Effigy Mounds has more than a $5 million economic impact

Previously decorahnews.com reported that a survey by the Iowa Tourism Council placed the economic impact of tourism in Winneshiek County at almost $27 million in 2012.

Now we can tell you about a separate report--this one by the National Park Service--that says Effigy Mounds in Allamakee County had an economic impact of $5,131,200 in 2012.

The new National Park Service report also covers the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch.  It says the two National Park Service facilities in Iowa had a combined 207,352 visitors in 2012.

"The national parks of Iowa attract visitors from across the country and around the world and provide premiere historical, cultural, natural, and recreational experiences," said NPS Midwest Regional Director Michael T. Reynolds. "This new report shows that national park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy - returning $10 for every $1 invested - and funding generated by national parks has a swift and direct positive impact on local economies in Iowa as well."

To download the report visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm.