The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs marked a milestone Saturday, July 11, with the grand re-opening of the Plateau Travel Plaza following a significant expansion and remodel. The facility, a major tribal enterprise along U.S. Highway 26, now features an expanded convenience store, a remodeled restaurant with both grab-and-go and sit-down dining options, and a gaming room that has doubled in size.
But beyond the square footage, organizers say the redesign was deliberate in honoring the community whose land the plaza sits on.
"We Did Everything in Threes"
General Manager Sean McDaniel described the design philosophy rooted in tribal representation. "We did everything in threes to represent the three tribes," McDaniel said, referencing the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Northern Paiute peoples who make up the Confederated Tribes. "All the pendants on the ceiling are in threes, and there are three rings at the entrance."
At the entrance, visitors are now greeted by curated artifact displays celebrating the cultural history of the Warm Springs community. Gaming Board Chair Fran Moses-Ahern thanked community members who helped put those displays together, calling it an important step in keeping tribal heritage visible to both residents and the thousands of travelers who pass through each year.
Opening Day Celebration
Saturday’s celebration drew a strong community turnout, with promotional fuel discounts, menu tastings from the revamped restaurant, live entertainment, and a drone show rounding out the festivities. The event reflected the kind of community pride the Tribes say drove the entire project.
The Plateau Travel Plaza serves as both a commercial hub and a point of cultural pride for the Warm Springs Reservation. It is among the primary tribal business enterprises accessible to travelers on Highway 26 between Madras and Government Camp, making it a significant economic driver for the reservation.
What the Expansion Means
For tribal members and local residents, the reopening represents more than a facelift. The expanded food service and larger retail footprint are expected to increase employment opportunities within the reservation. Tribal enterprises like the Travel Plaza provide revenue that funds essential government services for the approximately 4,000 enrolled tribal members who call Warm Springs home.
The Confederated Tribes have steadily expanded their economic footprint in recent years, and the Travel Plaza upgrade reflects continued investment in infrastructure that serves both the tribal community and regional visitors.
The plaza is located on U.S. Highway 26 in Warm Springs, approximately 25 miles northwest of Madras.