An annual report from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service shows nearly 672,000 people visited national park sites in Wisconsin last year, spending about $66 million and supporting roughly 1,000 jobs, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
Last year, Wisconsin drew around 2% more visitors, or almost 15,000 more people, than in 2021. Visitor spending declined by around $3 million but remains above pre-pandemic levels. The largest uptick in visitors was seen at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, with about 101,000 more people than last year. About 834,000 people visited the riverway and spent roughly $41 million, contributing $59 million to the regional economy.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore brought in about 255,000 visitors last year, spending around $45 million and contributing almost $57 million to the regional economy. The parks supported roughly $17.5 million in labor income and about 600 jobs.
Past surveys of visitors to St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Apostle Islands show the majority of them come from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.
