Idaho national parks brought more than $37 million to state

A new report from the National Park Service says Idaho’s five national parks brought in nearly 750,000 visitors last year.

Boise State Public Radio reports the visitors to City of Rocks, Craters of the Moon, Hagerman Fossil Beds, the Minidoka Historic Site and the Nez Perce National Historical Park spent most of their money on lodging, with food a close second.

All told, the tourists spent roughly $37.4 million during their visits. The report says that money supported 569 jobs outside the parks, with a cumulative benefit to the state of about $48.5 million.

The report says that across the Mountain West, visitors to national parks spent over $3.5 billion last year.