6/11/2026

VILAS COUNTY - Vilas County set a new tourism record last year, with visitors spending $318.4 million throughout the county, according to newly released figures from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.  The total represents a $15.8 million increase over 2024 and surpasses the county's previous record of $302.6 million set just one year ago. Tourism's total economic impact in 2025 was $402 million. The figures also solidify Vilas County's standing as the top tourism destination in Wisconsin's Northwoods region.  Tourism remains Vilas County's largest industry, supporting 2,147 jobs in 2025. County businesses generated nearly $402 million in total sales, an increase of 5.2% over the previous year, while visitor activity generated $27 million in state and local tax revenue.  Across Wisconsin, tourism generated a record-breaking $26.9 billion in economic impact in 2025, a 4.4% increase over 2024.