In an effort to diversify its business operations, the Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority, an entity of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, says it will break ground soon on a nearly $20 million expansion to Northern Quest Resort & Casino.

The expansion will bring entertainment attractions for children, a new retail store, and what the KTEA describes as a high-end, 17-acre RV resort.

“We want to continue to look at bringing outside dollars in to this community,” says Brandon Haugen, general manager of affiliate Kalispel Development Co.

Haugen made the announcement at a press conference at Northern Quest on Wednesday. Work on the project is expected to start this spring and to be completed in early spring 2018.

The expansion will include constructing 40,000 square feet of additional space connected to the south side of the casino.

Cyber Quest, an adult-supervised arcade featuring up to 70 nonviolent video games and attractions for children, will occupy some of the new space. Kids Quest, a separate attraction for children up to age 12, will feature an indoor gym, space for arts and crafts, a karaoke stage, and quiet places for reading or tablet use, Haugen says.

A new, Kalispel Tribe-owned retail store will feature outdoor items, home goods, and jewelry for sale. The store, named Windfall, will be open to the public and offer benefits for Northern Quest Camas Club reward members, he says.

The RV resort will be located south of the casino adjacent to the tribal-run Chevron gasoline station near Sprague Avenue. The Kalispel Tribe is partnering with nationally-recognized RV resort developer Bud Surles to design and manage the park. It will have seven luxury sites, 36 over-sized standard sites, and 29 pull-through spaces with full hookups.

Haugen says the RV park is expected to draw 50,000 visitors per year.

“We’re really excited to draw new people in that are coming from out of market,” he says