KENOSHA, Wis. – The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin says a federal environmental review has found no significant impacts from its proposal to build a Hard Rock casino resort in Kenosha, moving the long‑planned project a step closer to federal approval.
The tribe announced Friday that the Bureau of Indian Affairs concluded its Environmental Assessment for the $360 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Kenosha, determining the project would have “insignificant” effects on air quality and no impact on wetlands or other protected resources. The review covered roughly 60 acres near Interstate 94.
“This is a long‑awaited opportunity, and we are excited to have arrived at the next phase in this process,” Menominee Tribal Chairman Joey Awonohopay said. He said the project would create more than 1,000 permanent jobs and deliver significant economic benefits to Kenosha County and the state.
The Menominee have pursued federal and state approval for a Class III gaming resort in Kenosha for more than a decade. The tribe and Hard Rock International — owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida — have an agreement with the city to purchase the former Dairyland Greyhound Park site for $15 million if all approvals are secured.
Project details
Plans for the Hard Rock Kenosha resort include:
- A 150‑room hotel
- A 2,000‑seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue
- Seven restaurants and bars
- A casino with 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, and a sportsbook
Although the Menominee reservation is more than 150 miles north in Keshena, the tribe maintains historical ties to the Kenosha area, allowing it to seek federal trust status for the land.
A favorable Environmental Assessment is a key step toward the Department of the Interior taking the land into trust, which would allow the tribe and Gov. Tony Evers to negotiate a Class III gaming compact. Former Gov. Scott Walker previously rejected a similar proposal over concerns about impacts on the Potawatomi casino in Milwaukee. Evers has signaled more openness to the project.
City support and next steps
The environmental review now enters a public comment period. Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala said the findings bring the project “closer to reality,” calling it a major economic opportunity for the region.
Under the city’s agreement, the casino would pay Kenosha $100,000 annually for the first three years, rising to $1 million for years three through eight and $2.5 million thereafter. The city would also receive a small share of gaming revenue.
