Some of the best Minnesota surprises show up when you only planned a quick stop on a river drive. You pull in expecting a regular hotel and a snack, and suddenly you are drifting on warm water while the kids splash happily in a whole other zone.
Add a grown-ups-only soaking area, a hot tub under the open sky, and pizza worth a second visit, and an easy day trip turns into a story you tell friends for weeks. Here is why this river-country hideaway deserves a spot on your next road trip list.
A Caribbean Getaway Tucked Beside the Mississippi
Palm-tree vibes in river bluff country sound like a mix-up, yet that is exactly what waits at 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd in Welch. Treasure Island Resort & Casino sits overlooking the Mississippi River, wrapped in a lively Caribbean theme that feels miles away from a Minnesota winter.
Getting there is simple. The resort is about 11.5 miles from Red Wing and roughly 35.8 miles from downtown St. Paul, which makes it an easy drive from the Twin Cities for a weekend or even a single day.
Under one big roof, guests find modern hotel rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool area, a golf course, bowling lanes, arcades, a fitness center, and a spa. A casino with slots, bingo, and table games rounds things out.
Think of it as a small island resort that happened to land in southeastern Minnesota, and stayed because the scenery was too pretty to leave.
Towers, Rooms, and a Fresh Buffalo Tower Upgrade
Picture checking in on a whim after a work trip and landing in a brand-new tower. Visitors who stayed in the newer Buffalo Tower often describe it as clean, updated, and downright gorgeous, with security posted near the elevators for extra peace of mind.
Standard rooms come with cable TV and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and minifridges, while suites bring kitchenettes, separate sitting areas, and whirlpool tubs.
A quick tip from regulars: if heating up leftovers matters to you, book one of the upgraded rooms, since basic rooms may not include a microwave. Guests frequently mention spacious layouts and comfortable beds, and others note that experiences can vary from room to room.
Check-in and check-out are often called a breeze, especially for concert crowds. With room rates that can start around $74, the value is hard to argue with.
The Lagoon and Its Lazy River
Splash first, plan later. The Lagoon is the resort’s water park, and it might be the main reason families circle this place on the calendar.
Most of the pool area is indoors, which means a sunny tropical mood even when snow piles up outside. A lazy river winds through the space, and guests regularly call it one of the best parts of their stay.
Lifeguards keep watch, and visitors note the area feels well staffed.
Little ones get their own family areas for safe splashing, so parents can relax a bit. Pool access is free for hotel guests, a nice bonus that keeps the whole day budget friendly.
Weekends can get busy, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday may give you more room to float. One guest found the place nearly empty on a Monday, which sounds like a dream for anyone craving quiet water time.
Grown-Ups Only: The Swim-Up Corner and Open-Air Hot Tub
Here is the secret many parents whisper about. Part of the pool area is set aside just for adults, complete with a swim-up spot where grown-ups can lounge in the water and lose track of the clock.
Guests describe it as the perfect place to unwind while the kids play happily in their own section nearby. Nobody has to choose between family fun and some well-earned calm, and that balance seems to win people over again and again.
Step outside and there is another treat: an adults-only hot tub under the open Minnesota sky. Imagine soaking in steamy water while cool river air drifts past, especially on a crisp evening.
One Monday visitor had the outdoor tub entirely to themselves. Regulars mention the swim-up area and lazy river in the same happy breath, which tells you plenty about how long folks like to linger here.
Bowling Lanes, Arcade Games, and That Famous Pizza
Ask a returning guest about their favorite meal, and you might hear a surprising answer: the bowling alley pizza. Several visitors loved it so much they ordered it for lunch and dinner on the same day.
The bowling lanes themselves are a big draw. People call bowling a blast, and the attached arcade gives couples and kids another way to burn off energy between swims.
One pair said they had more fun playing arcade games together than they expected.
Lane prices can run on the higher side, according to some guests, so it may help to plan a game or two rather than an all-night session. Still, the arcade and the food make this corner worth a stop even if you skip the pins.
When rain rolls across the river valley, this is where the whole crew can regroup, laugh, and grab a slice.
Steaks, Buffets, and Late-Night Bites
Hungry after a day of floating? You have options, from a regional buffet to quick fast food counters and sit-down spots.
Tado Steakhouse earns some of the warmest praise, with one guest calling it the highlight of their whole night. That is a proud Minnesota win, since a local steak like that can easily stand up to fancy big-city chains.
Currents, often open late, gets nods for its quiet atmosphere away from the busy casino floor.
Opinions on the Tradewinds buffet are mixed, though the prime rib and breakfast spread get compliments. Visitors mention a seafood buffet that may run on the last two Thursdays of the month, and others rave about the food at Mongos.
Value hunters will smile at a burger with fries for about $15. Even the vending machine surprised one guest with tasty vegan gyoza, proof that good bites hide in odd places here.
Concert Nights and a Lively Crowd
Music fans, take note. The resort has an amphitheater that hosts concerts, including multi-day events like Rock the Island, and many guests plan their stay around a show.
Concert visitors praise the easy flow of the weekend. Shuttles run often, the staff is described as friendly and helpful, and the rooms make a comfy home base after a loud, happy night.
One guest said they were already planning the next trip before they even left.
Inside, the main lounge offers live music and sports events with food and drawings, so there is usually something going on. The casino can get packed and has a separate smoking area, so smoke-sensitive guests may want to steer clear of that zone.
Who will love it most? Families wanting a water park break, friends on a quick getaway, and couples looking for a fun, low-key weekend close to home.
Know Before You Go
A little planning makes the visit smoother. Parking is free, and if you end up far from the entrance, shuttles and even golf carts often swing by to give guests a lift.
Room rates can start around $74, though prices climb for weekends, suites, and concert dates. Pool access is included for hotel guests, and you may need a card from the front desk area to get in, so ask staff if the machine gives you trouble.
A paid breakfast is available.
The resort is pet friendly, kid friendly, and accessible, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, laundry service, a business center, and an airport shuttle. Golfers can play the on-site course, though one guest suggested booking a room and tee time separately for the best deal.
For questions or reservations, call +1 800-222-7077 or visit ticasino.com. Weekdays tend to be quieter for anyone who wants the pools to themselves.
Why the Drive to Welch Pays Off
Nobody needs a plane ticket for a tropical afternoon. Less than an hour from St. Paul, this riverside resort delivers warm water, a lazy river, and a grown-ups-only hideaway that feels like a mini vacation.
It is not perfect, and some guests mention uneven housekeeping or busy weekends. Yet the highlights keep people coming back: the adults-only soaking areas, the open-air hot tub, the bowling alley pizza, and a steakhouse that holds its own against anything in a big city.
Many visitors call it budget friendly for the fun you get.
For Minnesotans who love a good deal and a short drive, that combination is hard to beat. Pack a swimsuit, pick a quiet weekday if you can, and give yourself a full afternoon to float.
Odds are you will be tagging a friend and planning the next trip before you even dry off.
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