The combination of natural beauty, strong community character and continued investment has helped position the region as both a compelling travel destination and a growing place to live and do business.

Throughout the year, Visit Escanaba’s marketing reached millions of people across the Midwest, introducing new audiences to the landscapes, waterfronts and experiences that define this part of Michigan.

Those efforts help shape how Delta County is seen beyond our borders, reinforcing its reputation as a place where visitors can slow down, reconnect with the outdoors, and experience something genuine. Each year that reach grows, expanding awareness and keeping Delta County firmly on the map for travelers considering where to go next.

One of the most visible moments of 2025 came during the summer, when large-scale beach sand sculptures arrived on the shores of Escanaba and Gladstone. The sculptures quickly captured attention online, generating hundreds of thousands of views and becoming one of the most talked-about attractions of the season.

Robert Micheau

Beyond the immediate excitement, the event highlighted the strength of Delta County’s beaches and parks as destinations in their own right. Plans are already underway to expand and promote the event more broadly in the coming year.

Tourism and economic development are moving forward together. In 2025, lodging assessments reached record levels, indicating that more visitors are staying, exploring, and spending time in the community. At the same time, new restaurants, lodging properties, and recreation-focused businesses continued to open, adding energy and opportunity that extend well beyond peak travel seasons.

This progress reflects years of planning, strategic investment, and collaboration. Marketing initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships across the community are helping Delta County compete more effectively for visitors, residents, and businesses alike.

Looking ahead to 2026, the momentum seen this year points to something larger than tourism alone.

Increased visitation brings visibility, and visibility supports confidence. That confidence shows up not only in leisure travel, but also in business activity, construction projects and infrastructure improvements across the county.

As new buildings are constructed and roads and public spaces are improved, workers and contractors are also staying locally, adding to demand in the lodging market.

This increased compression strengthens lodging revenues and keeps more dollars circulating within the local economy. Tourism often serves as the front door but what follows is broader economic activity that benefits residents year-round.

Delta County’s ability to attract visitors, workers and investment alike reflects a community that is steadily building toward its next chapter. Delta County’s story continues to evolve, and the year ahead offers every reason for optimism.