FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 3, 2015
Missouri State Parks saw record attendance in 2014, with more than 18.5 million visitors
Continued increase in park attendance has positive impact on Missouri’s economy, supporting more than 14,500 jobs throughout the state
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Jay Nixon today visited Bennett Spring State Park to highlight record attendance at Missouri State Parks and historic sites, which saw more than 18.5 million guests in 2014. The record attendance number for 2014 represents a nearly 25 percent increase since 2008.
“Missouri has a strong outdoor heritage, and it’s great to see more people exploring nature, experiencing history, and helping to create jobs in the Show-Me State,” Gov. Nixon said. “Whether you choose to hike, fish or spend the night in our state parks and historic sites, there are plenty of memories out there waiting to be made. Here in Missouri – and across the country – more people are discovering that Missouri is a great place to get outdoors.”
Because visitors to state parks strengthen the overall economy, when the Governor took office he made it a priority to reverse a 10-year decline in parks attendance. An economic impact study for the Missouri state park system released in 2012 reported that the overall economic impact of visitors to Missouri state parks and historic sites is estimated at $1.02 billion annual in sales, supporting more than 14,500 jobs throughout the state.
In 2014, Missouri State Parks also noted a 5.1 percent increase in camping occupancy at the 40 state parks and historic sites that offer almost 3,600 campsites. The park system noted an increase in youth camping. A total of 26 percent of campers who stayed the night in a state park were under 18.
Campsites in state parks range from secluded walk-in sites to sites with hookups for water, sewer and electrical service. To make a camping reservation, visit mostateparks.com. Camping reservations can also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Guests can make their reservations starting at 7 a.m. six months prior to the first day of their trip.
Gov. Nixon also encouraged Missourians to plan a fishing trip to one of Missouri’s trout parks once the season begins at 6:30 a.m. on March 1. Missouri State Parks includes three trout parks, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem. Trout season in Missouri is a cooperative effort of Missouri State Parks, which manages state parks, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates the hatcheries and stocks the streams with trout.
“Like many Missourians, I grew up trout fishing. Those memories of waking up before dawn, wading out into the cold bracing stream and feeling the strike of a trout on the line are memories that I’ll never forget,” Gov. Nixon said. “I want more Missouri children to be able to make those same memories with their families, which is why we will continue to protect and invest in our state parks, so that these resources are here for generations to come.”
Missouri has been named the best camping state, the best trails state, and its state parks are consistently ranked among the best in the nation. To celebrate Missouri being named the “Best Trails State” in 2013, Gov. Nixon launched the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge to encourage Missourians to undertake 100 miles of physical activity on Missouri trails. Since then, more than 22,000 Missourians have logged more than 3.1 million miles.
This year, the Governor and First Lady are promoting Missouri’s water resources by encouraging Missourians to log 100 “blue” miles on the state’s many lakes, rivers and streams.
For information about state parks and historic sites, visit MO.gov.
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Scott Holste
Press Secretary for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon
573-751-0290
