AGP Executive Report

Tourism Economy: Rochester tourism generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in 2025, according to a new UMN report. A survey of 139 local businesses found optimism about the future, but flagged labor, transportation and parking as challenges. Fall Getaways: Minnesota communities drew families for MEA weekend adventures, while a new “Fall sights and delights” feature offers seasonal inspiration. Outdoor Trips: Guides at the Northwest Angle are sharing a distinctive way to hunt ducks, and a report on Superior National Forest explores the area’s long history of fire. Winter Planning: A roundup of four budget-friendly winter getaways offers ideas for travelers looking ahead.

Rochester’s Visitor Economy: Tourism generated more than $1.1 billion in economic activity in 2025, supported by Mayo Clinic visitors, conventions and sports tournaments. The city’s $5.6 billion Destination Medical Center project aims to strengthen its appeal. Fall Getaways: Minnesota communities drew families for MEA-weekend adventures, while guides at the Northwest Angle offer visitors a distinctive way to experience duck hunting. Outdoor Travel: Highway 71 construction near Turtle River is complete, easing access in the Bemidji area. Redwood Falls will host the 2027 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener.

Tourism Economy: Rochester tourism generated more than $1.1 billion in economic activity last year, according to a University of Minnesota Extension report. Mayo Clinic visitors, conventions and sports tournaments all help drive the city’s appeal. Event Travel: The Mankato Marathon brought racers from across the region, with hundreds of volunteers supporting the 26.2-mile course. Fall Outings: Duluth’s Willard Munger State Trail and other Northland spots are still offering colorful autumn views, with more leaf-peeping ideas on the state’s Fall Colors Finder. Holiday Trips: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is set to return with 25 stops in Minnesota this year, giving travelers plenty of chances to catch the seasonal show.

Fall Getaways: Northland foliage is past peak, but there’s still time to catch fall color. New photos showcase the Willard Munger State Trail and other Duluth-area sights. Race Weekend: Hundreds of volunteers supported Saturday’s Mankato Marathon, bringing runners and their families to the city. Outdoor Access: Superior National Forest crews are assessing wildfire impacts and working to reopen remaining Boundary Waters campsites and portages after fires burned more than 70,000 acres. At the Northwest Angle, local guides offer a rare layout-boat duck hunt on Lake of the Woods during a short fall season. Tourism Economy: Rochester tourism generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in 2025, according to a University of Minnesota report. Coming Attractions: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will make 25 stops in Minnesota this year. MSP also expects heavier crowds during the MEA school break, so travelers should plan for longer waits.

Northwoods Recovery: More than 70,000 acres burned in Superior National Forest this summer. Forest Service crews are assessing damage and working to reopen remaining affected areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Fall on the Water: Northwest Angle guides are offering layout-boat duck hunts on Lake of the Woods, a rare way to hunt in Minnesota and a short-season draw for visitors. Grand Rapids Getaway: “Minnesota Bound” spotlights fall color, fishing, mountain biking and wild-rice harvesting in Itasca County this weekend. Outdoor Access: A 101-acre island is now protected public land at Circle Lake Wildlife Management Area, expanding opportunities for wildlife viewing and recreation. Tourism Economy: Rochester generated $1.1 billion in tourism activity in 2025, underscoring the visitor economy’s importance to the city.

Fall Getaways: “Minnesota Bound” visits Grand Rapids and Itasca County in a new fall special airing Oct. 17 on KSTC and Oct. 18 on KSTP, with fishing, wild rice harvesting and mountain biking among the featured activities. Outdoor Recreation: A 101-acre island at Circle Lake is now protected public land, expanding Rice County’s wildlife management area to 262 acres. Pheasant Country: Redwood Falls will host the 2027 Governor’s Pheasant Opener on Oct. 8–9, putting the Minnesota River Valley and local businesses in the spotlight. Tourism Economy: Rochester tourism generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2025, as county officials discuss a possible lodging tax to support Graham Park. MEA Weekend: Families are exploring fall activities across Minnesota during the school break, with crowds expected at MSP.

Tourism Economy: Rochester tourism generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in 2025, according to a new report, underscoring the sector’s importance to the city. Fall Getaways: Families are finding autumn activities across Minnesota during MEA break, while MSP is preparing for heavier holiday-weekend crowds. Events: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will make 25 Minnesota stops this year; Zach Bryan’s 2027 stadium tour also opens at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium on April 28. Travel Access: Highway 71 construction near Turtle River is complete, improving a route through northern Minnesota.

MEA Travel Rush: MSP expects heavier crowds and longer waits during the school break, as families head out for fall getaways across Minnesota. Tourism Economy: Rochester tourism generated more than $1 billion in economic activity in 2025, underscoring the city’s role as a major visitor destination. Holiday Rail: The CPKC Holiday Train is returning with 25 Minnesota stops this year, bringing free seasonal shows to communities along its route. Road & Trail Access: Part of eastbound I-394 in Minneapolis is closed Oct. 16–19, while Highway 71 construction north of Bemidji is complete. In Hokah, the council tabled an agreement for the proposed Root River Trail extension until its November meeting.

