Rural electric cooperatives support local tourism by powering many of Minnesota's lake resorts

17 Jul 2025

News, Client Feature Article

This article originally appeared on and was written for Great River Energy Economic Development by Golden Shovel Agency.

Rural electric cooperatives support local tourism by powering many of Minnesota's lake resorts
Minnesota's iconic lake resorts are the heartbeat of many rural communities. They generate economic activity, preserve traditions and offer visitors an unforgettable escape into nature. With 11,842 lakes and 755 resorts and lodges across the state, these family-owned businesses fuel the tourism economy, creating jobs and sustaining local enterprises.

But behind the picturesque scenery and guest experiences lies a crucial backbone: reliable electricity and modern infrastructure. Rural electric cooperatives like Great River Energy member-owners Arrowhead Cooperative and Lake Country Power provide the essential energy solutions that keep these resorts running, ensuring their success in even the most remote areas.

Supporting lake resorts with reliable power

Both Arrowhead Electric Cooperative and Lake Country Power, as well as other electric cooperatives, recognize that lake resorts are key contributors to the local economies they serve. When people visit these lake resorts, unseen ripple effects are woven into the fabric of a successful lake-resort community. These businesses help generate additional demand for restaurants, marinas, grocery stores, gas stations and recreational vehicle services.

This tourism spending supports the interconnected web of small-town commerce. By providing reliable electricity, these cooperatives help resorts maintain uninterrupted operations, especially during peak tourist seasons when demand for power surges.

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About The Author

Joseph Widenhofer

Lead Copywriter

Department: Content, GateKeeper

Bringing Economic Insights to Life with Stories That Spark Conversation

Joseph is a skilled storyteller specializing in economic development communications. As a lead copywriter for Golden Shovel, he crafts compelling narratives that help cities, counties, and states across the country achieve their business attraction, retention, and workforce development goals.

Joseph has a talent for transforming complex economic topics into clear, engaging content that highlights the successes of communities, large and small. He stays on top of macroeconomic trends and market shifts to ensure his clients' messaging remains relevant and impactful.

With a portfolio spanning rural and urban communities of all sizes, Joseph develops custom content and website copy that is a powerful tool for economic growth. He conducts in-depth website audits, researches key industry insights, and creates strategic messaging that positions community websites as 24/7 digital ambassadors.

Passionate about showcasing what makes each community unique, Joseph is dedicated to helping economic development organizations tell their stories in a way that resonates with their target audiences.

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