Measuring Value

Parks reflect important American values. Visitors to national parks seek experiences they can have nowhere else: pristine nature and rich history, clear scenic views, starry night skies, recreation adventures, solitude, and stories about our ancestors. Social science research provides insights into how people experience and interact with parks. It also tells us the kinds of value visitors derive from their time in parks. Explore the ways the National Park Service measures value. How do you experience the values of your national parks?
Two people sit on a high rock with their backpacks on looking over an alpine lake.
Park Values

Explore the many intrinsic values of our national parks.

Three people at a desk at the visitor center.
Visitors

Learn more about how we measure visitor use and visitor experience.

The bow of a cruise ship with people all along the railing looking at a tidewater glacier.
Economics

Learn how we measure economic values of parks.

Click on the titles below to access the full records and reports.

Source: Data Store Collection 3780. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.

Browse some examples of how we measure park values

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    Last updated: June 14, 2021

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