Baby boomer visitors in U.S. national parks: Exploring age changes, activity selection and transportation mode choice

Over the past few years, there have been reports of fewer young people and more older people visiting our national parks (Keen & Dorell, 2012; Nagourney, 2013). This topic is explored in detail to determine if this is true and also to discuss what any changes and differences could mean for park management. An analysis of visitor age data from approximately 250 visitor studies was conducted.;Also, activity selection of baby boomer visitors to national parks is explored. The literature suggests baby boomers are a group with diverse outdoor interests. Some are interested in adventurous pursuits, while others are interested in more tame forms of recreation. A quantitative study was conducted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to see if this cohort is unique in terms of outdoor activity interests.;Finally, there is the potential to alleviate crowding, congestion, and air pollution in national parks through Alternative Transportation Systems (ATS) (i.e., shuttle buses). To accomplish this, parks need to find ways to get baby boomer visitors on buses and out of cars. Currently, the baby boomer demographic does not ride buses in national parks as often as do younger visitors. Many times, the freedom to travel as they choose is given as the reason. Specifically, the topic of freedom, as it relates to transportation, is explored. A study, via qualitative interviews at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, was conducted to determine specific factors inhibiting ridership of buses and factors that may increase ridership of buses among the baby boomer cohort.;A well-rounded study of the baby boomer generational cohort in a national park is the focus of this dissertation. Each of the three articles in the dissertation will provide needed insight into the large baby boomer demographic. The studies provide specific, empirically-based results accessible to managers that could be employed to provide a better park visitor experience by learning more about this cohort.