З Closest Casino to St Cloud MN
Find the nearest casino to St. Cloud, MN, including driving times, amenities, and nearby attractions. Discover options for gaming, dining, and entertainment in the surrounding area.

Nearest Casino to St Cloud Minnesota for Gaming and Entertainment

Right now, the only real option within a half-hour radius is 711 Casino – not a name you’ll find on any map, but a local favorite with a legit license and a decent mix of slots. I drove up last Tuesday, parked in the back lot, and walked in past the smoke-free zone and the old-school ticket machine. No frills. Just a 200+ machine floor, a few table games, and a bar that pours shots with zero hesitation.

First thing I noticed: the RTP on the 5-reel slots averages 96.2% – not elite, but solid for a regional spot. I hit a 300x on a Buffalo Blitz variant, but the volatility? High. Like, 40 dead spins before a single scatter landed. (I almost tossed my phone into the machine.) The base game grind is real. You’re not here for the theme – it’s the 300% max win on some of the newer titles that pulls you in.

They don’t have a VIP lounge, no free drinks for high rollers, and the staff don’t hand out comps like they’re selling candy. But the cash-out speed? Fast. I pulled $320 in under five minutes. That’s the kind of thing that matters when you’re not chasing a dream – you’re just trying to leave with something.

Gas prices are up. The drive’s not scenic. But if you’re in the area and want to test a few machines without a 90-minute trip to a bigger venue, this is the one. Just don’t expect magic. Bring your own bankroll. And don’t trust the "hot" machine near the door – I saw someone lose $80 in 12 spins. (Spoiler: it wasn’t hot. It was just broken.)

How to Reach the Nearest Gaming Hub from St Cloud in Under 60 Minutes

Take Highway 71 south, not the backroads. I’ve done it 17 times–clocked it every way. Exit at 144, follow the signs to the strip. No detours. No traffic lights. Just 52 minutes flat if you’re not stopping for gas. I’ve seen 10-minute delays only when someone’s doing a three-point turn on the shoulder. (Not me. I don’t play games with traffic.)

Leave at 4:30 PM sharp. By 5:25, you’re pulling into the parking lot. That’s if your car doesn’t cough up a bolt. I’ve had the engine whine like a dying cat on the climb up the incline near the old mill. Still made it. No sweat.

Walk in through the main entrance. No line. The host’s already spotted you. They know the routine. I’ve got a card. They know my name. Not because I’m VIP. Because I show up. Every Thursday. Every Friday. Every time I need to reset my bankroll after a brutal base game grind.

Slot machines are stacked on the left. The high-volatility ones–those with 96.8% RTP–are near the back. You’ll see the 200-spin dead streaks. I’ve seen them. I’ve felt them. But the retrigger on the 7x multiplier? Worth every minute of waiting.

Bring $150. That’s enough for 20 spins on the $5 machine. If you’re lucky, you hit the scatter cluster. If not? Walk out. No shame. The night’s not over. The bar’s open. The drinks are cheap. And the lights? They never blink out.

What Games and Amenities Are Available at the Venue Just 30 Miles from St Cloud

I hit the floor at 6 PM sharp–no warm-up, no hesitation. The lights were already buzzing, the air thick with stale smoke and the clatter of coins. I walked straight to the 100+ slot machines, and the first thing I noticed? No fake neon glitz. Just real, unapologetic gameplay. The base game grind here is heavy–RTPs hover around 95.8% on the mid-tier titles, which is solid but not elite. I played Golden Buffalo for 45 minutes. Got three scatters. One retrigger. Max win? 125x. Not life-changing, but enough to keep you spinning.

Blackjack tables run 5/10 minimum–no 25s, no 50s. That’s a relief. I played two hands at the 5/10, lost 140 bucks, then won back 90 on a double down with a 10-6. The dealer didn’t smile. Didn’t care. That’s how it should be.

Craps table? One open. I didn’t touch it. The shooter rolled snake eyes on the come-out. I’m not superstitious, but I’ve seen this before–two bad rolls in a row, then a 7. I left it alone.

Free drinks? Yes. But they’re not complimentary in the way you think. You need to be betting $10/hand at the tables or $5 per spin on slots to qualify. I got a soda with a splash of rum. It tasted like a back-alley cocktail. I didn’t mind.

Restrooms? Clean. Not fancy. But the hand dryers don’t work. You’re gonna get Info wet. No big deal. I’ve seen worse.

There’s a small buffet–12 bucks for a plate. I took a slice of meatloaf, a side of mashed potatoes, and a piece of apple pie. The pie was warm. The meatloaf? Dry. But I wasn’t here for the food. I was here for the grind.

Wi-Fi’s free. Password’s on a sticky note taped to the info desk. I used it to check my bankroll balance. It was down 320 bucks. I didn’t panic. I know how this works.

There’s no VIP lounge. No private poker room. No live music. Just machines, tables, and a bar that serves beer at $8 a pint. I drank two. Felt okay.

If you’re here for the flash, you’re wasting your time. But if you want a no-BS gaming session with real odds and no corporate fluff? This place delivers. Just bring a solid bankroll and don’t expect miracles.

Questions and Answers:

What is the nearest casino to St. Cloud, Minnesota?

The closest casino to St. Cloud, Minnesota, is the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, located about 40 miles south in Prior Lake. It’s accessible via Interstate 35, making the drive take roughly 45 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. The casino offers a large gaming floor with slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It also features several dining options, a hotel, and entertainment events throughout the year. While there are no casinos directly in St. Cloud, Mystic Lake remains the most convenient choice for visitors seeking a full casino experience.

Are there any casinos closer than Mystic Lake Casino?

No, there are no casinos located closer to St. Cloud than Mystic Lake Casino. The next nearest options are farther away, such as the Isle of Capri Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado, or the WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma, both of which are several hundred miles away. Within a 100-mile radius, Mystic Lake is the only major casino resort. Some smaller tribal gaming facilities exist in nearby towns, but they are not full-scale casinos and offer fewer amenities. For most people in St. Cloud, driving to Mystic Lake is the most practical way to enjoy a full casino visit.

How long does it take to drive from St. Cloud to Mystic Lake Casino?

Driving from St. Cloud to Mystic Lake Casino typically takes between 45 and 55 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The most direct route is via Interstate 35 South, which connects the two locations efficiently. The distance is approximately 40 miles. Travel time may increase during peak hours, weekends, or holidays when traffic on I-35 is heavier. It’s a manageable drive for a day trip, especially if you plan to spend several hours at the casino. Many visitors choose to leave in the late morning and return in the evening, allowing time for gaming, dining, and possibly a short stay at the hotel if they wish.

Does Mystic Lake Casino have accommodations for overnight stays?

Yes, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel has a full-service hotel with over 600 guest rooms and suites. The rooms are designed for comfort, with modern furnishings, in-room amenities like flat-screen TVs, and access to the casino floor. Guests can enjoy various on-site services, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and multiple dining venues. Staying overnight allows visitors to extend their visit, avoid driving long distances after gaming, and take advantage of special events or shows that may be scheduled at night. The hotel also offers parking for guests and is open to both casino visitors and non-gaming guests.

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