The latest visitation report for Aroostook County shows the number of visitors declined in 2025, but visitor spending reached an all-time high.
Aroostook County saw a 2.5% decrease in visitors last year. Although a decline, the number was better than Maine’s 4.4% decrease in visitation over the same period, according to a news release.
At the same time, the number of overnight visitors in Aroostook County soared by 16.5%. Overnight visitors have a greater economic impact than day trippers — with hotel stays, restaurant visits and shopping.
More spending
Visitor spending generated $251 million in economic impact for Aroostook County, up 1.9% from 2024, according to the “2025 Aroostook County Economic Impact & Tracking Report” from December 2024 through November 2025, compiled by Downs & St. Germain Research.
Of that, direct spending accounted for $170.5 million throughout the county on accommodations, transportation, groceries, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and other expenses, up 2% from 2024.
The county attracted 292,700 visitors in 2025, down 2.5%. But altogether, they spent 1.4 million days in the county, up 16.5%. That included 267,800 room nights, up 16.1%.
The spending supported 1,960 jobs, up 3.2% from 2024, and $83.4 million in wages, up 2.1%.
“Visitors to Aroostook County saved local households $798 in state and local taxes in 2025,” the report noted.
