Casino/Hotel/Travel Plaza
The images are for illustration only we are still in the planning stages on these projects.
A New Era of Opportunity: The Timbisha Shoshone Casino, Hotel & Travel Center
Timbisha Shoshone Casino, Hotel & Travel Plaza proposed for Inyokern, California, near the junction of US 395 and 178:
Timbisha Shoshone Casino, Hotel & Travel Plaza — Inyokern, California
The Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, long based in Death Valley, has recently secured federal approval to establish a casino on a 20-acre parcel of land in Inyokern, at the northwest corner of Highway 178 and US 395—roughly eight miles west of Ridgecrest in Kern County. The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs issued final determination in July 2024 to take the parcel into trust for tribal gaming and related purposes.
Project Overview & Phased Development
Plans envision the project unfolding in two phases:
Phase I
- A 20,000 sq ft gaming and entertainment facility
- Approximately 349 slot machines and six table games
- Restaurants, meeting rooms, and lounge space
- Estimated cost: over $30 million
Phase II
- Hotel, convention center, expanded dining including a travel Plaza
The compact signed between Governor Gavin Newsom and the Tribe in August 2024 allows Class III gaming and up to 1,200 slot machines under a 25-year agreement.
Economic & Cultural Benefits
The Casino and Travel Plaza is poised to provide substantial economic stimulus:
- Job creation for both tribal members and local residents
- Ancillary growth for regional businesses and tourism
- A major financial platform for tribal economic self-sufficiency and cultural preservation
Location & Amenities
The site’s strategic placement near US 395 and CA 178 makes it a natural hub for travelers and tourists. The envisioned travel plaza complements the casino and hotel, offering:
- Fueling and convenience services
- Dining options
- Rest facilities for highway traffic
- Access to nearby attractions, including the Coso petroglyphs, Ridgecrest artifacts, and Death Valley National Park.
Tribal Context & Heritage
The Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, also known as Nümü Tümpisattsi (“People of the red-ochre place”), have inhabited the Death Valley region for millennia . Federally recognized in 1982, their land rights were renewed with the 2000 Homeland Act, which returned over 7,500 acres including 340 acres within Death Valley National Park to the Tribe—making it the only U.S. national park to contain an Indian reservation.
Their first reservation was established at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, later expanded to reflect ancestral homelands. Despite federal recognition, gaming operations were restricted within park boundaries, leading the Tribe to pursue this new venture in Inyokern.
What Comes Next?
Next steps include:
- Completion of environmental impact assessments
- Local agreements for law enforcement, utilities, and infrastructure
- Detailed design and permitting process
- Phase I groundbreaking once approvals are complete
What Travelers & Locals Can Expect
When complete, the facility aims to deliver:
- A mid-sized casino offering Vegas-style gaming
- A travel plaza with dining and convenience services
- A boutique hotel catering to leisure and business travelers passing along US 395 / CA 178
- Opportunities to explore tribal culture, regional attractions, and art heritage
In Summary
The Timbisha Shoshone Casino, Hotel & Travel Plaza in Inyokern stands as a landmark—bridging native economic empowerment, regional growth, and cultural affirmation. With federal trust status secured and a phased development plan in place, the project promises to be a vibrant destination for visitors and a cornerstone of the Tribe’s future prosperity.