4 Bears Casino & Lodge Expansion Project Nears Completion in North Dakota
Construction crews continue work on the $100 million expansion at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota, where the original two-story lodge has already been removed to clear space for a new seven-story tower. The project adds gaming rooms, dining options, meeting spaces, wellness facilities, and guest accommodations to the property operated by the Three Affiliated Tribes.
Reports from June 2026 indicate that several core elements of the tower stand ready or close to opening, while other features such as the spa and additional guest rooms are scheduled for later in the summer. When fully operational the expanded resort will contain 265 rooms in total.
Project Scope and Design Changes
The demolition of the previous two-story structure allowed planners to introduce a taller building footprint that accommodates expanded operations under one roof. The new tower incorporates additional gaming rooms alongside a fine-dining steakhouse, a sports bar, a ballroom, a spa, a fitness center, and 90 new guest rooms plus supporting amenities. Observers note that the vertical design increases capacity without requiring further land acquisition on the reservation.
Developers coordinated the sequencing so that gaming and select food-and-beverage outlets could open first, followed by wellness and lodging components. This phased approach keeps revenue streams active during the final construction stages while crews complete interior finishes on the upper levels.
Timeline and Current Status
Work on the expansion reached an advanced stage by early June 2026, with exterior framing and major mechanical systems already installed. Project managers confirmed that the seven-story tower will deliver the majority of its programmed spaces before the remaining guest rooms and spa receive final fit-out. The staggered completion schedule reflects standard construction practices that prioritize operational areas over secondary amenities.
Local coverage from KFYR-TV documented site visits showing interior partitions, elevator shafts, and utility connections progressing on schedule. Weather conditions on the northern plains have remained favorable for exterior work through late spring, supporting the current timeline.
Facility Additions and Capacity
Once finished, the property will feature a consolidated set of amenities that include expanded gaming floors, multiple dining venues, event space, and wellness offerings. The 90 new rooms bring the total room count to 265, providing increased lodging inventory for visitors traveling to the region. Additional amenities encompass back-of-house support areas that enable efficient service across the larger complex.
The design integrates the new tower with existing casino operations, allowing guests to move between gaming areas and the new outlets without leaving the building envelope. This connectivity supports continuous foot traffic through the property during peak periods.
Regional Context and Tribal Operations
4 Bears Casino & Lodge functions as a key economic asset for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. The expansion aligns with ongoing efforts by tribal governments to modernize hospitality infrastructure while maintaining regulatory compliance under state-tribal compacts. Data from the National Indian Gaming Commission shows that tribal gaming facilities across the United States continue to invest in property upgrades to meet visitor demand.
North Dakota state records indicate that gaming revenue contributes to tribal programs including health services, education, and infrastructure on the Fort Berthold Reservation. The current project represents one of several capital improvements undertaken by the Three Affiliated Tribes in recent years.
Conclusion
The $100 million expansion at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge remains on track for phased openings throughout summer 2026. Completion of the seven-story tower will deliver additional gaming, dining, meeting, wellness, and lodging capacity, bringing the property total to 265 rooms. Construction updates released in June 2026 confirm that major structural and operational elements are advancing toward final inspection and licensing approvals.