Tourism, which includes the leisure and hospitality industries, represents a regional economic cluster that has become an essential piece of the economy. The industry has an economic impact of over $1 billion and contributes more than 20,000 jobs to the region. Spending exceeds half of a million dollars in wages, rents, and profits.
Whether it’s the North Shore of Minnesota or the South Shore of Wisconsin, tourists gather to watch the beautiful waters of Lake Superior. Smaller lakes dot the landscape beyond, and the region includes Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and 20 Minnesota and Wisconsin state parks. The region boasts a thriving arts scene in cities such as Duluth and Grand Marais, and festivals across the Northland celebrate its distinct heritage and local treasures.
The Northland has become a national destination as visitors seek out its natural beauty in all seasons. The region has a robust and growing supply of hotels, bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Its food services and drinking establishments. Recreation is magnificent with spectator sports, canoeing, paddleboarding, bicycling, hunting, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, ice falls climbing, snowmobiling, and cross-country and downhill skiing.
Our state and local destination marketing organizations have extensive resources on everything people can see and do in the Northland:
- Explore Minnesota
- Ely, Minnesota
- Iron Range Tourism – Eveleth
- Lake County Chamber of Commerce – Two Harbors
- Rainy Lake – International Falls
- Travel Superior – Superior
- Visit Cook County – Grand Marais
- Visit Duluth – Duluth
- Visit Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids
- Visit Proctor – Proctor