor size and overall amenities.
Is there a hotel at Mystic Lake Casino? Yes. The Hotel at Mystic Lake is a full-service hotel with 300+ rooms and suites directly connected to the casino. The property also offers cabin and villa accommodations.
How far is Mystic Lake from Minneapolis? Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is approximately 25 miles south of downtown Minneapolis in Prior Lake, MN. Drive time is typically 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Does Mystic Lake have an online casino? No. Mystic Lake is a land-based casino only. There is no online casino or mobile gambling app associated with Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.
Is Mystic Lake open 24 hours? Yes. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Who owns Mystic Lake Casino? Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), a federally recognized Native American tribe based in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Is there a dress code at Mystic Lake? Mystic Lake does not enforce a formal dress code for the casino floor. Smart casual is the norm; flip-flops and beachwear are generally frowned upon but there's no strict enforcement. Upscale dining venues may have informal standards.
MinnesotaCasinoReview.com covers land-based tribal casinos across Minnesota. We do not carry affiliate links for Mystic Lake or any tribal casino property.