High gas prices impact travelers ahead of Memorial Day weekend

Many people are heading out far and wide to recognize memorial day with their families during one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Trips are expected to be a lot more expensive this year with the cost of gas at the highest its been since 2008.

But families tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that it’s not stopping them.

“I was just watching the numbers go up here and it’s a lot more, definitely,” said Stephanie Wise, who plans to travel with her family to visit relatives in southern Wisconsin for the holiday weekend. “I feel like you kind of have to plan for it more so than before, but we’re still trying to just live our lives.”

She adds that this year it is costing them considerably more, but for them, the family time is still worth it.

It’s a story similar for many across the state. Several campgrounds and resorts tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that they are busier than ever despite the high gas prices.

Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake is booked full this weekend, and staff there say they hope it continues throughout the summer.

“We’re still seeing that pent up demand from people being isolated and inside and not being able to get together. I think our families are eager to see each other,” said Abbey Pieper, the owner and operator of Madden’s Resort. “This is kind of their hub where they all get together and it’s a family tradition year after year.”