FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau Awards $33,000 Grant to Minocqua Winter Park for Chalet Improvements
Community Investment Fund supports tourism infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening the Minocqua area’s position as a premier winter recreation destination.
MINOCQUA, WI – November 10, 2026 – The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau (MAVB) is pleased to announce the awarding of a $33,000 Community Investment Fund grant to Minocqua Winter Park to support significant improvements to its chalet facilities. The investment is part of the Bureau’s 2026 Community Investment Fund, a $50,000 grant program dedicated to strengthening tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting projects that contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the Minocqua area.
Minocqua Winter Park, a cornerstone of the region’s outdoor recreation offerings, will utilize the funding to modernize its chalet facilities, improve accessibility, and enhance amenities for the thousands of recreational enthusiasts who visit the park.
The $33,000 investment will support five key improvement areas:
- Chalet Kitchen Improvements – $10,000: Installation of a new stove hood with fire suppression equipment and upgraded appliances, including a dishwasher, to improve food service operations and enhance the dining experience for guests.
- Electrical Improvements – $5,000: Additional electrical outlets throughout the front desk, lobby, and dining areas to better accommodate visitors and their electronic devices.
- Bathroom and Changing Room Upgrades – $10,000: Improvements to restroom stalls, the addition of unisex compartments, ADA accessibility enhancements, and upgraded guest amenities.
- Sound System Improvements – $4,000: Installation of connected speakers and announcement systems to improve communication and accessibility of information throughout the facility.
- Wi-Fi Expansion – $4,000: Extension of wireless internet connectivity throughout the chalet, tower house, and main gate areas, supporting guest connectivity, self-service information, and convenient digital donation opportunities.
These improvements will help Minocqua Winter Park remain competitive among winter recreation destinations while creating a more comfortable, accessible, and welcoming experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.
“Tourism development is about more than simply bringing visitors to our communities. It’s about making meaningful investments in the experiences and infrastructure that keep people coming back,” said Krystal Westfahl, President & CEO of the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau. “Minocqua Winter Park is an incredible asset to our destination, and these improvements will help ensure that it continues to meet the expectations of today’s travelers. By reinvesting room tax dollars into projects like this, we’re strengthening our tourism economy while creating amenities that our residents can enjoy as well.”
The Community Investment Fund is designed to support projects that demonstrate a direct connection to tourism promotion and development. Applicants are evaluated on their ability to attract visitors, encourage future tourism growth, and enhance the overall destination experience.
For Minocqua Winter Park, the chalet improvements represent an investment in the park’s long-term sustainability and its ability to serve as a premier recreational destination.
The project also reflects the important relationship between tourism promotion and tourism development. While marketing efforts introduce travelers to the Minocqua area, investments in visitor amenities and recreational infrastructure help ensure that the destination delivers memorable experiences that encourage repeat visitation, longer stays, and continued economic activity.
“Minocqua Winter Park has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving its facilities and enhancing the experience it provides,” Westfahl added. “We’re proud to support an organization that recognizes the importance of continually investing in its product. That’s how we build a stronger, more competitive destination for the future.”
In addition to the financial award, the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau will provide promotional support through a complimentary digital advertisement on the Bureau’s website, minocqua.org, highlighting winter recreation opportunities at the park.
As part of the grant program, Minocqua Winter Park will provide a project recap documenting completed improvements and available information regarding visitor participation, overnight stays, and other tourism-related impacts.
The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau congratulates Minocqua Winter Park Executive Director Michael Trantow and the organization’s leadership, staff, and volunteers for their continued dedication to strengthening outdoor recreation opportunities in the Northwoods.
About the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau
The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization serving the communities of Minocqua, Woodruff, Arbor Vitae, and Hazelhurst. Through strategic tourism marketing, destination development, community partnerships, and visitor services, the Bureau works to strengthen the local visitor economy while preserving and promoting the authentic Northwoods experiences that make the region a premier year-round destination.
For more information about the Minocqua area, visit www.minocqua.org.
About Minocqua Winter Park
Located in Minocqua, Wisconsin, Minocqua Winter Park is a premier Northwoods outdoor recreation destination offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and other winter activities. The park serves as an important recreational asset for residents and visitors, contributing to the area’s reputation as a leading destination for outdoor adventure.
Photo Credit: Melissa Doering, Keri Kelley, Krystal Westfahl, Michael Tautges, Mike Trantow, Ken Korsch, Chad Metzger
