New report shows state parks drive tourism, create jobs and support local economies
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 2, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs and helping fuel economic growth across the commonwealth.
“Team Kentucky has made historic investments in Kentucky State Parks because we see how they strengthen the communities they serve and contribute to our record-breaking tourism industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every upgraded lodge, campground, marina and golf course helps attract more travelers to our New Kentucky Home, ensuring our state parks remain destinations for families to enjoy for generations to come.”
A new study conducted by Tourism Economics found that Kentucky State Parks welcomed 9.3 million visitors in 2024. Kentucky State Parks generated an estimated $591 million in direct spending, including $120 million in park operations and $471 million in visitor spending.
The parks’ direct impact included:
- $164 million in spending on lodging and accommodation (including hotels/motels, short-term rentals and other lodging);
- $127 million in food and beverage purchases (including full-service restaurants, fast food outlets, convenience stores and alcohol purchases);
- $78 million in recreation and entertainment (including purchases at parks, museums, theaters and other entertainment venues);
- $46 million in retail purchases (including souvenirs, general merchandise and purchases at malls and local retailers);
- $49 million in gasoline purchases; and
- $15 million in transportation costs (including public transportation, bus tours, airfare, taxis and ride shares).
State park visitation reached communities in every region of Kentucky, ranging from approximately 3,500 visits in Knott County to more than 700,000 visits in Trigg County. Marshall County and Jefferson County each welcomed nearly one million state park visitors.
“The Kentucky State Parks system is vital to our New Kentucky Home’s heritage and legacy, and we now have proof of Parks’ massive financial impact,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “These numbers demonstrate how much the parks truly contribute to our commonwealth and underline the importance of continuing to invest in them so that future generations can enjoy the same incredible experiences.”
“We’ve known for years how significant state parks are to the commonwealth, not just in terms of revenue, but in allowing free access for the public to the commonwealth’s natural wonders,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Mark Kellen. “Our parks play host to weddings, family reunions, hiking trips and visitors from all over the country. This report shows how all of those events and tourists pay dividends to Kentucky and why we need to further our commitment to funding capital projects and updates for the Parks system.”
To see a full economic impact report, click here.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last six years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including building system upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks.
The Governor announced that $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
Recently, the Governor announced that 2025 was the best year on record for tourism, the fourth consecutive record-breaking year, generating $14.6 billion in economic impact and supporting 96,993 jobs.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
In 2025, Gov. Beshear announced five new tourism development projects, generating an estimated $118 million in economic investment. These projects are expected to create approximately 298 jobs when operational.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 37 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1.1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create more than 5,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
Additionally, the administration has invested $88.1 million in Kentucky’s tourism industry, including $75 million in ARPA funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy and $13.1 million to strengthen promotional marketing efforts.
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
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