TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WJFW) – Lincoln County has set a tourism record for the fourth year in a row. Every year the Wisconsin department of tourism releases a report on the economic impact of tourists.
A few days ago, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism released its 2025 economic impact data, showing the impact from tourism in Lincoln County. It shows tourism generated $115 million dollars in the county. Executive Director of the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce, Charis Lau said, people love Tomahawk because of its small-town feel.
“That’s the gem of what we are, we are very locally based, and all this revenue and tourists are enjoying the space and what they get from it is also why we live here,†said Lau.
Lau said the increase in tourism allows for her and the city to make changes and upgrades around town.
“Last year they redid the Hiawatha trail, it got re-graded and red granite got put down but things like that just make sure we can maintain all of the amazing things we have,†said Lau.
David Vandeweerd is the owner of the Hometown Feed Mill but is also a 30-year resident, he said he's noticed that Tomahawk has gotten more attention in the past few years.
“Definitely I think that the traffic in the area as in general has increased, and we have noticed at the store it has increased too, we see a lot of new faces,†said Vandeweerd.
Vandeweerd said he also believes people enjoy the small town feel that many businesses in Tomahawk provide.
“Tomahawk is unique, you know we offer a lot of small unique small businesses, and I think customers, local people, and tourists like that feel,†said Vandeweerd.
Along with businesses, Tomahawk has other draws such as the Kwahamot water ski show, and Music on the river at veteran's memorial park.
