Minnesota winters have a way of making everyone want a hiding spot. Some folks pick a blanket and a couch.
Others drive south along the Mississippi River to a resort where the swimsuits come out even when the windshield needs scraping. Tucked inside this big, busy getaway is a pool area with an adults-only section, a swim-up bar, and an outdoor hot tub reserved for grown-ups.
Add a lazy river, bowling lanes, a steakhouse, an amphitheater, and a casino floor, and the place starts to feel like a small island town. The best part is that it sits less than an hour from downtown St. Paul.
Keep reading for the details on where it is, what makes the water park worth the drive, where to eat, what to know before booking, and the honest quirks that come with a resort this size.
An Island Address on Sturgeon Lake Road
Nobody expects a tropical theme in Goodhue County, yet here one is. Treasure Island Resort & Casino sits at 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089, overlooking the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota.
The resort is about 11.5 miles from Red Wing and roughly 35.8 miles from downtown St. Paul. That puts it within easy reach for a Twin Cities day trip or a spontaneous overnight escape.
It is classified as a resort hotel, but that label undersells things a bit. The property bundles together a hotel, a casino, an indoor water park, a golf course, a bowling alley, arcades, a fitness center, and a concert amphitheater.
The overall theme leans Caribbean, which explains the island name and the lagoon-style pool area. Inside, the mood is lively rather than sleepy.
Parking costs nothing, which is a pleasant surprise for a resort this size. When the closer spots fill up, shuttles cruise the lots often, and golf carts even ferry guests from parking areas to the doors.
So the snow can pile up outside, and the trip from car to lobby stays short. That is a decent start for a place promising to make cold nights disappear.
A Caribbean Mood Beside the Mississippi
River country and island décor make an unusual pair. Somehow, the combination works here.
The Mississippi provides the setting, while the resort supplies the theme. Bright tropical touches show up across the property, from the lagoon name of the water park to the overall island branding.
That contrast is part of the fun. Outside, the landscape is pure Minnesota river valley, with all the seasons that come with it.
Inside, the goal is clearly a vacation feel without a plane ticket. The resort tries to pack the energy of a bigger destination into a spot just off a rural road near Welch.
Guests who come for one thing often notice everything else on the way. A concert crowd might wander through the casino before a show, while a family heading to the pool passes the bowling alley and arcade.
The result is a place that hums at most hours. Quiet corners exist, but they take a little hunting.
For travelers who like their weekends busy and varied, the setting delivers plenty to do under one roof. The river view is just a handy reminder of where the island actually landed.
The Swim-Up Bar Everyone Talks About
Here is the headline feature, and it lives in the water. The pool complex, known as The Lagoon, includes an adults-only section with a swim-up bar.
Grown-ups can wade over, grab a beverage, and stay right in the pool. No towel shuffle, no puddles trailing across the floor.
The swim-up bar comes up again and again among guests, and it is easy to see why. It turns a regular pool afternoon into something closer to a mini getaway.
Families are not left out. Separate kid-friendly zones sit nearby, so parents can relax in the adult area while children splash in their own space.
That split setup is a big reason the water park gets praise as a place for relaxing while the little ones play. Lifeguards staff The Lagoon, which adds peace of mind.
Most of the complex is indoors. That detail matters a lot in January, when an outdoor pool in Minnesota would be more of a dare than a plan.
Call it a tropical vacation with a Minnesota zip code. The bar stays put, and so, quite happily, do the people around it.
An Outdoor Hot Tub Just for Grown-Ups
Some resorts save the best seat for last. At this one, it might be outside.
Beyond the mostly indoor pool area, an adults-only hot tub sits outdoors. The property lists two hot tubs overall, and this open-air one earns special mention among guests.
A soak under the Minnesota sky is the kind of thing that makes winter feel less like a chore. The water stays warm while the season does its thing around it.
Timing helps. Guests who visit on a Monday have reported having the outdoor hot tub entirely to themselves.
