Tourism is a key sector of the Minnesota economy, comparable to agriculture in its contribution to the gross state product.
Minnesota’s leisure and hospitality industry account for more than 270,000 full and part-time jobs and close to $5.8 billion in wages.
Travelers in Minnesota spend more than $42 million per day. These dollars circulate widely into Minnesota’s local and state economies, supporting businesses and amenities that add to Minnesotan’s quality of life. Every $1 invested in state tourism marketing returns an estimated $10 in state and local taxes and $101 in spending by travelers.
In Polk County alone there were $51,876,583 spent in gross sales, $3,310,330 in state sales tax and 1,101 private sector jobs attributed to the Leisure and Hospitality Industry in 2017.
In Crookston, top attractions for visitors include the Polk County Historical Museum, wildlife viewing on the many wildlife refuges that surround our community, UMC’s floral and butterfly gardens, Veterans Memorial Walkway, our unique shopping; and of course the CSC arena brings sporting events throughout the seasons. Oliver’s Canoe Outfitters allows easy access to the Red Lake River for great canoeing and kayaking adventures.
Vacations and getaways benefit the travelers who take them, of course, but tourism also benefits the communities these travelers visit, including Crookston.
In celebration of National Tourism Week Fisher’s Landing Travel Information Center on Hwy 2 will open May 13 for the season. Staff this year will be, Sharon Olson, Gary Ricord, and Willard Johnson. The Center will be open 9 am – 5 pm daily. Everyone is welcome to come out on Monday and enjoy coffee and cookies while gathering information to “Explore Minnesota” this summer.
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