“Tourism’s impact is wide-reaching and significant. The industry powers local economies throughout the state. Visitors sustain jobs and create livelihoods. Wisconsinites save money because of the tax dollars tourism brings in. Tourism is essential for Wisconsin and all its communities.”
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2025 economic impact data showing Chippewa County’s tourism generated a record economic impact of $205 million, contributing to Wisconsin tourism’s booming year.
Chippewa County tourism broke its economic impact record set in 2024, marking 4 years of record-breaking tourism. Statewide, Wisconsin tourism is booming, generating a record $27 billion in economic impact in 2025. The highest-ever visitation fueled the state’s record-breaking year, which surpassed the previous high of $25.8 billion set in 2024 and extends Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking streak to four years.
Strategic tourism promotion, record visitation and broad visitor spending across seasons and the state, including Chippewa County, brought in more dollars for Wisconsin and Wisconsinites than ever before.
“Reaching a record $205 million in economic impact reflects not only our hard work but also the work of our community businesses and attractions,” said Ellie Peabody, Tourism Director for GO Chippewa County. “Our community is everchanging and our strategic marketing efforts simply amplify the work of all the great attractions businesses, and events in Chippewa County. From outdoor recreation and scenic waterways to vibrant annual events and locally owned businesses, Chippewa County is a place where visitors come to make lasting memories. We’re proud to be part of Wisconsin’s continued tourism growth and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Wisconsin tourism hosted 117.9 million visits in 2025, including all-time highs for both day and overnight trips, for back-to-back record years for visitation. Across the state, the tourism industry supported more than 183,000 part- and full-time jobs, and locally, tourism
supported 1,497 jobs in Chippewa County. Statewide, tourism generated a record amount of state and local taxes at more than $1.7 billion, helping offset costs for Wisconsinites. In Chippewa County, tourism generated $12 million in state and local taxes. Without the revenue generated by tourism, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $692 to maintain the current level of government services.
“Wisconsin tourism is booming because it is the ideal destination for making memories. Travelers who choose to visit one more attraction, dine at one more restaurant and stay one more night generate many more dollars for Wisconsin tourism,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Tourism’s impact is wide-reaching and significant. The industry powers local economies throughout the state. Visitors sustain jobs and create livelihoods. Wisconsinites save money because of the tax dollars tourism brings in. Tourism is essential for Wisconsin and all its communities.”
We invite travelers to discover all that Chippewa County has to offer and start planning their next visit at gochippewacounty.com. View the 2025 economic impact data here.
