Rendering of the new Bally's Marquette casino that is to replace the Casino Queen.
Marquette’s long history with riverboat casinos is coming to a close, as Bally’s begins construction on a new $21 million land-based venue to replace Casino Queen Marquette. The company also announced a fresh name for the project—Bally’s Marquette—marking a shift from its roots on the Mississippi River to a more modern facility on land.
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The Miss Marquette riverboat first opened back in December 1994 and has operated under several names over the years. Its latest chapter under Bally’s will leave behind the water-based gaming format entirely. The existing vessel will be sold off as part of the transition.
The new building will sit on a property that includes the old Pink Elephant Restaurant, once used as an onshore dining area for casino guests. Now, the entire operation will be brought onto land, creating a more accessible space with direct entry from the parking lot and improved comfort for visitors.
Robin Corbeil, general manager of Casino Queen Marquette, shared excitement about the change:
“We’re proud to honor Casino Queen Marquette’s deep-rooted connection to the community while ushering in an exciting new era as Bally’s Marquette. This transformation brings the entertainment experience our guests love onto land — making it more accessible, more comfortable, and more dynamic than ever before.”
Construction started back in October 2024 and is expected to wrap up in early 2026. Local officials, including Marquette Mayor Brittany Hemmer, have welcomed the change and said they look forward to strengthening the city’s relationship with Bally’s.
Bally’s Corporation recently completed a merger with The Queen Casino and Entertainment, the former owner of the riverboat. The company now operates casinos and resorts across the United States.
The current casino layout includes a pedestrian walkway that connects the boat to a nearby building across US Highway 18, which links Iowa and Wisconsin. That connection will no longer be needed once the new casino opens on solid ground.