The National Park System generated $55.6 billion in economic activity last year, according to the Interior Department./NPS file

Visitor spending in communities near national parks last year resulted in a record $55.6 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 415,400 jobs, according to the Interior Department.

The total was a $5.2 billion increase from 2022, and up from $42.5 billion 2021.

The 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects survey finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks, according to a release from Interior. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income, and $55.6 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs. Restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.

According to an interactive display created to showcase the spending categories, Great Smoky Mountains National Park produced the greatest economic impact, with a total dollar amount of $3.4 billion in 2023. Golden Gate National Recreation Area ranked second, with a $2 billion impact.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument seemed to rank last, with a total economic impact of $12,000, according to the document (attached below) that broke out the spending numbers. The monument was largely inaccessible for months last year due to low Lake Powell water levels.