Baraga County businesses come up with plans to address lack of business in winter

BARAGA COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) - Baraga County is also feeling the effects of the mild winter and businesses are seeing less traffic.

Indian Country Sports in L’Anse said the focus this time of year is usually ice fishing. Despite the lack of ice, Indian Country Sports Manager Ashley Engelhardt said the shop has come up with strategies to bring more people in.

“I’ve been running a lot of sales just to kind of drum up business in the slow season. So people should constantly be keeping an eye out on the radio or an ear out on the radio,” Engelhardt said.

Engelhardt said the sports shop is already bringing out spring items for the fishing season and encourages people looking for new gear to stop by.

“I’m getting an early start on all my casting and open-water fishing right now just because I know guys are getting their boats out into the open water now,” Engelhardt said.

Meanwhile, the Baraga Lakeside Inn said its winter is normally dependent on snowmobilers. But the hotel’s restaurant manager Doug Smith said the inn is adjusting its focus to the local residents who support the business year-round.

“One thing, and I say that often, is we need to cater to our locals because the locals are actually in times like this, keeping our doors open,” Smith said.

For example, the Lakeside Inn is hosting an event for the upcoming holiday to boost traffic, aimed specifically at area residents.

“For Easter, we’re doing what we call a staycation. For $150, you get a queen room plus a $50 voucher for the restaurant. So I do have to say thank you to the locals for supporting us,” Smith said.

Smith said another way people can help is by setting up events at the hotel. The two urge you to help any business in your area impacted by lack of winter tourism.