Tourism To Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Creates Almost $7.3 Million In Economic Benefits

Date: April 29, 2016
Contact: Peter Swisher, [phone]

WEST BRANCH, IOWA— A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 127,155 visits to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in 2015 spent $7,281,100 in communities near the park. That spending supported 122 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $9,295,000. 

"Herbert Hoover National Historic Site welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world," said Superintendent Peter Swisher. "We are delighted to share the story of this place and the experiences it provides. We also feature the park as a way to introduce our visitors to this part of the country and all that it offers. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it's a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities." 

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report shows $16.9 billion of direct spending by 307.2 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 295,000 jobs nationally; 252,000 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $32 billion. 

According to the 2015 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (31.1 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.2 percent), gas and oil (11.8 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.8 percent). 

To download the report visit go.nps.gov/vse. 

The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state. To learn more about national parks in Iowa and how the National Park Service works with Iowa communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/iowa. 

 Last year the National Park Service launched its "Find Your Park" campaign which began a two year celebration commemorating its first 100 years of preservation and service to the public. "Find Your Park" is aimed at getting people out to experience all their national parks have to offer and to share their favorite stories about National Parks. Visit www.findyourpark.com to learn more. 

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call [phone].