VCC shares local award news and upcoming events calendar

This may be a slow season for the tourism industry, but according to Visit Cook County (VCC), there is still plenty going on.

VCC Executive Director Linda Jurek spoke to WTIP and mentioned the end of the snowmobile drag race season, and the coming Wood Week at North House Folk School. She also said that the group is working to get their 2024-2025 visitor guide out to the public by Memorial Day, with more events and travel information.

The VCC recently attended the Explore Minnesota conference, where Katie Claire Schuler received the Visitor Service Award, which recognizes front-line hospitality workers for excellent service. Schuler is the director of guest experiences at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen. Jurek said it was exciting to see local people singled out for their work. She said, “It was so fun to see familiar faces and to see, you know, one of our wonderful hospitality front line people get that recognized award across the state.”

Jurek also said that despite the mild winter with very little snow, the ski season on the North Shore isn’t over, yet. She said about the snow conditions at Lutsen Mountains, “What’s there and manmade and stored up is good. And we’re anticipating that Lussten will remain open through the month of March.”

WTIP’s Mark Abrahamson spoke with Visit Cook County Executive Director Linda Jurek about upcoming events, and attending the Explore Minnesota Conference. Full audio is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski March 10, 2024