Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks experience visitor surge in 2024, attracting nature lovers and boosting local economies. According to the National Park Service (NPS), Glacier set a new visitation record for September, while Yellowstone recorded its second-highest September visitor count. This rise in numbers not only highlights the growing popularity of these iconic national parks but also strengthens Montana’s recreation economy. Read on to nationalparkshop’s post.
Glacier National Park Sees Record Numbers
In September 2024, Glacier National Park welcomed more than 600,000 visitors, a sharp increase compared to the previous year. This marks a significant 9% increase from 2023, with a total of 3,001,595 visitors so far this year. It is only the third time that Glacier’s visitor count has exceeded 3 million, reflecting the park’s growing popularity.
The end of the vehicle reservation system, which managed access to Glacier, contributed to this increase in visitor numbers. After Labor Day weekend, visitors without vehicle reservations could enter the park’s Apgar area, access the St. Mary Entrance, or explore the less congested Two Medicine area. According to Glacier spokesperson Autumn Sifuentes, the West Entrance and St. Mary Entrance recorded the highest visitor numbers, surpassing records set over the past 26 years.
Glacier’s vehicle reservation system, introduced in 2021 as a pilot program, aimed to manage the park’s growing visitor numbers and reduce congestion. Since its inception, the system has evolved, with adjustments made based on feedback from visitors and local businesses. In 2024, the St. Mary Entrance was removed from the reservation system, and the check point for Going-to-the-Sun Road was relocated to the Apgar Visitor Center.
These changes allowed more visitors to enter Glacier without reservations, particularly through the West Entrance, which handles around half of the park’s total traffic. Despite the spike in visitors, park officials successfully managed congestion without resorting to closures. The park is expected to welcome an additional 150,000 visitors in October, followed by smaller numbers in November and December, bringing 2024’s total close to the 2017 record of 3.3 million visitors.
Yellowstone National Park’s Visitor Boost
Yellowstone National Park also experienced a substantial increase in visitor numbers in 2024. In September alone, the park hosted 838,458 visitors, marking the second-highest September visitor count on record. So far this year, Yellowstone has welcomed 4,349,689 visitors, reflecting a 5% rise compared to 2023. The park is on track to reach numbers similar to 2021, which was Yellowstone’s record-breaking year.
Similar to Glacier, Yellowstone has enjoyed a steady increase in visitors since 2015. This trend continued despite significant challenges in recent years, including COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and historic flooding in 2022 that temporarily shut down the park.
Economic Contributions of Glacier and Yellowstone
The rising popularity of Glacier and Yellowstone not only benefits the parks but also plays a crucial role in bolstering Montana’s recreation economy. In 2023, the parks generated over $716 million in spending in surrounding communities. A report from the NPS also highlighted that national park sites in Montana, which include Big Hole National Battlefield, Grant-Kohrs Ranch, and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, supported approximately 10,900 jobs and contributed $1.1 billion to the state’s economic output.
The surge in visitors to Glacier and Yellowstone in 2024 underscores the enduring appeal of these natural wonders. As these parks continue to draw record numbers, their role in sustaining local economies and preserving natural landscapes remains more vital than ever. Looking ahead, both parks are expected to maintain strong visitor numbers, solidifying their status as top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
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