Article Summary –
Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry reached a new economic high in 2024, contributing over $12 billion to the state’s GDP and supporting a record number of jobs with 114.4 million visits, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Governor Tony Evers and state officials emphasized the industry’s importance as both an economic driver and a quality-of-life asset, while highlighting the delays in data release due to a government shutdown and previous administrative obstruction. The continued growth of outdoor recreation is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and the establishment of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, which received funding to become a permanent entity in Evers’ latest budget.
The economic impact of Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry hit a record high in 2024, expanding 3.8% from the previous year.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, which released the figures after delays, shows outdoor recreation boosted Wisconsin’s gross domestic product by over $12 billion in 2024, a concern Democratic Gov. Tony Evers mentioned might affect the industry’s future.
“Our state has forged a strong, collaborative ecosystem of manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, tourism partners, and community leaders who recognize the outdoors as both an economic engine and a quality-of-life asset,” said Cassie Mordini, director of the state Office of Outdoor Recreation, in a statement. “This growth reflects their leadership, resilience, and commitment to keeping Wisconsin at the forefront of outdoor recreation.”
Evers’ office noted in a news release that the outdoor recreation industry supported an unprecedented number of jobs. State visits also set a record, with 114.4 million visits in 2024. The tourism department defines a visit as a journey over 50 miles from a person’s home to or within the state.
“Outdoor recreation attracts visitors year-round, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and showcasing what makes Wisconsin unique,” Evers stated.
The figures were due last November. Evers urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to release the data, accusing the Trump administration of delaying economic data.
“Due to the Trump Administration’s obstruction of essential economic data, Wisconsin still awaits our 2024 outdoor recreation economic impact data,” Evers wrote. “Without this data, the industry faces planning challenges and limited success opportunities.”
A Bureau of Outdoor Recreation spokesperson referenced an announcement by the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicating data release schedules were disrupted by a government shutdown.
“We will publish updated release dates as soon as they are available,” the announcement stated.
Evers established the Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2019, and it became permanent with funding in his latest budget signed last summer.
“Outdoor recreation remains a top reason for visiting Wisconsin,” said state Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers in a press release. “Through the Office of Outdoor Recreation and partners statewide, we’re strengthening this critical sector and enhancing Wisconsin’s status as a premier outdoor destination.”
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