Courtesy photo The Masters Walleye Circuit tournament gets underway in Gladstone.

ESCANABA — If you’ve noticed a little more traffic in town, longer waits at your favorite restaurant, or more out-of-state license plates filling up local lots, you’re not imagining things. Summer tourism in Delta County is thriving, and all signs point to a strong season for our local economy.

From Escanaba to Gladstone and down the Garden Peninsula, Delta County has seen a steady wave of visitors this summer. Families, road-trippers, anglers, festivalgoers, and outdoor adventurers have made their way here drawn by the promise of sandy beaches, historic attractions, world-class fishing, and that signature Upper Peninsula charm.

While final numbers on hotel occupancy and visitor spending aren’t available yet, early indicators suggest this could be one of the most active summers in recent memory. Hotel parking lots are full. Major events like the U.P. State Fair, the Gladstone Fishing Tournament, and community festivals attract thousands. Social media posts showcasing Delta County’s shoreline, food scene, and trails are reaching new audiences across the Midwest, many of whom are turning inspiration into action by booking a trip.

This activity brings energy to our streets and dollars into local businesses. Tourism is a foundational driver of Delta County’s economy, supporting jobs across a wide spectrum of industries. It’s not just about visitors staying in hotels. They’re buying groceries, filling up gas tanks, dining out, shopping at small businesses, and booking guided tours. They’re also attending events, paying entry fees, and even hiring local contractors for seasonal home and RV repairs.

Another subtle but powerful impact of this tourism momentum? It creates compression in the lodging market which is especially important during construction and development seasons. As Delta County continues to attract outside investment and growth, tourism makes it possible to support visiting crews, planners, and developers. It also raises the value of real estate and helps sustain the kinds of amenities, from coffee shops to cultural attractions, that benefit both locals and guests.

Visit Escanaba’s marketing work over the past decade has focused on building long-term awareness of our region. The goal is not just to drive short-term visitation, but to grow the entire region’s profile as a vibrant place to visit, do business, and invest. That awareness shows up in powerful ways, not only in visitor numbers, but in the pride our community takes in showing off what makes this place special.

The good news is that the season isn’t over yet. More travelers are still heading north and fall color trips are right around the corner. But already, the message is clear: tourism is working for Delta County.

When visitors discover what we already know that this is a beautiful, welcoming place with incredible access to the outdoors, it’s not just a good day for them. It’s a good day for all of us.

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Robert Micheau is CEO of Visit Escanaba