The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2025 economic impact data showing Jackson County tourism generated a fourth consecutive record economic impact of $66 million, contributing to Wisconsin tourism’s booming year.
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 Jackson County, brought in more dollars for Wisconsin and Wisconsinites
than ever before.
“Tourism continues to be a major economic driver for Jackson County, supporting local jobs,
strengthening small businesses and helping showcase everything that makes Black River
Country a memorable destination,” said Robert Crampes, Executive Director of the Black River
Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center. “From outdoor recreation and local events to
dining, shopping and lodging, visitor spending has a meaningful impact across our communities.
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 443 jobs in
Jackson County.
Statewide, tourism generated a record amount of state and local taxes at more than $1.7 billion, helping offset costs for Wisconsinites. In Jackson County, tourism generated $4.2 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.”
The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center promotes Jackson County and
Black River Country through year-round marketing efforts that highlight the area’s outdoor
recreation, local events, lodging, dining, shopping and community attractions. Through
blackrivercountry.net, visitor resources, community event promotion, social media outreach
and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, the Chamber helps connect travelers
with the experiences that make Jackson County a great place to visit, explore and make lasting
memories.
To plan your next trip or learn more about upcoming events, visit blackrivercountry.net.