Economic Development

Like other small reservations across the country, Prairie Island was a place of severe poverty as recently as the 1990's. The soil of the island is sandy and has limited value for farming. Many of the people subsisted on hunting, trapping, and fishing. Some homes did not receive electricity until the 1960's.

A bingo hall was opened in 1984, but real economic growth did not occur until the casino opened in 1991. The casino was grown rapidly, with additions in 1990, 1992, 1993, and 2000, including a 250-room hotel, and is known today as the Treasure Island Resort and Casino. The casino's name, "Treasure Island" is derived from the reputation Prairie Island has had as being a place rich in plants used to make traditional medicines.

The casino has been a source of treasure not only for the Prairie Island Community, but also for the whole region. AS a result of the casino, the Tribe is now the largest employer in Goodhue County, Minnesota.

Prairie Island Indian Community • 5636 Sturgeon Lake Road • Welch, Minnesota • 55089 • 1-800-554-5473