North Dakota’s Outdoor Economy Booming | Video

Amy Fox | 2/18/2013

North Dakota`s economy is booming and one thing bringing in big money is outdoor recreation. From fishing to hunting and hiking, North Dakota is home to 13 state parks and seven nature preserves.

According to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in 2012, there were 1.1 million visitors, making it the second highest in park history.

At Lake Metegoshie alone, they saw 141,000 visitors in 2012. All of those visitors have a big impact on the state`s economy.

"The outdoors really brings a lot of people to our area for the hunting and the fishing, so a lot of them are camping. Some of them are staying in hotels and they`re usually always getting gas and eating in our restaurants. They`re also buying retail as well. Some of them are picking up ammunition when they get here or picking up a new fishing rod or picking up equipment that they`re going to need while they`re here,” said Visit Minot Executive Director Wendy Howe.

As new people move to the area and experience North Dakota`s outdoor activities, Howe says the economy will continue to grow.

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