Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Factors contributing to the number of visitors to the most popular National Parks, based on 2021 data.
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
One of the best things ever created in the United States is the National Parks System. The National Parks are located all across the United States and have millions of visitors each year. While all National Parks show visitors unique and beautiful landscapes, there are some that are visited more often than others. This study was conducted to determine what makes one park more popular than another. I used Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and 2021 data, to compare the top National Parks in the United States. More specifically I analyzed each park based on size (square kilometers), location, yearly average of gas prices by state, and entrance fee to the park. According to the National Parks Service, in 2021 the ten most visited National Parks were, in order, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Zion NP, Yellowstone NP, Grand Canyon NP, Rocky Mountain NP, Acadia NP, Grand Teton NP, Yosemite NP, Indiana Dunes NP and Glacier NP. The expected results of my analysis are National Parks are more popular if they are fairly large in size, are within a reasonable driving distance for visitors, are close in distance to other popular National Parks, are located within a state with a low average yearly gas price, and do not have an entrance fee. This research can be used by the National Park System to analyze the number of visitors to the Parks each year. Also, it can help future visitors decide which park is best suited for them.
Spring Scholars Week 2022 Event
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Factors contributing to the number of visitors to the most popular National Parks, based on 2021 data.
One of the best things ever created in the United States is the National Parks System. The National Parks are located all across the United States and have millions of visitors each year. While all National Parks show visitors unique and beautiful landscapes, there are some that are visited more often than others. This study was conducted to determine what makes one park more popular than another. I used Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and 2021 data, to compare the top National Parks in the United States. More specifically I analyzed each park based on size (square kilometers), location, yearly average of gas prices by state, and entrance fee to the park. According to the National Parks Service, in 2021 the ten most visited National Parks were, in order, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Zion NP, Yellowstone NP, Grand Canyon NP, Rocky Mountain NP, Acadia NP, Grand Teton NP, Yosemite NP, Indiana Dunes NP and Glacier NP. The expected results of my analysis are National Parks are more popular if they are fairly large in size, are within a reasonable driving distance for visitors, are close in distance to other popular National Parks, are located within a state with a low average yearly gas price, and do not have an entrance fee. This research can be used by the National Park System to analyze the number of visitors to the Parks each year. Also, it can help future visitors decide which park is best suited for them.