MU study finds Missouri’s 93 state parks generate $1.5B in annual business sales, support nearly 12,000 jobs and draw about 20 million visitors on a $68M budget.
JEFFERSON CITY – A comprehensive economic impact analysis by the University of Missouri shows Missouri’s state park system is a major contributor to the state’s economy, generating about $1.5 billion in total business sales and supporting nearly 12,000 jobs.
“We’ve always known Missouri’s 93 state parks and historic sites are a tremendous asset to the state,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer. “The system operates on a $68 million annual budget, but it obviously brings a much bigger economic benefit to Missouri citizens and our visitors. Tourism, outdoor recreation and cultural interpretation remain as popular today as they’ve ever been.”
The study, which surveyed visitors across state parks and specifically analyzed Katy Trail State Park, highlighted how outdoor recreation significantly boosts local economies through retail, hospitality, and ripple effects.
“Our state parks and historic sites do more than preserve Missouri’s natural beauty and history,” said Laura Hendrickson, director of Missouri State Parks. “This analysis shows that park visits, historic site tours or rides on the Katy Trail funnel visitor dollars directly into nearby restaurants, shops and lodging.”
When initial visitor spending along with purchases like hiking gear, camping supplies, or outdoor apparel is combined and calculated against economic effects, the total footprint of Missouri’s approximately 20 million park visitors a year includes:
- $1.5 billion in total sales for Missouri businesses.
- $882.7 million contributed directly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.
- $514.7 million generated in local labor and payroll income.
- 11,890 jobs maintained throughout Missouri.
On an individual level, day-trippers spend an average of $46 to $67 per day, while overnight guests increase that spending to $64 to $148 during their stays.
The study collected data to show who is using the parks and how they interact with nearby towns.
For example, although 91% of visitors are Missouri residents, they are willing to travel for the experience. Nearly half (48%) traveled more than 60 miles to reach a park, while 23% traveled 30 to 60 miles, and 29% stayed within a 30-mile radius.
As expected, summer is the busiest season, with visitors spending an average of 23 days in the park each year. Day trips, lasting about four hours, make up 57% of park visits, while overnight trips account for 43% and typically last four days. Moreover, 90% of overnight visitors use park campgrounds.
The most popular activities at parks include walking, running, and hiking. Most visitors often go beyond the parks into nearby communities to check out local shops and restaurants.
Survey responders reported public benefits and highly approved of the park system’s affordability, family-friendly atmosphere, and its contribution to improving mental health, reducing stress, and supporting outdoor activities.
Spotlight on Katy Trail State Park
A detailed analysis of Katy Trail State Park indicates that the trail is a significant contributor to regional tourism, with most users being over 60 and college-educated.
In 2025, the direct impact of visitors on the Katy Trail was $24.6 million, supporting 261 jobs and adding $20.2 million to the state Gross Domestic Product. However, when including the total household investments related to the trail, such as buying a bicycle or e-bike for trail use, the overall economic footprint of the Katy Trail increases significantly.
Day visitors spend an average of $45 per day, mostly at local restaurants. Overnight visitors spend three times that amount, averaging $148 per day, with lodging being the largest single expense at $67 per night.
Bicycling, walking, and running remain the most popular activities on the trail. Trail users spend about 25 days on the trail each year, with usage peaking in summer and fall. Nonlocal visitors often support nearby community businesses, including restaurants, historical sites, shops, and local wineries or breweries.
Missouri’s Division of State Parks does not receive any revenue from the Katy Trail. Funding for maintaining the trail comes from the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax.
About the study
The data was gathered through comprehensive surveys conducted by University of Missouri researchers in collaboration with Missouri’s Division of State Parks to evaluate direct visitor spending and secondary economic effects using established economic modeling methods.
The primary funding source for Missouri’s state park system is half of the dedicated constitutional tax on Parks, Soils, and Water Sales Tax. This tax accounts for about three-quarters of the budget used for operating and developing state parks. All other funding for Missouri’s Division of State Parks comes from revenues generated within the state park system and some federal funds.
A link to MU’s study is available on Missouri’s Division of State Parks website: Facts and Figures | Missouri State Parks.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. The Division of State Parks is a part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.