Economic Impacts of Parks, Rivers, Trails and Greenways

Table 39. Visitors and Spending in Missouri State ParksPark Type Number of Visitors Average SpendingPerson/DaySpending of Visitorsfrom Other States(out-of-state)Overnight 11,140,577 $31.47 $72,604,058Day use 1,689,122 $50.71 $17,724,102Historic Site 972,764 $45.60 $10,156,938TOTAL 13,802,463 $37.09(average)$100,485,098"This is new money being brought into Missouri because of state parks andhistoric sites," Gov. Bob Holden said. "It also emphasizes what a major attractionour state park system is, not only to residents but to out-of-state tourists aswell."(Missouri State Government Press Release, 2003)Several studies in Montana and Utah indicate that the average daily expenditure bywilderness visitors across seven different areas equals $39.47 (Rudzitis, 1999).Table 40. Average Daily Expenditures by Wilderness VisitorsLocation of Study Expenditures /person / dayMontana wilderness (backpacking) $39.10Montana wilderness (fishing) $42.83Montana wilderness (nature study) $35.06Utah wilderness (Box Death Canyon) $38.44Utah wilderness (Dark Canyon) $47.02Utah wilderness (Grand Gulch) $37.66Utah wilderness (Paria Canyon) $36.16Average $39.47Table 41. Average Expenditures of Wilderness Visitors by Category of PurchaseIndustry Average Expenditures /person / dayGasoline $ 8.22Groceries $ 8.23Restaurant/Bar $ 6.78Lodging and Campground $ 6.47Auto/RV Rental $ 1.56Licenses/Admissions $ 1.14Recreation Equipment / Outfitter / Guide $ 1.59Retail $ 5.48Total $39.4771