The Results of the 2025 Economic Significance Study

During the summer of 2025, the Three Eagle Trail Foundation, along with the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation and local partners, conducted an economic significance study to answer the following research questions:

1) Does the Three Eagle Trail contribute to the local economy?

2) What benefits does the trail offer to both locals and visitors to the area?

Researchers collected survey results on trail user spending in several categories associated with trail use. Using passive infrared trail counter data, the team estimated the average number of visitors to the trail during the summer of 2025. The complete results are found in the full article.

Several Key Findings Include:

-During the summer of 2025, use of the Three Eagle Trail was associated with an estimated $2 million in spending within Eagle River, Three Lakes, and the surrounding communities.

-Trail users who reported an interest in trail connectivity with other bike and pedestrian trail systems in the area outspent those who did not by 113% in all spending categories.

-Visitors to the area reported the highest spending in the categories of Lodging and Camping, while locals spent more in the categories of Restaurants, Bars, and Groceries.

-Trail users reported high satisfaction with their trail experience and increased benefits to their safety, physical and mental health, social connections, and spiritual life.

-Most trail users reported using the trail throughout the year, demonstrating the value of the trail as a community asset.

-Several events on the trail (SepTimber Ride, Three Eagle Half Marathon, and 5K, Walk for Cancer) demonstrated considerable capability to draw in economic activity from outside the area. Many locals use the Three Eagle Trail as a training facility for these and other events.

-The Three Eagle Trail is its own destination, with many survey responses stating it is the primary reason for visiting the area.

The research team would like to thank all those who completed surveys and submitted quotes for this study. The Three Eagle Trail Foundation remains committed to offering four-season silent sports recreation to the public at no cost.

Research Team:

Jacqui Sharpe, Three Lakes Visitors Bureau

Cheryl Adams, Great Headwaters Trails Foundation

Christopher Nafziger, Three Eagle Trail Foundation