State parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) saw a record 88.3 million visits in 2024, according to the office of Governor Kathy Hochul.
Total visits statewide surged by over four million, which is a five percent increase compared to the previous record year in 2023. These numbers reflect added promotion for the park system’s 100th anniversary last year, the 2024 total solar eclipse viewing events that broke state tourism records, and free swimming initiatives.
Over the last two decades, State Parks’ attendance has climbed steadily, increasing 66 percent, with last year marking the 12th consecutive annual increase, the Governor’s office said in an announcement sent to the press.
Contributing to this surge in visitation was the New York State park and historic site system’s Centennial in 2024. The year-long celebration honored influential figures and milestone moments in State Parks’ development and gave the agency an opportunity to connect with local communities across the state by hosting dozens of Centennial-themed events.
On April 8, 2024 State Parks hosted a range of events and activities to celebrate the total solar eclipse that passed through New York State. An estimated 45,000 visitors experienced the celestial event at Niagara Falls State Park.
State Parks’ free swimming initiatives fortified the new record. Prior to the July 4 weekend last year, Governor Hochul removed swimming pool entry fees at State Parks for the entire summer.
Through Labor Day, pool attendance increased 36 percent, with over 542,000 people visiting a State Park pool. Twenty-two facilities hosted free swimming lessons, tripling the number of facilities from previous years and teaching over 2,000 students how to swim.
Camping continued to be an in-demand offering at State Parks in 2024 with 2,206,986 campers at New York’s state park facilities. With more than 226,000 reservations, those campers spent a collective 753,731 nights under the stars.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually.
For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov.
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