According to the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation, Dane, Door, Iron, Oconto, Oneida and Vilas counties generated $49.1 million in economic activity through outdoor recreation, with Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens generating $20.1 million.
“Biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing — you name it — outdoor recreation is a part of our culture as Wisconsinites and drives local economies, while also supporting folks’ mental and physical health to boot,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “Much of Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry depends on our local parks, trails, natural areas and destinations, and the DIY Program supports local leaders in capturing the true economic value of their destination so they can better showcase all our state, and our beautiful outdoor spaces, have to offer for visitors and locals alike.”
In 2023, outdoor recreation contributed more than $11 billion to Wisconsin’s economy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The 2024 data has not yet been released.
Launched in 2024, the Office of Outdoor Recreation’s DIY Economic Impact Program helps outdoor industry stakeholders identify the local value of outdoor recreation in their communities. In its second year, five teams participated, and the five reports compiled and analyzed the visitation and spending patterns of biking, fishing, hiking, boating and other activities at destinations within the six counties.
“Communities can see and feel the benefits of outdoor recreation — from increased visitation and foot traffic to engaged and healthy residents who enjoy these natural spaces,” Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Cassie Mordini said in a statement. “It is often difficult to quantify the value of outdoor recreation. With the DIY program, we’re able to equip folks with the knowledge and tools to gather and analyze data to finally put a number on the significant economic impact of outdoor recreation locally.”
This year’s reports, which can be found on the Office of Outdoor Recreation website, found the following economic activity:
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Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System: $25.7 million;
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Olbrich Botanical Gardens: $20.1 million;
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Peninsula State Park new mountain bike trails (preliminary): $1.3 million;
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Three Eagle Trail: $2 million; and
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Oconto County found anglers had an over $2,000 per group per trip economic impact in the county.
