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ATV tourism fuels Hill City's economy; leaders invest in park, playground and school amenities
Summary
Mayor Dave Lang said ATV tourism is critical to Hill City's businesses, citing packed streets in summer and an economic-impact figure of about $16.8 million countywide for the Northwoods ATV trail; the city has built a $150,000 playground, plans multi-use courts with CEDA support and highlights its school as a community asset with out-of-district enrollment.
Mayor Dave Lang said Hill City’s economy relies heavily on ATV visitors. "Our our survival of of the town is based on ATVs, I'd say," Lang said, describing busy downtown streets during summer months that support bars and restaurants.
The host cited an economic-impact study estimating about $16,800,000 annually in direct spending from the Northwoods ATV trail across the county; Lang noted that figure is countywide and not specific to Hill City. To capture visitor benefits and serve residents, the city invested in a $150,000 playground installed about a year ago and is planning additional courts for pickleball and basketball. Lang said Hill City works with CEDA to develop grants and that the organization has helped with several local projects.
Lang also highlighted the school as a major community asset, saying roughly 8% of students come from outside the district and that the district operates a bus route into Grand Rapids with multiple pickup points. School facilities, including a conference room, host regional groups and boards, bringing outside visitors into the community.
Officials presented tourism-driven economic activity as central to local planning; Lang said the city continues to pursue grant support and facility improvements to leverage the ATV season and provide services for residents.
