ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – It has been an unusual summer for Escanaba due to extensive construction projects, hazardous weather conditions, and other challenges. However, tourism numbers are holding strong.
“We have seen sustained growth in the tourism economy over the past decade or so,” said Visit Escanaba CEO Robert Micheau.
According to Micheau, early indicators are signaling another year of growth.
“Which is great,” he said, “considering there have been some headwinds with tourism, with high gas prices and some of the wildfire smoke that we had, which was during some of the premium days this summer.”
Another obstacle has been the massive reconstruction project underway on Ludington Street. Still, people are coming.
“The construction has impacted tourism from the standpoint that folks haven’t been able to enjoy the downtown, but it’s great to see that development happening,” said Micheau. “We’re really excited next year to welcome folks to the new downtown.”
Much of that traffic is thanks to regular visits from cruise lines.
“There’s been more cruise ships this year, and we’ve seen that trend going up annually,” Micheau said. “More and more people are coming to Delta County and finding it during their summer travel plans.”
The area’s biggest draw is just over a week away—the U.P. State Fair. Last year, the weeklong event grew in attendance by .5%, and the revenue generated by the rides on the midway broke records.
“It’s been going up every year, and probably over 100,000 people again this year,” Micheau said. “The U.P. State Fair is more than just one of the biggest events in the Upper Peninsula every year. It’s a homecoming for so many people. One of the great parts is seeing all the staff and hundreds of volunteers. It would not be possible without the passion of the local folks.”
Despite some less-than-ideal conditions this summer, Visit Escanaba says the U.P.’s natural resources and welcoming atmosphere are sure to attract visitors.
“For Delta County especially, we have so much freshwater shoreline,” said Micheau. “That’s what really brings folks back here every year, a chance to experience nature in the Upper Peninsula. They also are touring to connect with each other, family members, and friends. The greatest draw to the Upper Peninsula is folks that want to tour the U.P. and enjoy it for what it is.”
Head to visitescanaba.com to see more of what draws tourists to Escanaba each summer.
