Presenter(s)
Madeline Palmer
Abstract
There is a need to widen the diversity of visitors and to enhance recreational experiences at state parks. This study evaluated visitor-reported metrics of recreational activities, purchasing behavior, and location preferences across a demographically diverse population at Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. We compared park use across age classes and influence of visitor origin (zip code) and distance traveled on type of pass purchased (day versus annual). Data was collected via online surveys administered at Perrot State Park (n=77) through social media platforms (n=125). Findings indicated that the majority of visitors were traveling from within a 35-mile radius of the park. The hiking trails were identified as the most frequently utilized feature, with no significant differences observed across age groups. For those staying in the campground, an annual pass was bought instead of a day pass. This was not the same case for hiking trails, the pass type varied. The results suggest that park managers should focus management strategies on trail maintenance at Perrot State Park. Park managers could also benefit by encouraging visitors who live within a 35-mile radius of any state park to purchase an annual pass, increasing purchases for the park and experiences for the visitor. By including visitor preferences and demographics into management planning, park managers can improve the overall value of state parks.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Austin Yantes
Location
Kryzsko, Minnesota Rooms 223-224, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
50
Visitor Recreational and Purchasing Behavior at Perrot State Park
Kryzsko, Minnesota Rooms 223-224, Winona, Minnesota; United States
There is a need to widen the diversity of visitors and to enhance recreational experiences at state parks. This study evaluated visitor-reported metrics of recreational activities, purchasing behavior, and location preferences across a demographically diverse population at Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. We compared park use across age classes and influence of visitor origin (zip code) and distance traveled on type of pass purchased (day versus annual). Data was collected via online surveys administered at Perrot State Park (n=77) through social media platforms (n=125). Findings indicated that the majority of visitors were traveling from within a 35-mile radius of the park. The hiking trails were identified as the most frequently utilized feature, with no significant differences observed across age groups. For those staying in the campground, an annual pass was bought instead of a day pass. This was not the same case for hiking trails, the pass type varied. The results suggest that park managers should focus management strategies on trail maintenance at Perrot State Park. Park managers could also benefit by encouraging visitors who live within a 35-mile radius of any state park to purchase an annual pass, increasing purchases for the park and experiences for the visitor. By including visitor preferences and demographics into management planning, park managers can improve the overall value of state parks.