Tourism’s Economic Impact: Rochester tourism generated more than $1 billion in economic activity in 2025 and supported nearly 8,000 jobs, according to a new University of Minnesota report. Travel Advisory: MSP expects heavy crowds during the MEA break, while eastbound I-394 into downtown Minneapolis will close Oct. 16–19 for bridge work; check 511 and allow extra time. Fall Outing: Hibbing’s “One Last Look” event runs Oct. 17 at the Hull Rust Mine View, with fall colors, games, a pumpkin hunt and new exhibits. Seasonal Attractions: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train returns with 25 Minnesota stops this year. Redwood Falls will host the Governor’s Pheasant Opener in 2027, highlighting the state’s outdoor recreation and public lands.

Travel Conditions: MSP expects passenger volumes 16% above average fall levels during the MEA break, with about 50,000 people projected at security Wednesday and Thursday and more than 44,000 on Sunday. Twin Cities Roads: Eastbound I-394 into downtown Minneapolis closes Oct. 16–19 for bridge work, including several exit ramps; MnDOT calls it the project’s final scheduled weekend closure. Tourism Economy: Rochester tourism generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in 2025, according to a University of Minnesota study. Holiday Events: The CPKC Holiday Train returns Dec. 11–18, making 25 Minnesota stops with concerts and food-bank donations, from Rochester to Elbow Lake. Road Access: Highway 71 construction between Turtle River and Tenstrike is complete, improving the route with a smoother surface and upgraded drainage, though crews may still be finishing details. Festival News: Prior Lake’s 2027 Lakefront Music Fest has added Gin Blossoms and Vertical Horizon alongside headliner Train; the two-day event is expected to draw on the festival’s more than 32,000 attendees last year.

MEA Travel: MSP expects passenger traffic to run 16% above typical fall levels, with about 50,000 people passing through security Wednesday and Thursday. Early mornings and late afternoons will be busiest; travelers should allow extra time. Holiday Train: CPKC’s 2026 train will make 182 stops over 32 days, including communities in southeast Minnesota, with live music and food-bank fundraising. Rochester Tourism: Visitor spending brings $1.1 billion to the local economy, as Olmsted County considers a lodging tax to support Graham Park. Fall Getaways: The North Shore remains a popular autumn destination. Stillwater Access: The lift bridge’s summer boat schedule ends Oct. 20, as electrical and motor upgrades begin; its pedestrian and bicycle route connects Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Tourism’s Economic Reach: Visitor spending generated more than $1.1 billion in Rochester in 2025, supporting 7,670 jobs, a new University of Minnesota Extension report finds. Lodging Tax Debate: Olmsted County is weighing a 0.5% hotel tax to help cover Graham Park exhibition center costs; officials estimate it could raise about $800,000 a year. Outdoor Events: Redwood Falls will host the 2027 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener on Oct. 8–9, bringing a statewide spotlight to the Minnesota River Valley and local hunting opportunities. North Shore and Boundary Waters: July wildfires led to about 47,000 fewer visitors in Ely and Grand Marais than the prior two-year average, with estimated economic losses of $4.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively.**

Road Access: Duluth’s I-35 is scheduled to close overnight Oct. 14–15 near Mesaba Avenue, so North Shore travelers should plan for a detour. Highway 27 in Wahkon has reopened and its detour is lifted. Rail Travel: Amtrak’s Borealis has added a fourth car to daily departures, increasing capacity for trips through Minnesota. Fall Outdoors: The North Shore remains a popular autumn destination, while Minnesota’s largest state park offers camping, hiking, canoeing and riverside scenery. Lake Superior Excursion: A restored historic railcar is offering passengers a chance to experience the Lake Superior shoreline by train. Public Lands: Minnesota’s Governor’s Pheasant Opener highlighted efforts to expand access to public lands, a boost for outdoor recreation.

Mille Lacs Access: Highway 27 through Wahkon has reopened after reconstruction, lifting the detour and restoring access to downtown businesses and Mille Lacs Lake. New bike lanes, sidewalks and streetscape improvements add options for exploring the south shore. Rail Travel: Amtrak’s Borealis has added a fourth car to its daily trains, expanding capacity for trips through Minnesota. A separate Lake Superior train ride offers a chance to experience a historic private railcar. Fall Outdoors: Minnesota’s largest state park is drawing attention for riverside camping, hiking and canoeing, while the North Shore remains a popular autumn destination. Winter Fishing: A Feb. 3–5 guided ice-fishing trip from St. Cloud to Lake of the Woods includes lodging, meals and equipment.

Parks & Paddling: St. Croix State Park, Minnesota’s largest at 34,000 acres, offers secluded campsites, hiking and paddling on the St. Croix and Kettle rivers. Its vast size and setting between forests make it a quieter option for outdoor escapes. Fall Getaways: The North Shore remains a popular autumn destination, while a historic railcar ride offers another way to take in Lake Superior’s shoreline.

Fall on the North Shore: The North Shore remains a top autumn draw, with Lake Superior scenery and seasonal color continuing to attract visitors. One recent account also highlights the restorative appeal of a visit to the region. Outdoor Access: Minnesota’s Governor’s Pheasant Opener put a spotlight on growing access to public lands, while a feature on the state’s “last true wilderness” points travelers toward camping, swimming and scenic trails. Fishing Getaway: Lake of the Woods hosted a fishing tournament for the 28th year, reinforcing its place as a destination for anglers. Lake Superior by Rail: A historic railcar offers travelers a distinctive way to take in the shoreline on a train ride.