Kah-Nee-Ta facts for kids
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Kah-Nee-Ta Resort & Spa was a popular resort in central Oregon, United States. It was located on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, close to the town of Warm Springs. The resort offered fun activities like swimming, golf, and a spa. Sadly, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort closed its doors on September 5, 2018.
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History of Kah-Nee-Ta Resort
The story of Kah-Nee-Ta Resort began with natural hot springs near the Warm Springs River. A doctor who was not part of the local Native American tribes owned the land around these springs.
How the Tribes Got the Land Back
In 1961, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs bought the land back. They started to rebuild the hot springs spa. This was an important step for the Tribes to control their own land and resources.
Building the First Resort Features
A big event called the great flood of 1964 caused damage to the spa and its bridge. But the Tribes worked hard to rebuild. Between 1964 and 1965, they added many new things. They built a huge Olympic-sized swimming pool, cozy cottages, a restaurant, and even traditional tepees for guests to stay in.
The Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge Opens
In 1971, the Tribes began building the main Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge. They used special loans from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help pay for it. This agency helps communities grow and create jobs. The lodge was designed by a company called Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects. It had a unique look from the 1970s, mixing Native American and Scandinavian styles. A giant fireplace in the lobby showed off this cool design.
Adding a Casino and Golf Course
By 1995, the resort grew even more. The Tribes added a casino and made the convention center better. This allowed Kah-Nee-Ta to host bigger events. In 2001, the resort and casino officially joined together. They became known as Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort & Casino. A golf course was also part of the resort's fun offerings.
Moving the Casino and Resort Closure
In December 2011, the casino at Kah-Nee-Ta closed. The Tribes decided to move it to a new spot called the Indian Head Casino. This new casino was built on U.S. Route 26. It was easier for travelers to reach, which meant more visitors and more money for the Tribes.
After the casino moved, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort focused on being a family-friendly place. It highlighted its golf course and spa. However, despite efforts to keep it open, the resort faced challenges. On September 5, 2018, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort officially closed. This meant that all 146 employees lost their jobs.
