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Joy Tabler and Rocco taking a morning stroll at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville. Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs and drawing 9.3 million visitors. (Spectrum News 1/Juliet Gahan)

State parks drew 9.3 million visitors to Kentucky in 2024, study says

BY Laya Gilpin Kentucky

PUBLISHED 3:01 PM ET Jul. 02, 2026

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs and drawing 9.3 million visitors, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced Wednesday.

A new study by Tourism Economics found the parks produced an estimated $591 million in direct spending, including $120 million in park operations and $471 million in visitor spending.

KENTUCKY STATE PARKS SPENDING

Kentucky State Parks generated an estimated $591 million in direct spending in 2024.

Beshear said the findings show how state park investments are helping local communities.

“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,” Beshear said in a statement.

The report found state park visitation reached communities across Kentucky, from about 3,500 visits in Knott County to more than 700,000 in Trigg County. Marshall County and Jefferson County each saw nearly 1 million state park visitors.

Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier said the report highlights the parks’ role in Kentucky’s economy and supports continued investment in the system.

Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Mark Kellen said the parks attract visitors for vacations, reunions, weddings and outdoor recreation while also giving the public access to the state’s natural resources.

The Beshear administration said recent upgrades to lodges, campgrounds, marinas and golf courses are part of a broader effort to keep the parks competitive and attract more travelers.