The ongoing federal government shutdown, starting Wednesday, significantly impacts Montana’s economy due to its reliance on the National Park system. National parks are crucial for Montana, ranking it among the top 15 states benefiting from visitor spending, job creation, and economic output. According to a National Park Service report, visitors spent approximately $838 million in Montana’s park-adjacent communities last year, with Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks as major contributors.
National Park Service sites in Montana supported 9,293 jobs, provided $408 million in labor income, added $675 million in value, and contributed $1.2 billion in economic output, according to the report. In 2024, there were about 8.9 million visits to sites including Glacier and Yellowstone, with most visits focused on Glacier (3.2 million) and Yellowstone (4.7 million).
Glacier National Park created 5,188 jobs and generated $217 million in labor income and $656 million in economic output for local communities. Superintendent Dave Roemer stated, “The communities around Glacier are our partners in providing visitors with information that helps them enjoy the park safely and responsibly.” Yellowstone National Park supported 6,500 jobs and $322 million in labor income, with visitors spending $709 million, leading to $903 million in economic output.
In October, Yellowstone’s visitors account for 6% of annual visits, equating to $42 million in spending. A prolonged shutdown could reduce this figure in 2025. Other Montana National Park Service sites attracted nearly half a million visitors last year, creating jobs and boosting economic outputs. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument had 111,000 visitors, generating $10.5 million in economic output, while Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area hosted 219,000 visitors, contributing $11.5 million. Big Hole National Battlefield and Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in western Montana received 72,000 visitors, generating $4.5 million in spending.
Nationally, park visitors spent an estimated $29 billion in local communities, predominantly on lodging ($11 billion) and dining ($5.7 billion).
—
Read More Montana News
