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, GM 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 past 25 years, Northern Quest has expanded into a destination resort through a series of developments, including the opening of a 250-room hotel and spa in 2009, a second 192-room hotel tower in 2023, and the introduction of an outdoor concert venue in 2011 that was later expanded to host up to 5,000 guests. The resort has also received a AAA Four Diamond rating for its hospitality and dining standards.
The resort’s growth has supported the Kalispel Tribe’s broader economic diversification and reinvestment in tribal government services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural preservation. Since 2000, the tribe has contributed more than $26 million to regional charitable and community initiatives, with tribal leaders noting that these efforts are closely tied to Northern Quest’s long-term performance.
To mark its 25th anniversary, Northern Quest will host a year-long celebration throughout 2026, highlighted by the “Quest for the Million” giveaway, which will conclude with a guaranteed $1 million prize awarded on January 1, 2027. Additional anniversary activities will roll out during the year and include a mix of gaming, dining, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and fuel-related offers, many of which are available to Camas Club members.
The anniversary is structured as a year-long observance rather than a single event, reflecting the resort’s focus on sustained engagement. Looking ahead, Northern Quest plans to continue reinvesting in the property, including future updates to the hotel and casino floor, while maintaining its stated emphasis on 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.”
The anniversary marks an opportunity to acknowledge the Spokane-area community, returning guests, and team members who have supported the resort over the past 25 years. Looking ahead, the Kalispel Tribe plans to continue recognizing its history while making ongoing investments in the property, guided by its stated approach to hospitality and long-term community benefit.
