Three Lakes, WI — A newly released report highlights the Three Eagle Trail as a key driver of local business activity and a vital connection between the communities of Three Lakes and Eagle River.
The report, Three Eagle Trail: The Economic Significance of a Community Connector, was developed through the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation’s DIY Economic Impact Program, a statewide initiative that helps communities measure how outdoor recreation contributes to local economies. The Three Eagle Trail participated as part of the program’s second cohort, receiving guidance on data collection, analysis, and report development.
Findings show that visitors to the 12.7-mile trail contribute approximately $2 million in local business activity each summer, supporting lodging, restaurants, retail, and recreation-related businesses in both communities. An estimated 10,659 people used the trail between May and October, with 87% citing outdoor recreation as their primary reason for visiting the area.
“This report validates what trail users have been telling us for years,” said Chris Nafziger, President of the Three Eagle Trail Foundation. “People value safe, well-maintained trails that connect communities, and they return often. Having this data helps us better plan for the future, strengthen partnerships, and continue improving the trail experience for everyone who uses it.”
Beyond its economic role, the report highlights the trail’s importance in providing safe, off-road travel, year-round silent sports recreation, and a non-motorized connection between communities already linked by the world’s largest chain of lakes and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
“This report reinforces what we’ve long believed: the Three Eagle Trail draws people to our communities and plays an important role in both our economy and quality of life,” said Jacqui Sharpe, Executive Director of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau. “It also shows how trail users support local small businesses, giving us a strong foundation to strengthen partnerships, improve trail infrastructure, and pursue new trail opportunities that continue to benefit our communities.”
Sharpe added that the Visitors Bureau plans to build on these findings to grow Three Lakes’ outdoor recreation economy, using the data to support future trail development and new biking opportunities that complement existing assets and attract visitors year-round.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation works to expand access to outdoor recreation across Wisconsin while supporting economic development, quality of life, and stewardship of the state’s natural resources. Its DIY Economic Impact Program equips local organizations with tools and training to tell their outdoor recreation stories through data.
The full report is available at https://www.3eagletrail.org/survey-results and threelakes.com.
