WASHBURN COUNTY —The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2025 economic impact data showing Washburn County tourism contributed $56 million in economic impact to Wisconsin tourism’s booming year.
Statewide, 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 Washburn County, brought in more dollars for Wisconsin and Wisconsinites than ever before.
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-time and full-time jobs, and locally, tourism supported 477 jobs in Washburn County. Statewide, tourism generated a record amount of state and local taxes at more than $1.7 billion, helping offset costs for Wisconsinites.
In Washburn County, tourism generated $3.6 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.”
View the 2025 economic impact data here.
If you’d like to learn more about the Washburn County Tourism Association and how the organization promotes Washburn County and the area businesses, events, and activities, check out their website.
About Washburn County Tourism Association
Washburn County Tourism Association is a 501(c)6, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism in the Washburn County area. The organization is composed of individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in working to promote and improve tourism in Washburn County. An outstanding board of directors oversees the operation of the organization and empowers the WashCo tourism team to inspire travelers to visit Washburn County through their marketing, outreach, and public relations efforts.
About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.
Last Update: Jun 11, 2026 9:54 am CDT
