Yellowstone National Park Visitor Use Study, Summer 2016

Resource Systems Group

During the sampling period, 2,265 visitor groups were contacted to participate in the study. Of those groups, 2,030 agreed to participate in the study by accepting a mail-back survey packet. Questionnaires were completed and returned by 1,257 visitor groups, resulting in a completion rate of 62% among those visitor groups that agreed to participate in the study and an overall response rate of 55% for the study. The by-entrance analysis yielded few substantial or systematic statistically significant differences by entrance. Among variables related to visitor and group characteristics, differences were observed for visitor age by generational category, ethnicity, race, state or country of residence, and educational attainment. For variables related to pre-trip planning, information sources, and motivations differences were observed for Yellowstone NP and NPS visits in the past 12 months, information use, and the importance of one reason for visiting the park. Among visitor experience variables, differences were observed for length of stay in the park, camping as an overnight accommodation, the importance of two Yellowstone NP resources, and learning among park visitors. For visitor access and transportation related questions, differences were observed for use of air travel and gate of entry and exit into the park. Finally, for variables related to services and facilities differences were observed in the quality ratings for one park facility.

Yellowstone National Park Visitor Use Study, Summer 2016

Collections