Economic Impacts of the Wisconsin State Park System: Connections to Gateway Communities
The properties managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Parks and Recreation serve as important drivers of local economic vitality within gateway communities across the state. On average, individual trip spending of visitors to these state properties ranged from almost $41 per day (State Forests) to over $90 per day (State Trails).
Organization
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Publication Date
2013
Location
Wisconsin
Topic
Economic Impact
Workforce
Activity
Bicycling
Birding/Wildlife viewing
Camping
Climbing
Equestrian
Fishing
Hiking/Running
Hunting
Motorized sports (boat, snowmobile, ATV, etc.)
Paddling
Winter sports (downhill, Nordic, tube, snowshoe, snowmobile)
Related Resources
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2019 U.S. Department of Agriculture
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This paper discusses the intersection of outdoor recreation, nature-based tourism and sustainability with a focus on equity, diversity and addresses both community and individual barriers.
2025 Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation
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A 2025 report by Destination Door County and Friends of Peninsula State Park analyzing the preliminary findings of visitor participation and spending at the new mountain bike trails at the Park in the Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Program.
Explore the Trends Shaping Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Industry Association: 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report
Bureau of Economic Analysis: 2024 Economic Statistics for Wisconsin
Adventure Travel Trade Association: Travel Market Sizing and the New Adventure Traveler
KOA: 2025 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report
American Sportfishing Association: Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing
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