Minnesota Tourism Grows for Fifth Consecutive Year, Reaching 82.5 Million Visitors and $15.2 Billion in Spending

SAINT PAUL, Minn. [DATE] Explore Minnesota today announced new data from Tourism Economics showing that Minnesota welcomed 82.5 million visitors in 2025, up 1.2 percent over the prior year, while visitor spending climbed to $15.2 billion, a 3 percent increase. The results mark the fifth consecutive year of growth in both visitor volume and spending. 

Tourism remains one of Minnesota's most important economic engines. In 2025, travel and tourism: 

• Generated $25.2 billion in total economic impact 

• Contributed $13.1 billion to gross domestic product 

• Produced nearly $2.4 billion in state and local tax revenue 

• Supported more than 180,500 jobs across Minnesota 

• Saves the average Minnesota household $1,038 in state and local taxes 

“From our lakes and trails to our main streets, restaurants, and festivals, Minnesota offers world-class experiences in every corner of our state,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Tourism supports thousands of good-paying jobs, strengthens local businesses, and helps communities of every size thrive. Minnesota has always met challenges with resilience, creativity, and hard work, and I know our tourism industry will continue welcoming visitors and driving our economy forward for years to come.  

2026 Outlook 

While the trend line continues upward, the pace of growth has slowed over the past five years and Explore Minnesota's early 2026 travel indicators point to a more challenging environment for the industry, in part due to Operation Metro Surge. Through the first five months of 2026, leisure and hospitality employment was down about 1.5 percent, or roughly 4,000 jobs, compared with the same period in 2025, and passenger volume at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport was down 2.8 percent. 

A July 2026 outbreak of wildfires in northeast Minnesota and Canada add additional challenges during peak summer tourism season, causing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to temporarily close and intermittent air quality impacts across the state.  

“The challenges ahead are real, which is why we must keep investing to continue to grow our industry and the jobs and revenue it supports,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota. “Five years of growth comes from smart, strategic, award-winning storytelling about our state. When we invest in marketing Minnesota, the return is clear: more visitors, more spending, and stronger communities.” 

Minnesota and its tourism industry have repeatedly shown resilience, and there are clear reasons for optimism looking forward. 

Favorable National Perception and Travel Trends 

A June 2026 Explore Minnesota survey of people outside the state demonstrates a favorable and improving national image:  

• 82 percent rated their Minnesota visit as good or excellent among those who have visited the state 

• 53 percent reported a favorable impression of Minnesota 

• 38 percent said their impression of the state had improved over the past year 

National travel trends also play to Minnesota's visitation strengths and interests. According to the latest Longwoods International research, 89 percent of U.S. leisure travelers have travel plans in the next six months, and 41 percent are choosing destinations closer to home amid higher prices.  

As a top regional drive market with affordable, world-class destinations, Minnesota is well positioned to capture that demand. WalletHub recently ranked Minnesota the number one state in the country for road trips. 

View the Data 

Explore Minnesota will release additional data later this year, including county-by-county visitation and economic impact figures and results from the state's 2026 summer travel season. 

View 2025 Tourism Economics Data 

View 2026 Travel Indicators Data and Minnesota Brand Health Survey