Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024
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Outdoor recreation in parks, on waterways and elsewhere made Ohio $20 billion in 2024, and represents an increasingly large percentage of our state GDP.
Why it matters: In addition to state revenue, the industry supports tens of thousands of Ohio jobs and billions in wages in fields ranging from boating and fishing to equestrian and snow sports.
Driving the news: The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released its annual report on outdoor recreation, charting economic impact across the country.
- Nationwide, the industry accounted for 2.4% GDP in 2024, or nearly $700 billion.
Zoom in: In Ohio, outdoor recreation makes up just 2.2% of our GDP.
- By that metric, we're above only 13 states and D.C.
Yes, but: It's growing. GDP is up more than $1 billion from 2023 and has nearly doubled since 2020.
- And in raw dollars, Ohio ranks in the top 10 — competing with outdoor-oriented states like Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina.
By the numbers: More than 150,000 people are employed in Ohio's outdoor recreation economy, reflecting 2.7% of total jobs in the state.
Between the lines: Cashing in on outdoor recreation hasn't been an accident — Ohio has been investing in the industry and bolstering outdoor spaces for years.
What they did: The state 2025-26 capital budget invested nearly $300 million in state parks.
- The Clean Trail Fund awards millions each year for improvement projects.
- The first-ever Ohio Outdoor Recreation Economy Conference was in 2025.
Case in point: That conference featured the Athens' Baileys Trail System, which opened in 2020.
- It required millions in investment, but has already returned $3.7 million in economic impact for Athens County while creating dozens of jobs.
The last word: "Our dream is for Ohio to have the best State Park system in the country," Gov. Mike DeWine said in his 2022 State of the State address.
Columbus' newest park investment
The statewide emphasis on outdoor recreation extends to Franklin County and Columbus, where recent investments have resulted in new parks and amenities.
The latest: Columbus' newest Metro Park, Great Southern, officially opens April 1.
- It's one of many projects funded by a 10-year, 0.95-mill levy passed in 2018.
Plus: A second new park is coming soon, with Bank Run between Lockbourne and Obetz expected to open in May.
The big picture: There's plenty of other outdoor investments across Central Ohio.
- The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's Central Ohio Greenways projects have expanded and connected trails, resulting in a significant economic impact.
- The City of Columbus' $40 million update to Kilbourne Run Sports Park will open this year.
- Each year, millions in state funding support local projects like the Heritage Trail extending from downtown Hilliard.