About Us
The Office of Outdoor Recreation
The Hub for Outdoor Recreation
The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation is the hub for the outdoor industry, drawing essential links between the places, activities and businesses of outdoor recreation to drive economic impact and support the well-being of Wisconsinites. It provides resources, tools and connections that advance the industry and keep Wisconsin moving onward and outdoors.
OUR VISION
Outdoor recreation enriches the life of every Wisconsinite.
OUR MISSION
Strengthen Wisconsin's economy and quality of life through outdoor recreation.
What We Do
Wisconsin’s natural assets are vast and incredibly valuable to visitors and residents alike. Outdoor recreation drives tourism, relocation, second-home purchases and business growth, supporting the state’s economy and the well-being of its communities. The Office engages partners to strengthen and promote this vital industry.
Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation
Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation
Play VideoWorking With You
Our Partners
The Office works directly with businesses, manufacturers, guides, outfitters and retailers to help them grow, sustain and thrive. With their partnership, we can drive economic impact for the state. We also work directly with communities, recreation user groups, conservation organizations, educators, the healthcare community and others to ensure our state has the infrastructure, resources and networks to nurture Wisconsin's endemic outdoor culture and support the well-being of Wisconsinites.
Guiding The Work
Our Strategic Imperatives
Our industry-informed, long-range plan guides our efforts toward maximum impact. Four strategic imperatives direct our focus, build on current successes and chart the course to the future.
Our History
2017
Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account Launches
Congress directed the Bureau of Economic Analysis to form an outdoor recreation satellite account, and the first data showing the outdoor recreation industry's contributions to the economy was released.
2019
Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation Established
Wisconsin created the 14th State Office of Outdoor Recreation. Housed within the Department of Tourism, it recognizes the importance of the outdoor industry to tourism, the economy and the well-being of residents.
2025
Wisconsin's Office Becomes Permanent
Governor Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature made the Office of Outdoor Recreation permanent with the passing and signing of the 2025-2027 biennial budget, underscoring the value of the outdoor industry to Wisconsinites.
Stay Connected
