Shiloh National Military Park tourism contributes $24.9 million to local economy, data shows

SHILOH, Tenn. — One of our local national parks recently released information regarding their economic impact on the community.

In a press release that was sent out Wednesday morning, Shiloh National Military Park updated the public with data showing the number of visitors and how much money they spent in local communities.

A national park service report shows that in 2023, 372,000 visitors came to Shiloh National Military Park. These visitors went on to spend $24.9 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 347 jobs, and had a cumulative benefit of $29.7 million.

“They come up with a number that that community is receiving from the visitation to the park where the park is actually driving this part of the economy for this area,” said Chris Mekow, Shiloh Park ranger.

Mekow went on to speak with us about what is special about the national park in Shiloh and why so many people make a point to visit it each year.

“If you have to make an effort to go somewhere, like a Shiloh that’s off the beaten path, you’re really going to spend a lot of time appreciating the site. You don’t just come for a couple of hours and leave,” said Mekow.

Around the country, the service report states that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported over 415,000 jobs and provided $55.6 billion dollars in economic output to the country’s economy.

The volunteer state ranked 6th out of all states in regards to visitor spending. For more information about the park, click here.

For more Hardin County news, click here.