WAUPACA, WI – Tourism continues to be a major economic driver for the Waupaca area, generating nearly $180 million in visitor spending during 2025 and supporting hundreds of local businesses and jobs.
Jeff Anderson, president and CEO of the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau, said the latest tourism figures show continued momentum for the community.
“Tourism continues to be a huge part of our economy here in the Waupaca area and grew to $180 million in 2025,” Anderson said. “We saw about a 4 percent growth over 2024, and so we’re excited to see people continuing to visit and spend money in our local economy.”
The impact extends well beyond hotels, restaurants and attractions. According to Anderson, visitor activity supported nearly 1,200 jobs throughout Waupaca County, many of them in the Waupaca area.
“Those visitors need someone to serve them and check them out and greet them when they arrive,” Anderson said. “We’re excited to see that number. Almost 1,200 people in Waupaca County, many of those in the Waupaca, Chain O’ Lakes and Cedar area, are employed and making a living working in the tourism industry.”
Community events continue to play a major role in attracting visitors throughout the year. Anderson pointed to annual favorites such as Strawberry Fest, the Fourth of July celebration, Yuletide Celebration, Halloween on Main, Arts on the Square and the Waupaca Triathlon as key attractions that bring people to the area.
“Events play a big part of the experience in Waupaca,” Anderson said. “Whether it be Strawberry Fest coming up in a couple of weeks, the Fourth of July, Yuletide Celebration during the holiday season, or Halloween on Main, we’ve got a lot of great events.”
However, Anderson said the area’s success is driven by more than just special events. He credits local businesses and entrepreneurs for continually improving the visitor experience and investing in the community.
“I think what really helps continue to drive the tourism economy forward is the experience that our private businesses create for visitors,” Anderson said. “Main Street is almost 100 percent full as far as storefronts, and we continue to see new stores coming in. This year alone we’ve seen new businesses open, adding to the diversity of downtown.”
Investment is also continuing throughout the Chain O’ Lakes region, where businesses are expanding services and creating new experiences for visitors and residents alike.
Looking ahead, Anderson said 2026 has already shown positive signs. While the first part of the year is typically slower for tourism, activity has increased noticeably as the summer season approaches.
“Over the last few weeks we’ve really seen that uptick in additional traffic through the community and in businesses,” Anderson said. “Waupaca continues to be a very healthy economy for businesses to invest in.”
The Chamber and Visitor Bureau are continuing efforts to promote Waupaca as a year-round destination, highlighting not only summer recreation on the lakes, but also attractions and events during the spring, fall and winter seasons.
“While summer is what we’re known for, our office is working hard to promote all that we have to offer year-round,” Anderson said. “We’re showcasing everything that makes Waupaca a destination not just in the summer, but in every season.”
Tourism officials say the continued growth benefits residents and visitors alike, generating millions of dollars in economic activity, supporting local jobs and helping maintain a vibrant business community throughout the Waupaca area.
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