Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025

Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025, including a record number of recreation visits to the Minidoka National Historic Site.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, City of Rocks National Reserve, and Minidoka National Historic Site welcomed a combined 431,522 recreation visits in 2025. This includes a record 43,539 recreation visits to the Minidoka National Historic Site, which includes units located in Jerome, Idaho and Bainbridge Island, Washington. That is nearly double from the year before, which was also a record.

Despite a 43-day partial government shutdown, the longest ever, the National Park Service and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation worked to keep parks open and accessible so visitors could continue to experience the nation's natural and historic treasures. Both agencies co-manage the City of Rocks National Reserve and the Thousand Springs Visitor Center that serves the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument.

"People visit the southern Idaho parks to travel through an otherworldly volcanic landscape, attempt challenging rock climbing routes, explore an area where prehistoric species once roamed, learn about a regrettable chapter of history, and engage in all of the other experiences these special places have to offer," said Wade Vagias, park superintendent, National Park Service.

2025 Visitation Highlights

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

• 260,418 recreation visits
• 773,928 recreation visitor hours spent in park
• 17,837 overnight camping stays

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument/Thousand Springs Visitor Center

• 36,667 recreation visits
• 54,999 recreation visitor hours spent in park
• 0 overnight camping stays (camping not available in park)

Minidoka National Historic Site

• 43,539 recreation visits
• 73,857 recreation visitor hours spent in park
• 0 overnight camping stays (camping not available in park)

City of Rocks National Reserve

• 90,898 recreation visits
• 319,113 recreation visitor hours spent in park
• 8,137 overnight camping stays (Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation)
• 42 backcountry overnight camping stays (National Park Service)

Visitation figures and trends help guide how the National Park Service manages parks to ensure the best possible experience for visitors. The Visitation Statistics Dashboard on NPS.gov provides recreation visit data for every park in the U.S. for 2025 and previous years - dating back to 1979 for some parks.

With at least one in every state, national parks throughout the country provide a wide range of opportunities for recreation and inspiration for visitors of all ages.

For an in-depth look at 2025 visitation, including individual park figures, please visit NPS Social Science.