AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WA – When the Kalispel Tribe of Indians opened Northern Quest Casino in December 2000, it did so at a defining moment for a small tribe determined to build a more secure future. What began as a modest gaming facility, over the past 25 years, has grown into the Pacific Northwest’s premier entertainment destination and a cornerstone of tribal self-sufficiency. In 2026, Northern Quest will mark its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration honoring the journey, the community, and the future ahead.
Opened on December 28, 2000, as a 55,540 sq. ft. casino, Northern Quest Resort & Casino has expanded through multiple phases into a destination resort spanning more than half a million square feet, featuring 442 hotel rooms and suites, a luxury spa, live entertainment venues, and a wide range of dining and beverage experiences. The resort employs more than 1,700 team members and generates more than $275 million in annual economic impact for Spokane County and the surrounding region, according to the Kalispel Tribe.
“To reach 25 years is a powerful moment for our tribe and for Northern Quest,” said Nick Pierre, General Manager of Northern Quest Resort & Casino and a Kalispel Tribal Council Member. “This property exists because of the support of our community. Its success has allowed us to take care of our people, invest in the Spokane region, and welcome guests with the kind of hospitality our tribe has always believed in. This anniversary is about honoring where we’ve been and looking ahead to what’s next.”
The growth of Northern Quest has played a central role in the economic stability of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. When the casino first opened, the tribe employed approximately 50 people. Today, Northern Quest is one of the region’s largest private employers, supporting thousands of local families through direct employment and business partnerships.
Over the years, Northern Quest has evolved into a full-scale destination resort, marked by several major milestones, including:
- The opening of a 250-room hotel and spa in 2009, followed by a 192-room second hotel tower in 2023, making Northern Quest the largest casino resort in the Pacific Northwest.
- The launch of an outdoor concert venue in 2011, expanded in 2018 to accommodate 5,000 guests, drawing nationally touring artists across a variety of genres
- Recognition through the AAA Four Diamond rating, reflecting the resort’s hospitality and dining standards.
Beyond the resort, Northern Quest’s success has enabled the Kalispel Tribe to diversify its business portfolio and reinvest in essential tribal government services, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural preservation. Since 2000, the Kalispel Tribe has donated more than $26 million to charitable organizations and community initiatives across the region, with a focus on education, healthcare, social services, arts and culture, and environmental conservation. Tribal leaders have said the tribe’s ability to give back is directly tied to the long-term success of Northern Quest and its role in supporting tribal self-sufficiency and community investment.
As part of the anniversary, Northern Quest will host a year-long 25th anniversary celebration throughout 2026, anchored by “Quest for the Million,” the largest community giveback in the resort’s history. The year-long initiative will culminate in one winner walking away with a guaranteed $1 million on January 1, 2027 – the largest guaranteed prize in Spokane history. This giveaway is intended as a thank you to the community that has supported Northern Quest for 25 years. Throughout the year, Northern Quest will unveil additional resort-wide events, themed experiences, and special offers. Many of the anniversary offerings are available to Camas Club members and are designed to recognize loyal guests while highlighting the scope of the milestone. Anyone in the community can sign up for a free Camas Club membership with a valid ID.
Anniversary elements planned throughout the year include:
- “Quest for the Million” – year-long giveaway culminating in a guaranteed $1 million cash drawing on January 1, 2027
- Limited-edition 25th anniversary Camas Rewards cards
- 25th anniversary-themed gaming table felts
- Various earn-and-get promotions offered throughout the year
- Anniversary dining offers at several on-property restaurants
- A year-long sweepstakes for 2027 season passes to events at Pend Oreille Pavilion and BECU Live
- Select ticket add-ons and limited-time ticket offers tied to the anniversary
- 25th anniversary-themed hotel room keys and shuttle branding
- A special anniversary hotel package, select discounted room rates, and upgrades are offered throughout the year
- A Silver Anniversary spa package is available throughout the year
- Commemorative elements tied to select spa events
- Limited-edition 25th anniversary apparel and merchandise available at Windfall and Marketplace
- Rotating retail specials tied to the anniversary
- A 25-cent fuel discount is offered on the 25th of each month at Kalispel Market Chevron locations for Camas Rewards card users
The year-long approach reflects the importance of our 25th anniversary and the desire to celebrate Northern Quest and its guests beyond a single event or weekend.
As Northern Quest enters its next chapter, the focus remains on continued reinvestment, including future updates to the hotel and casino floor, while maintaining a commitment to guest experience and Kalispel hospitality.
“Our goal has always been to be the premier entertainment choice for this community,” said Pierre. “That means continuing to invest, continuing to improve, and continuing to give back.”
This anniversary is ultimately a moment to thank the Spokane-area community, loyal guests, and team members who have supported the resort over the past 25 years. As Northern Quest looks ahead, the Kalispel Tribe remains committed to honoring its history while continuing to invest in the future – guided by the tribe’s principles of Kalispel hospitality and shared community success.
