After Long Winter, Summer Tourism Has A Strong Year

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – This is the last travel weekend for a while for many Minnesotans, as summer fades and school kicks into gear.

But it was a travel season that surprised many in the tourism industry.

Kim Hornibrook and her husband own a campground in Jordan, Minn.

"I think people were ready for winter to be over and get out and enjoy camping, and we've had really one of our best seasons ever," Hornibrook said. "This season is a little bit surprising because the weather was so tough early on."

Kellie Dickey and her family drove to Minneapolis Southwest KOA.

"Rain or shine you kinda think it is what it is. We only get three to four months to really enjoy the nice weather outside so you take advantage of it as much as you can," Dickey said.

She and the family made the drive after a busy summer at home and grim travel forecasts.

"For us having a summer starting out the way it did, it was kind of a damper on things," Dickey said.

But in true Midwestern form, they rallied.

"We were just like ok we gotta do it. Go and get it done and at least get one more trip in for the summer," Dickey said.

They weren't the only ones who powered through.

State Tourism group Explore Minnesota says 48 percent of lodging properties monitored say occupancy was up. And 58 percent say revenue is up from 2013.

Of the unwavering tourism support, Hornibrook says, "That's right, we're hearty people."

The Southwest Minneapolis KOA campground will be open another month so will several resorts.