Weekends, by contrast, tend to bring bigger crowds to The Lagoon. Anyone hoping for a calm soak should consider a weekday stay.
Pool access is free for hotel guests, so the hot tub is included in the room rate. A pool and casino card is handed out to guests, and front desk staff can point the way if a card machine is acting up.
Cold night, warm water, no kids splashing nearby. That simple recipe explains why this corner of the resort has fans.
Lazy River Laps and Family Splash Zones
Floating in circles has never seemed so productive. The Lagoon includes a lazy river, and it ranks among the most liked parts of the water park.
It pairs nicely with the swim-up bar for adults looking to alternate between drifting and lounging. Many guests mention both in the same breath.
For families, the kid areas give younger swimmers room to play. The layout keeps different age groups in their own zones, which tends to keep everyone happier.
Not every visit is flawless. Some guests found the water park crowded on busy days, and one noted water that looked less than clear.
Changing options are also limited, with no full locker rooms in the pool area. Arriving in a swimsuit under clothes is a smart move.
Even with those caveats, the water park is a big draw. Plenty of guests simply call it a great water park and leave it at that.
The trick is planning around the crowds. Weekday mornings and quieter afternoons give the lazy river room to live up to its name.
Tower Rooms, From Basic to Whirlpool Suites
Where guests sleep matters almost as much as where they swim. The resort offers rooms in several towers, including the newer Buffalo Tower and the Wolf Tower.
Standard rooms come with cable TV and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and minifridges.
Suites go further with kitchenettes, separate sitting areas, and whirlpool tubs. Concert crowds have described their suites as top notch.
The Buffalo Tower gets especially warm words for being clean and updated, with security posted at the elevators. Many guests call the rooms spacious and the beds comfortable.
A few points are worth knowing before booking. Microwaves only appear in upgraded rooms, which surprises some travelers who want to reheat leftovers.
Housekeeping experiences vary. Some guests report spotless rooms and quick responses to requests for extra pillows, while others ran into cleaning or air conditioning problems.
A smart move is to ask which tower the room is in and check it on arrival. A quick look at the bed and thermostat can save a lot of hassle later in the night.
Slots, Blackjack, and the Bingo Crowd
Slots get mentioned more than any other topic tied to this resort, and that says a lot. The casino floor offers slot machines, table games, and bingo.
Blackjack is a regular topic too. Some longtime guests feel that lower-limit tables are harder to find, with minimums often starting around $15.
Bingo has its own loyal following and gives the casino a more social side. It is a nice option for anyone who prefers a game with a room full of neighbors.
The casino is often described as clean, with machines working as they should. It can get very busy, especially on weekends and around concerts.
A smoking section exists and can be packed. Guests sensitive to smoke may want to steer clear of that area, although some have noticed improvements in the hotel’s air.
Opinions on payouts and promotions vary widely. Some guests say comps used to be better, while others leave with a happy surprise.
Set a budget, treat it as entertainment, and let the rest of the resort carry the weekend.
Strike Zone: Bowling and Arcade Games
Not everyone wants to spend the evening at a slot machine. Thankfully, the resort has bowling lanes, and they draw plenty of attention.
The bowling alley is a frequent favorite, often described as a blast. It works for couples, friend groups, and families looking for something different.
An arcade sits inside the bowling area. Grown-ups seem to enjoy it as much as kids, with couples reporting plenty of laughs over the games.
Food served in the bowling area gets strong praise as well. Some guests liked it so much they went back for a second meal the same day.
One heads-up: bowling can feel pricey to some. A few guests checked it out and decided to stick with the arcade instead.
Calling ahead or checking lane rates on arrival helps avoid surprises. Busy nights can also mean a wait for open lanes.
For a winter night when the pool is packed, this area offers a solid backup plan. Spare time, it turns out, has a good home here.
Dining Spots From Buffet to Steakhouse
Hungry guests have a handful of choices without leaving the property. Options include a regional buffet, fast food counters, several bars and lounges, and a steakhouse.
