Visitors to Morgan County pump in millions of dollars for local economy

With summer quickly approaching, Americans will be looking at where they want to go on vacation during the travel season.

Many people may not realize it, but tourism can bring can bring economic benefits to local communities — including Morgan County.

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"Tourism adds new money to local economies," Visit Morgan County Executive Director Tosha Daughtery said in a recent email to the Reporter-Times. "It's an economic driver that has minimal impact on local services, yet adds to the economy in a big way.

This year, the U.S. Travel Association is celebrating its National Travel and Tourism Week beginning Sunday, May 1 through Saturday, May 7.

The theme of this year's week is "The Future of Travel."

While many may not think of Morgan County as a destination for travelers, Daugherty invites locals to explore the communities around them.

"It's easy for locals to overlook things that they're used to as part of the fabric of the community, but those things can be a unique reason to visit for others," Daughter said.

Back in 2019, visitors pumped in just under $30 million into the Morgan County economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic, Daugherty noted, caused a drop in that amount, but not as much as the she initially anticipated

"Our 2020 economic impact research came back at nearly $23 million in visitor spending," Daugherty noted. "That puts us down about 35% in a year that the Indianapolis metro area as a whole saw a decrease of 44%, so we fared pretty well, and we expect to bounce back to pre-COVID levels within a couple of years."

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According to Daugherty, there are a number of reasons Morgan County gets visitors.

There are a number of agri-tourism businesses in Morgan County that both locals and non-local flock to — like Willowfield Lavender Farm, Hunter's Honey Farm, Grandpa Jeff's Trail Rides and Cedar Creek Winery.

"Outdoor enthusiasts come to explore Morgan-Monroe State Forest and Ravinia State Forest, as well as other area parks," Daugherty said.

There are also a number of retail and dining establishments throughout Morgan County, which brings in visitors.

"Our Indiana Foodways Alliance membership ensures that we're part of the (Indiana) Culinary Trails that cause foodies to crisscross the state.

The Hoosier Pie Trail is one example, which includes Gray Brothers and the Martinsville Candy Kitchen.

Morgan County's proximity to Indianapolis and Bloomington also brings visitors looking for a nearby hotel room.

Daugherty said with the opening of I-69 in portions of Morgan County, there has been an increase in motorists finding reasons to get off the interstate for a break in driving.

She believes the county is on the right track to attract more visitors in the future.

"It's important to balance the character of Morgan County communities with further tourism development," Daugherty noted. "We definitely need more lodging options and we expect to see some future hotel development in the area now that the interstate is open."

Daugherty also noted she'd like to see an RV campground come to Morgan County.

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"We're becoming known for outdoor concerts in the summer months and there's potential to grow that audience as well," Daugherty added. "Public art is another area that's been growing throughout the state lately, giving people reasons to explore new places."

In celebration of both National Travel and Tourism Week and National Small Business Week, which also runs from May 1 through May 7, the Reporter-Times, Visit Morgan County and Martinsville Chamber of Commerce have collaborated on a series of stories about local small businesses with connection to the tourism industry.

From Monday through Saturday, May 7, anyone interested can stop by the Main Connection, 460 S. Main St., Martinsville, for a free gift and information about upcoming events in Morgan County.

Contact Reporter-Times editor Lance Gideon at lgideon@reporter-times.com or 765-342-1543. Follow him on Twitter: @LanceOGideon.

This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: National Tourism Week: What visitors bring to Morgan County