The Rise in Leisure Activities by State

Introduction

Visitors to leisure activities vary greatly from state to state. South Dakota tops the list with an incredible 280% increase in visits, followed by Hawaii with 68%. North Carolina and North Dakota trail close behind at 65% and 58%, respectively. In Washington, visits to leisure activities have seen an increase of 56%, while Rhode Island has recorded a 44% increase over the same period. Virginia has reported 43%, South Carolina 41%, and Alaska 40%. Montana is not far behind with a 39% jump in leisure activity visits.

California has also experienced a significant 38% change in leisure activity participation over the past year, while Illinois and Connecticut follow closely at 36%. Ohio comes in next with 30%, followed by Maryland at 29%. Minnesota and Oregon both report 26% increases, Utah 25%, and Arizona 23%. New York and Pennsylvania both report 21% and 20%, respectively, followed by Maine at 18%. West Virginia’s leisure activity rate has increased by 17%, Michigan 17%, Arkansas 17%, District of Columbia 16%, Georgia 16%, Idaho 15%, New Mexico 15%, Louisiana 15%, Missouri 13%, Iowa 13%; Tennessee 12%; New Jersey 12 %; Texas 12 %; Kentucky 11 %; Indiana 10 %; Massachusetts 10 %; Oklahoma 10 %; Florida 10 %; Mississippi 10 %; Kansas 9%; Colorado 8%; Delaware 8%; New Hampshire 8%; Nebraska 7%; Alabama 6%; Wisconsin 5%; Nevada 5%.

The surge in recreational activity is being attributed to several factors. Firstly, many people are now working remotely due to the pandemic or taking advantage of reduced work hours as businesses adjust their operations. This leaves more time for people to spend on leisure activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, golfing, hunting, or even simply enjoying nature’s beauty. Additionally, with many states reopening after months of lockdown restrictions implemented due to COVID-19, more people are taking advantage of newly available recreational opportunities. Finally, some people may simply be seeking an escape from their day-to-day lives into a new world of adventure outdoors!