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
2023 Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation
Wisconsin Outdoor Industry's 2023 Economic Impact
A 2023 economic impact infographic in Wisconsin's Outdoor Industry. Data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account of the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found that the outdoor industry contributed $11.2 billion to the state's GDP, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by 9.4%.
2025 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
The Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORP) evaluates outdoor recreation supply, demand, trends and issues every five years.
2021 Kampgrounds of America, Research
North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report (2021)
A 2021 report from KOA, which analyzes trends, demographics and economic impacts in the outdoor hospitality industry, highlighting the camping industry.
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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