Tado Steakhouse stands out as a highlight for many. Some guests who were disappointed elsewhere still called their steakhouse meal the best part of the night.
The Tradewinds buffet gets mixed feedback. Some diners found it excellent, while others felt it was overpriced for the selection.
Breakfast at the buffet seems to earn better marks than dinner for some. A special seafood buffet also runs on certain Thursdays, which some guests plan trips around.
Currents is another stop worth knowing about. It stays open late and offers a quieter atmosphere away from the casino noise.
Mongos also earns enthusiastic praise from concert weekend crowds. Prices can be reasonable, with one guest noting a burger with fries for about $15.
Room service may not be available, so planning meals around restaurant hours is wise. A snack in the room never hurts either.
Amphitheater Nights and Lounge Music
Concerts bring a whole different crowd to Welch. The resort has an amphitheater that hosts live shows, and it draws fans from across the region.
Events such as Rock the Island have left guests already planning their next trip. Multi-day concert weekends make the hotel a natural home base.
Concertgoers often arrive early and spend time inside the casino before shows. Shuttles help move people between lots and venues.
Back inside, the main lounge offers live music and sports viewing. Drawings and game-day events add a social twist for anyone hanging around in the evening.
Lines at the bar areas can grow long when staffing is thin. Patience pays off on busy event nights.
Booking early is a good idea when a big show is on the calendar. Rooms can fill fast once a popular act is announced.
Music, crowds, and a pool waiting back at the hotel make for a pretty full itinerary. The encore, in this case, comes with a lazy river.
Golf, Fitness, and Spa Extras
Warmer months unlock a different side of the resort. A golf course is part of the property, along with a fitness center and a spa.
Golfers can tee up without driving elsewhere. That said, packages need some care.
One guest found a golf stay-and-play package more expensive than expected, with an extra charge added at check-in. Comparing package prices against booking a room and tee time separately is a smart step.
The fitness center gives early risers a place to keep routines going. It is a handy option for business travelers too.
Speaking of work trips, the resort has a business center and free Wi-Fi. Some guests in the area for work have booked last-minute stays without trouble.
The spa rounds out the relaxation side of things. Pair it with the adults-only hot tub, and a weekend can turn surprisingly restful.
Laundry service and an airport shuttle are also listed among amenities. Those small extras make longer stays a lot more manageable.
Rates, Parking, and Booking Smarts
Budget matters, so here are the numbers available. Listed room prices have started around $82, while guests have reported paying about $120 on a weeknight.
Weekend and event rates can climb much higher. One guest paid around $400 a night, so dates make a big difference.
Pool access is free with a hotel stay. Parking is also free, with frequent shuttles and golf carts helping guests from far lots.
Breakfast is paid separately. The resort is listed as pet-friendly, kid-friendly, and accessible.
Check-in and check-out are often described as quick. Front desk experiences vary, so it helps to ask questions clearly and double-check room details.
Weekdays offer quieter pools and lower rates. Mondays, in particular, have brought near-empty hot tub time for some lucky guests.
For reservations or questions, the resort lists the phone line 800-222-7077 and its website, ticasino.com. A quick call before booking can clear up package details and room types.
Worth the Winter Drive
So, does the island deliver on its promise? For anyone chasing a warm escape from Minnesota cold, the answer leans yes.
The adults-only pool section, swim-up bar, and outdoor hot tub form a strong trio. Add the lazy river, bowling, and steakhouse, and a weekend fills itself.
It is not a perfect resort. Room consistency, buffet quality, and crowded weekends draw complaints, and casino payouts get mixed opinions.
Going in with realistic expectations helps. Pick a weekday if possible, check the room on arrival, and plan meals ahead.
The location remains a big plus. Under an hour from St. Paul, it works as a quick reset without a long road trip.
Many guests leave already planning their next stay. That tells a story on its own.
When the thermometer drops and the snow keeps coming, this stretch of the Mississippi offers a pool, a bar you can swim to, and a tub under the stars. Cold nights, consider yourselves outnumbered.
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