Ho-Chunk Casino rides wave of Wisconsin Dells
By JON SINGER
Ho-Chunk Casino, Hotel, and Convention Center is the fourth-largest Indian gambling site in the United States. It is located right outside of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., making it a prime tourist destination.
The casino is a draw for the entire Midwest, especially those in or around Chicago and Milwaukee. It's a two-hour drive from Brew town, and about three from Chicago. This means it can be a day trip – if your money can last long enough!
ATMOSPHERE / CROWD
Ho-Chunk is complete with a hotel, restaurants and convention center. So it draws people from many backgrounds. It also pulls in tourists from nearby hotels and camp sites surrounding Wisconsin Dells. When the sun goes down, Ho-Chunk gets started. There also are plenty of young adults ages 18 to 20, as bingo is legal for their age range.
ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS
Ho-Chunk offers 48 blackjack tables, 2,700 slot machines and a 500-seat bingo room. It has frequent blackjack tournaments, too.
The casino also features plenty of glitzy concerts. Notable acts of winter 2004 include the Fifth Dimension, Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker and Crystal Gayle.
GRUB / SPIRITS
For sports fans, there's Wo-Zha-Wa grill and pub. It is open for dinner daily and also for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Stand Rock Buffet serves breakfast lunch and dinner for rates of $6.95 to $24.95 for different menu choices. The Sunrise Cliffs Café offers family dining from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Finer tastes can choose the Copper Oak Steakhouse, which features upscale entrées and a impressive wine list. It is close Mondays, and open for dinner only other days of the week.
PRICES
As with most casinos, Ho-Chunk draws visitors in by enticing prices for food. It also has slots and tables of various price ranges so even the poorest can strike it rich – or lose their money.
WHY IT'S UNIQUE
Ho-Chunk's location is prime. Where else can adults go after riding the Ducks in Wisconsin Dells all day? Ho-Chunk is a good size, too. It's enough fun for Milwaukee and Chicago residents to take a trip and enjoy.
