1.7 Million Visitors Bring $175 Million Boost to Communities Near Shenandoah National Park
LURAY, Va. — Shenandoah National Park drew 1.7 million visitors in 2024, bringing a significant boost to surrounding communities. According to a new National Park Service (NPS) report, those visitors spent $132 million in nearby towns, generating a cumulative economic benefit of $175 million.
“Visitors to Shenandoah National Park come seeking opportunities to learn, recreate, and relax,” said Superintendent Tracy Stakely. “We’re proud that Shenandoah supports and generates $175 million in economic output to the communities near the park.”
The findings are part of the NPS’s 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report, which outlines the broader economic impact of national parks across the country. Nationally, park visitors spent $29 billion in gateway communities. That spending supported $18.8 billion in labor income and produced $56.3 billion in economic output for the U.S. economy.
The lodging industry saw the largest direct benefit, with $11.1 billion in economic output. Restaurants followed with $5.7 billion.
The NPS also offers an interactive online tool that allows the public to explore visitor spending data, labor income, and economic contributions by sector. The tool provides both national and local insights, as well as year-by-year trend comparisons.
For more information about Virginia’s national parks and how the NPS partners with communities to preserve history, protect natural resources, and promote outdoor recreation, visit www.nps.gov/virginia.
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