The National Park Service recently released its annual study detailing the economic benefits of local parks. The National Park System has more than 400 sites across the country. Overall, the country’s parks saw an increase in the number of visits from last year. This is also true for the Big Cypress National Preserve.
The Big Cypress National Preserve was visited almost 1.2 million times 2014. The report said visitors spent about $90 million in the area on things like gas, hotels and groceries.

Spokesperson Bob DeGross said the report shows how local parks are a viable part of the economy.

“We’re not often seen as a primary economic generator here in South Florida,” he said. “A lot of people come to the beaches of course, but this study shows that a lot people are also coming out to explore the natural Everglades as well.”

He said the number of people coming to Big Cypress has greatly increased over the last three years.

Everglades National Park had about 1.1 million visits. Visitors spent about $104 million in the surrounding area.