Outdoor rec adds more than $10B to state’s economy

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, boating and other forms of outdoor recreation generate billions of dollars in economic activity across Missouri. A new University of Missouri Extension report estimates outdoor recreation contributes more than $10 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs in a variety of sectors, including tourism, hospitality, retail and manufacturing.

“Outdoor recreation supports businesses, creates jobs and helps drive economic activity in communities throughout Missouri,” said Alan Spell, MU assistant extension professor and author of the report, “Outdoor Recreation Economy.” The brief is part of the Missouri Economy Indicators series published by MU Extension’s Exceed – Regional Economic and Entrepreneurial Development program.

Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the brief estimates outdoor recreation contributed $10.67 billion to Missouri’s economy in 2024, representing 2.4% of the state’s gross domestic product. That share matches the national average and exceeds that of six of Missouri’s eight neighboring states.

Retail is the largest segment of Missouri’s outdoor recreation economy, accounting for 28% of outdoor recreation GDP and supporting about 32,800 jobs. Manufacturing activities, including boat building and athletic gear production, generated 15% of outdoor recreation GDP and supported almost 7,300 jobs. Leisure and hospitality businesses such as entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants contributed $2.35 billion and supported more than 33,000 jobs.

Hunting, parks, historic sites are key draws

Hunting-related spending in the state generated $437 million in GDP in 2024. Missouri ranked 10th in the nation for hunting licenses in 2025 despite ranking 18th in population. Other forms of outdoor recreation with strong economic impacts in Missouri include equestrian activities, festivals and sporting events, hiking and camping, motorcycling and ATV riding, boating and fishing, and sports such as golf and tennis.

The brief also highlights the importance of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites, which attract nearly 20 million visitors annually. A 2025 survey found that more than 9 in 10 visitors used parks for walking, hiking or running; camping and wildlife viewing were also popular.

Visitors make a significant contribution to local economies. More than half of overnight park visitors reported dining at nearby restaurants, and one-third shopped in surrounding communities during their visits. Combined with household spending related to state parks, visitor spending in Missouri is estimated to have supported almost 12,000 jobs and contributed $883 million to the state’s GDP in 2025.

The report found that ZIP codes adjacent to Missouri state parks experienced stronger population and employment growth over the past two decades than similar metropolitan and nonmetropolitan communities.