Red Rock On Air

Every time we get a couple inches of snow, it seems as though all we focus on is how much of a hassle it is to shovel or snow plow our driveways. And for a state that averages over 45 inches of snow each year, it certainly can seem like a very large inconvenience. However we must keep in mind how beneficial snow actually is for our tourism industry.

In 2007, travelers spent nearly $13 billion dollars in Wisconsin, with $2.2 billion dollars of that coming from the winter months (December, January, and February.) That year, travelers spent $2.8 billion or 22 percent of the total expenditure amount on recreation. That includes everything from event fees to evening entertainment to sightseeing.

Because of Wisconsin’s climate we offer a unique, wide range of activities during the winter season. If you like being on the ice there are several ice fishing tournaments held throughout the state, in addition to Eagle River’s adult pond hockey championships. Likewise if you prefer the snow, Wisconsin is lucky enough to have several ski resorts and snowmobile trails that cover the entire state.
Last month, the Department of Tourism announced the beginning of their winter campaign titled “Originality Rules”. Several online, print, and television advertisements have been released to select Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois markets and will continue to run for the rest of the winter months.

If you would like more travel information or a travel-planning guide for your upcoming winter vacation you can visit www.travelwisconsin.com or call the Department of Tourism’s toll-free number at 1-800-432-TRIP (8747). You can also visit the Burnett County Information Center in Siren, which is located inside The Lodge at Crooked Lake, at 24271 State Road 35 North, online at www.mylodge.com/things_00.htm or you can call toll-free 1-877-THE-LODGE.

For those wishing to get out and about in Polk County, the Information Center is located at the intersection of Highways 8 & 35 (710 Hwy. 35) in St. Croix Falls. You can reach the center toll-free at 1-800-222-POLK or on the web at www.polkcountytourism.com.

Additionally, if you are interested in receiving an official Wisconsin snowmobile trail map or if you would like contact me regarding any legislative matter I can be reached toll-free at 1-888-529-0028 or by e-mail at Rep.Hraychuck@legis.wisconsin.gov.

(From Office of Ann Hraychuck).