Tourism to the Scotts Bluff and Agate Fossil Beds National Monuments in the Panhandle of Nebraska has made a significant contribution to the local economy, according to a new National Park Service report. The report indicates that in 2023, these attractions drew in 189,829 visitors, who spent a total of $12,990,000 in nearby communities.
This spending had a substantial impact on job creation, supporting 171 local jobs. The total economic benefit, taking into account both direct spending and the wider impacts on the economy, amounted to $15,318,000.
The report underscores the crucial role that tourism to national monuments plays in supporting local economies. The national monuments in Nebraska’s Panhandle have proven to be significant attractions, drawing in close to 200,000 visitors and contributing millions to the local economy.