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Hayward Lakes reports $155 million in tourism economic impact for Sawyer County in 2025
Summary
The Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau reported a record $155,000,000 in tourism economic impact for Sawyer County in 2025, a 3.1% increase year over year that supports an estimated 958 local jobs and reflects growth from shoulder-season marketing.
Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau director Mindy Simons told the Sawyer County committee that tourism generated a record $155,000,000 in economic impact for the county in 2025, a 3.1% increase from the prior year.
Simons said the figure equates to roughly $424,657 in economic impact per day and supports about 958 local jobs. She credited targeted shoulder-season campaigns, especially YouTube efforts, for bringing more visitors outside peak months and helping lodging, restaurants and attractions maintain year-round business.
"We had a record year again, dollars 155,000,000 in economic impact for Sawyer County," Simons said. She noted this marked the fourth straight year of growth for the county and that statewide tourism totals were also at record levels.
Committee members asked how Wisconsin ranks nationally; Simons said the state was around 21st or 22nd and has been rising in recent years. She said neighboring counties also generally saw gains, with some variation.
Why it matters: Tourism is a major driver of local employment and tax base in Sawyer County; committee members heard the numbers in advance of a fuller annual report expected next month.
What happens next: Simons will deliver her annual report to the committee next month with more detailed fiscal-year metrics and marketing outcomes.
