According to a recent report from the National Park Service, in 2023, approximately 4.4 million visitors to the National Park Service lands in Arkansas spent an estimated $289 million in the local gateway regions. As a result, these expenditures contributed to the support of 4,020 jobs, $111 million in labor income, $198 million in value-added, and $375 million in economic output in the Arkansas economy.
National park properties are crucial to the Arkansas tourism economy, serving as a major draw for visitors from across the country and around the world. These natural treasures, including Hot Springs National Park and Buffalo National River, offer a range of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking, which attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The influx of tourists to these parks stimulates local economies by generating revenue for businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops, and by creating jobs in hospitality and service industries. Additionally, the promotion of Arkansas’s national parks enhances the state’s image as a destination for eco-tourism and outdoor adventure, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Arkansas National Park properties and their impact:
Hot Springs National Park
In 2023, 2.5 million park visitors spent an estimated $184 million in local gateway regions while visiting Hot Springs National Park. These expenditures supported a total of 2,590 jobs, $72.5 million in labor income, $132 million in value-added, and $248 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Hot Springs National Park.
Buffalo National River
In 2023, 1.5 million park visitors spent an estimated $78.2 million in local gateway regions while visiting Buffalo National River. These expenditures supported a total of 1,030 jobs, $29.4 million in labor income, $50.0 million in value-added, and $94.5 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Buffalo National River.
Pea Ridge National Military Park
172 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $11.5 million in local gateway regions while visiting Pea Ridge National Military Park. These expenditures supported a total of 170 jobs, $5.0 million in labor income, $8.3 million in value-added, and $15.9 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Pea Ridge National Military Park.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
135 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $9.1 million in local gateway regions while visiting Fort Smith National Historic Site. These expenditures supported a total of 132 jobs, $3.6 million in labor income, $6.2 million in value-added, and $11.9 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding the Fort Smith National Historic Site.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
58.6 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $3.9 million in local gateway regions while visiting Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. These expenditures supported a total of 58 jobs, $1.6 million in labor income, $2.9 million in value-added, and $5.4 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.
Arkansas Post National Memorial
25.0 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $1.7 million in local gateway regions while visiting the Arkansas Post National Memorial. These expenditures supported a total of 23 jobs, $686 thousand in labor income, $1.2 million in value-added, and $2.1 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Arkansas Post National Memorial.
President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site
5,020 park visitors spent an estimated $337 thousand in local gateway regions while visiting President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site. These expenditures supported a total of 5 jobs, $126 thousand in labor income, $222 thousand in value-added, and $419 thousand in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site.
The National Park Service’s 2023 report, “National Park Visitor Spending Effects,” reveals that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, providing $19.4 billion in labor income and contributing $55.6 billion to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector made the highest direct contributions, with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs, while restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.
(All photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Lead photo of Hot Springs National Park.)
