The federal government shutdown, starting Wednesday, could strongly impact Montana’s economy due to the significant role of the National Park System. According to a recent National Park Service report, Montana ranks in the top 15 states for visitor spending, job creation, labor income, and economic output related to national parks. Last year, visitors spent approximately $838 million in Montana communities near national parks, primarily Glacier and Yellowstone.
National Park Service sites supported around 9,293 jobs in Montana, yielding $408 million in labor income, contributing $675 million in value added to the state’s economy, and generating $1.2 billion in economic output, as per the report. In 2024, there were about 8.9 million visits to key sites including Glacier and Yellowstone, with Glacier hosting 3.2 million visitors and Yellowstone 4.7 million.
Glacier National Park accounted for about 5,188 jobs, generating $217 million in labor income and $656 million in economic output for local communities. “The communities around Glacier are our partners in providing visitors with information that helps them enjoy the park safely and responsibly,” stated Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer. Yellowstone, impacting economies in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, saw $709 million spent by visitors, supporting 6,500 jobs and $322 million in labor income, leading to $903 million in economic output.
In October, Yellowstone typically receives 6% of its annual visitors, equating to $42 million in spending, which may decrease if the shutdown persists. Other Montana National Park Service sites attracted nearly half a million visitors, creating jobs and economic activity. For instance, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument hosted 111,000 visitors, generating $10.5 million in economic output and supporting 91 jobs. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area had 219,000 visitors, contributing $11.5 million to the region and supporting 121 jobs.
In western Montana, Big Hole National Battlefield and Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site welcomed 72,000 visitors, generating $4.5 million in spending and supporting 47 jobs. Nationally, NPS visitors spent approximately $29 billion in gateway communities, with lodging and restaurants being major contributors.
