LAKEWOOD, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – In northern Oconto County, many say snow from last week’s storm arrived just in time, leaving a positive economic impact on many area businesses.
“We had snow, double the snow we have right now, through most of the year. This year, the snow came late, but thank goodness it finally came because we need it,” said Brian Bailey, Bailey’s Pour Haus owner.
For some long snowmobilers, hitting the Nicolet State Trail in Lakewood is somewhat second nature.
“I grew up on a dairy farm, so every chance I could get on my dad’s snowmobile to go through the fields, I did,” said Bobbi Hansen from Flintville.
“I like to sled. I grew up on snowmobiles. My dad used to race. I used to race,” said Rock Wery from Green Bay.
There are about 480 miles of trails in Oconto County. Enough snow fell to open the northern part at the end of December — after rain closed them down, snow returned, and those same trails reopened on Jan. 11.
Many routes go near taverns and restaurants, like Bailey’s Pour Haus in downtown Lakewood.
“Winter business, snowmobiling is big for us,” said Bailey.
“We need all the businesses to work together. And by doing this and having the snowmobile trails open, we get a lot of people coming up here and spending money. Our locals do the best they can for us and we appreciate everything they do. But it’s also the out-of-town money that helps us get a little bit more back to everybody.”
And as snowmobilers continue down the trail, they say they know they’re helping the area economy.
“There’s a lot of man time, from the local clubs that they put in. So, we stopping, spending the money, and a lot of it goes back into the organizations that let us do this,” said Hansen.
“I definitely like to support the local trail systems and the snowmobile clubs. They work hard at what they do here, so we appreciate it. Give back to the community,” said Wery.
According to 2021 state tourism numbers, people spent nearly $89 million dollars in Oconto County, which compares to $167 million in neighboring Marinette County.
Comments