After a record-setting 2025, Two Rivers City Manager Kyle Kordell is excited about what the trends are showing for this year’s tourism numbers.
Last year, the city collected over $373,000 in Room Tax revenue, which is what is collected by local governments for people using short-term rentals like hotels and vacation homes.
That was a new high for the Cool City, so expectations were high entering 2026.
But, as Kordell tells SeehaferNews.com, that was tempered a bit to start the spring.
“Collections started a little slower this year as we all deal with high energy prices, high interest rates,” he admitted, “But May and June has showed noticeable improvement in Two Rivers.”
Part of that shift can be attributed to a couple of major events that drew locals and outsiders alike to the Lakeshore.
“Our recent SnowFest event just enjoyed record high turnout,” Kordell revealed. “They generated over $40,000 in revenue this year, which is outstanding. The Inland Seas tall ship visit was another unique win for Two Rivers this year. We also had great turnout for the Cool City Classic Car Show earlier this summer and the Bryan Lee Blues Fest, which brought tremendous crowds on the Main Street.”
Aside from the events, some TV shows have come to film in Two Rivers as well, including Discover Wisconsin and PBS Kids.
Another big reason for the spike in room tax dollars is Rodgers Street Fishing Village.
“Five charter fishing operations who operate out of Roger Street Fishing Village, have already run more than 150 fishing trips this year, bringing in about 900 people,” the City Manager noted. “At least 45 of those charter fishing trips involved overnight hotel stays. And those people are spending money all over our city.”
Kordell told us he is very excited to see how the numbers turn out, especially since there are still several events coming up as the summer draws closer to its end.
