At the heart of the Wildhorse expansion is Quaking Aspens
Lanes, a 24-lane, state-of-the-art bowling center that provides lively activity
for families, friends, novice and serious bowlers. In the future, competitive
bowlers may see leagues and tournaments in the lineup.
Owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the bowling center’s name is inspired by Tribal history. “Nixyáawii” was what the Cayuse named the area where the Tribe’s winter encampment was located. Translated, the word refers to the groves of quaking aspen trees that grew around the springs. Equivalent to a large town, the encampment was the base for celebrations, games, root digging and horse racing. The upscale bowling center is divided by a concourse with 16 lanes on one side and 8 boutique lanes on the other. The larger area is targeted for open and league play while the boutique lanes can be reserved for private parties and events.
Adjacent to the boutique lanes are two party rooms available to rent for family and business events or simply a friends’ night out. The two rooms can be can be opened up to a single, larger space for bigger groups, when needed. Event planners can opt for party packages or full catering service, depending on their preferences.
Service and convenience are a big part of the experience at
Quaking Aspens Lanes. Bowlers can choose from an all-inclusive food court menu
and place their order with a lane server who will deliver their snacks, meals
and beverages. Menus can be viewed online or at the lane terminals.
A full bar located in the bowling center provides beverages
and seating. Meals and snacks can be ordered at the bar or carried from the
food court allowing guests to dine while watching the competition in the lanes.
The food court at Wildhorse will feature two independent
vendors and two Wildhorse operations. Three restaurants will offer full menus
and one will specialize in ice cream and sweet treats. A 3000 square foot
dining room will seat up to 110 people in a warm, comfortable setting.
The new vendors bringing even more culinary options to Wildhorse are Moe Ph? and Brigham Fish ‘n Chips. Owners of both restaurants have roots in Pendleton.
Wildhorse will be the second location for Moe Ph?, the first
being in downtown Pendleton. Owned by Whitney Minthorn and Moe Soeum, their
focus is on popular cuisine from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Many
ingredients are sourced from Thailand and the eatery provides gluten-free and
vegan/vegetarian options. In business since February 2018, Moe Ph? Noodles
& Cafe prepares their food fresh to order with high quality ingredients and
authentic recipes.
Also opening a second location is Brigham Fish Market. The Brigham family is well known for harvesting and selling fresh, wild-caught fish along the Columbia River. In 2014, Kim Brigham-Campbell opened a full service restaurant in Cascade Locks selling both fresh fish and prepared meals including fish and chips, po’boy sandwiches and chowders. The Wildhorse shop will be called Brigham Fish ‘n Chips and features a selection of favorites from the Market’s menu.
Minthorn and Brigham-Campbell are both members of the
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
The Wildhorse-run restaurant serves family favorites like
pizza, burgers, salads and appetizers. The ice cream and pastry shop is right
next door and features quality Tillamook ice cream along with an assortment of
treats to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Between the food court and bowling center, visitors will find the new Wildhorse arcade which is significantly larger than the old arcade with almost 2500 square feet of play space. Young gamers can choose from over 30 high-tech games and experiences in a single room, a luxury you don’t often find in rural resorts.
Arcade guests use their “fun card” as currency at arcade machines. The card can be loaded with any amount desired and is rechargeable. It keeps track of points racked up by players which they can then take to the redemption center for prizes.
Owners of Wildhorse Resort & Casino, the CTUIR, have eagerly anticipated the opening of the Family FunPlex. Board of Trustees Chairman Kat Brigham expressed the tribes’ passion for this significant project.
“The Tribe is very pleased to see our planning for the FunPlex move forward. We are very pleased to offer bowling as a sporting activity for the entire community,” stated Brigham. “So many families love this sport and we all look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this entertainment venue.”
The Family FunPlex is expected to open to the public before
the end of September. Updates and information can be found at https://www.wildhorseresort.com/family-funplex/
or call 800-654-9453.
About Wildhorse Resort & Casino:
Centrally situated between Boise, Spokane and Portland,
Wildhorse Resort & Casino is a premier destination for family getaways,
business meetings and large conventions. The resort features a 24-hour casino,
bowling center, hotel, RV Park, ten restaurants, a five-screen Cineplex,
18-hole championship golf course, travel plaza (for commercial trucks and
private vehicles) and a tribal museum. Expanded in 2011 and 2020, there is no
destination experience like it in the Pacific Northwest. Wildhorse offers over
1200 slots, all your favorite table games, live keno, bingo and live
entertainment Thursday-Saturday. Wildhorse is located just off I-84 at
exit 216, four miles east of Pendleton, OR. Wildhorse is owned and operated by
the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
