Tourism brings millions to southern Idaho economies, National Park Service report shows

The City of Rocks, near Almo, Idaho, is known for its hiking, climbing, birding, camping and stargazing opportunities. (Savana Jones/City of Rocks National Reserve)

In 2023, tourism across southern Idaho brought $23 million to local economies, according to a new report from the National Park Service.

The National Park Service manages several parks and monuments in Idaho, including Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, City of Rocks National Reserve, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and Minidoka National Historic Site.

The report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects , found that a total of 400,000 visitors to those Idaho parks spent a combined total of nearly $20 million in neighboring communities. That spending supported a combined total of some 250 jobs in the local areas and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of nearly $23 million, according to a press release from the National Park Service.

“People visit the southern Idaho parks to see an otherworldly volcanic landscape, attempt challenging rock climbing routes, explore an area where prehistoric species once roamed, learn about a tragic chapter of American history and engage in all of the other experiences these special places have to offer,” Wad e Vagias, superintendent of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, said in the release. “Being good neighbors to surrounding communities is a top priority and we’re pleased that these parks are providing significant economic benefits for them.”

Breakdown of economic impact of each Idaho park in 2023

On a national level, the report found that 325.5 million visitors spent more than $26.4 billion in communities near national parks, supporting 415,400 jobs, providing $19.4 billion in labor income and $55.6 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging and restaurant sector received the highest direct contributions from national park tourism.

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in the press release. “And I’m just proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”

Below is a breakdown of how much tourism contributed to local economies in southern Idaho. For more information, an interactive tool is also available on the NPS website to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, and total economic contribution by sector for national, state and local economies.

To learn more about national parks in Idaho and how the National Park Service works with Idaho communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment and provide outdoor recreation, visit www.nps.gov/idaho .

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

• 258,000 visitors
• $10.3 million from spending in local regions
• 136 jobs supported
• $12.1 million cumulative benefit to local economy

City of Rocks National Reserve

• 92,100 visitors
• $6.2 million from spending in local regions
• 81 jobs supported
• $7.3 million cumulative benefit to local economy

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

• 33,400 visitors
• $2.2 million from spending in local regions
• 31 jobs supported
• $3.1 million cumulative benefit to local economy

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX