Wisconsin Takes Advantage Of Minn. Gov't Shutdown

HUDSON, Wis. (WCCO) -- It seems our Wisconsin neighbors are already cashing in on the uncertainty surrounding the looming government shutdown in Minnesota.

It could mean a big boost for businesses across the border, between state parks and convenience stores selling lottery tickets.

There are eight state parks that sit just over Minnesota's state line in Wisconsin. Willow River State Park is just a half hour drive from the Twin Cities.

Kelli Bruns, the Natural Resource Property Supervisor for the park, is expecting thousands of Minnesota residents to make the trip to state parks if Minnesota's shut down.

"About 50/50 when it comes to Wisconsin residents and Minnesota Residents right now," Bruns said.

Only this summer, Minnesotans may tip the scales.

Willow River is booked for the Fourth of July. Other parks in the system are filling up fast as campers scramble to find a place to stay.

Mary Haff and her family wanted to play it safe so they had a place for the holiday.

"We did decide to go to a private campground," Haff said.

Minnesota state parks will see 60,000 campers on a typical week in July spending $1 million, money that is now bound to be spent elsewhere.

"Instead of going up to Two Harbors we're thinking about going up to Washburn and Ashland," one camper told us.

In border towns like Hudson, convenience stores are planning to take the shutdown to the bank.

Darlene Giskie is a clerk at the Freedom station.

"If they need lottery tickets we're here to sell them. Everybody deserves a chance to win," Giskie said.

Minnesota lottery officials say retails will miss out on about $200 a week. The state stands to lose much more from ticket losses,  $185,000 a day just out of the general fund alone.