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
2011 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Economic Impact of Waterfowl Hunting in the United States
This report focuses on the economic impact of Waterfowl Hunting in the United States in 2011.
2020 Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine's Economic Impact on Fond du Lac
A 2020 report of the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of Mercury Marine on Fond du Lac.
2025 Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation
Three Eagle Trail: The Economic Significance of a Community Connector
A 2025 report by the Three Eagle Trail Foundation, Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau and Great Headwaters Trails Foundation analyzing the economic significance of users on the 12.7 mile trail system connecting Eagle River and Three Lakes 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
Measure What Matters
