Key findings
Riverboats generate visits and economic activity in Red Wing
- On average, riverboat passengers, employees, and other visitors spent $44.10 per person while in Red Wing. The largest expenditure was $27.30 on retail items.
- In a typical year, riverboat-related visitors spend an estimated $232,000 in the community, above and beyond the guided tours.
- In total, riverboats generate an estimated $796,190 in economic activity in Red Wing on an annual basis. The boats support 57 jobs and $263,210 in labor income.
- In addition to businesses patronized by riverboat-related visitors, the real estate industry, local government (including the Port Authority), and management of companies (back-office support such as advertising and accounting) are industries that most benefit from the riverboats.
- Ninety-nine percent of riverboat-related visitors were in Red Wing primarily due to the riverboats, and 96 percent were new visitors to the community. This indicates the boats are bringing new people into Red Wing who may not otherwise have visited.
- The riverboats attract an estimated 5,275 visitors to Red Wing in a typical year.
Riverboat-related visitors value many aspects of Red Wing
- Two of every three survey respondents were highly satisfied with their visit to Red Wing.
- The most valued aspects of the community visit were the natural and scenic beauty of the area, the historic downtown, museum options, and the friendliness of the community.
- Riverboat passengers wished they had additional time to explore downtown Red Wing.
About this report
Riverboats have a long history in Red Wing, and the tradition of enjoying the mighty Mississippi remains strong today. In 2024, two companies docked in Red Wing as part of their trips, bringing passengers, employees, and excitement surrounding the riverboat experience. Riverboat passengers debarked for a day in Red Wing, visiting local landmarks and attractions, such as museums. Passengers also had free time to explore downtown and shop at local businesses.
Given the many tourism aspects of riverboats, the Red Wing Port Authority was interested in understanding the economic contribution of riverboat visits. They hired University of Minnesota Extension to collect necessary data and conduct an economic contribution analysis. The data collection included a survey of riverboat passengers, riverboat employees, and visitors in Red Wing to view the riverboats.
Reviewed in 2025