After six years of development, the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, N.D., has opened its three-story riverboat casino, the River Willow, which is almost 80 feet long and will ply Lake Sakakawea on the Missouri River with an initial three cruises daily. The craft features 45 slot machines, two live card tables, and a bar on each of its three levels.
The project initially received a five-year permit, but delays required the casino to seek an extension from the federal government and an additional five-year permit was granted.
The christening ceremony was Wednesday with its maiden voyage with the public aboard.
“We’re here today to get this boat christened and put on the water,” said Patrick Packineau, co-general manager of 4 Bears Casino & Lodge told the Williston Herald. “We had a lot of calls today… (we have) a lot of people who want to come.”
Despite a successful opening, the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge took to Facebook on Thursday to cancel its 4th of July schedule because of rising water levels affecting the dock. The planned festivities, which included sailings from 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-midnight with on-board fireworks viewing, did not go ahead.
Starting Wednesday, the River Willow will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, with sailings scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 3-6 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $20, and the boat is also available for private bookings.
This year, 4 Bears Casino & Lodge adjusted its gambling age from 21 to 19 years old, opening the venue to more players. The casino is owned by the Three Affiliated Tribes, also known as the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation.
