Southwest Wisconsin Sees Slight Dip in Tourism Revenue Amid Statewide Growth

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Southwest Wisconsin Sees Slight Dip in Tourism Revenue Amid Statewide Growth

Statewide, tourism’s total economic impact grew from $25 billion in 2023 to $25.8 billion in 2024

Jun 19, 2025, 7:42 AM CST

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Southwest Wisconsin (CIVIC MEDIA) – While Wisconsin’s tourism industry posted another record-breaking year in 2024, several counties in southwest Wisconsin experienced a slight decline—largely due to unfavorable weather, according to local leaders.

Statewide, tourism’s total economic impact grew from $25 billion in 2023 to $25.8 billion in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of growth. In contrast, Grant County saw its tourism revenue fall by approximately 2.8%, from $112 million to $109 million.

Lafayette and Iowa counties each reported modest declines of 0.7%, with tourism impacts totaling around $29 million and $77 million, respectively. Crawford County was the exception in the region, recording a small increase of 0.3% to reach $73 million.

Officials remain optimistic and point to ongoing efforts to strengthen local attractions and visitor experiences in the year ahead.


Adam Hess

Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.

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