LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — La Crosse County tourism reached a new milestone in 2025, generating $530 million in economic impact and breaking the previous record by $11 million.
The 2025 figure surpassed the previous record of $519 million set in 2024, representing significant growth in the region’s tourism sector. The county now ranks ninth out of 72 Wisconsin counties for visitor spending.
Major events continue to draw thousands of visitors to the region annually, including Oktoberfest, Irishfest, and the state track championship. These events, combined with the area’s natural attractions, contribute to the county’s strong tourism performance.
“What we have to offer as far as topography, outdoor recreation, our convention centers, got some great hotels, wonderful shopping — I mean it’s just so many things that attract people to the La Crosse region,” said A.J. Frels, executive director of Explore La Crosse.
The tourism boom extends beyond La Crosse County’s borders. Statewide, tourism generated $1.7 billion in state and local taxes in 2025. La Crosse County contributed over $36 million to that total in state and local tax revenue.
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