STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Spending Sets New Record

December 15, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry contributed a record breaking $9.8 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2022.

Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Spending Sets New Record

According to data released from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry contributed a record breaking $9.8 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2022, which is good news for tourism related small and independent business. The report also showed travel and tourism associated with outdoor recreation grew to nearly $3 billion in 2022, an increase of 14.2 percent while local outdoor related travel grew by 8.7 percent. “The outdoors is consistently cited as a top reason visitors choose Wisconsin,” said Anne Sayers, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, “we’re incredibly proud of the work of the Office of Outdoor Recreation and their partners that enhances one of our top tourism products and drives the economic impact for the state.” The Bureau of Economic Analysis said the increases in outdoor spending in 2022 were the highest on record and noted the outdoor recreation industry supports 94,042 jobs (up 4.8 percent), represents 3.1 percent of all state private sector employment, and is responsible for $4.7 in employee compensation. “Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country – big, small, urban and rural alike,” said Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President Jessica Turner, “we are thrilled to once again see the data reflect what we hear every day, that outdoor recreation is not a nice to have – but a necessity for healthy people, places, and economies.” Nationally, the data also shows a record breaking year with numbers that show for the first time the outdoor industry contributed more than $1 trillion in gross output to the U.S. economy, and employed nearly 5 million people. NFIB is a member of the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin, and strongly supports an agenda of public policies that promote and strengthen the state’s tourism industry.

Topics:

Taxes

State:

Wisconsin

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

February 3, 2026

NFIB Comment Ahead of Governor Lamont’s State of the State Address

Connecticut’s small business owners need more than one-time rebates to thrive — they need long-term, structural tax reforms

February 3, 2026

VA Tax Bills Would Drive Up Costs for VA Small Businesses and Families

Some lawmakers are eyeing new taxes despite a state budget surplus.

February 3, 2026

NFIB Survey Shows SC Small Business Owners Support Personal Property Tax Relief

The 2026 state member ballot also looked at lawsuit abuse and regulatory reform.

February 3, 2026

Make Your Voice Heard: Virtual Workgroup on Sales Tax on Leases

The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Taxation, is hosting a virtual workgroup meeting to discuss the promulgation of a new sales tax rule regarding …

Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Spending Sets New Record

Related Articles