In a press release issued last week by the Utah Lake Authority, who commissioned the study conducted by Ernst &Young, its findings revealed people who visited Utah Lake in 2024 reportedly spent $74.3 million in trip expenses.

This amount generated $9.2 million in state and local tax revenues and supported 823 jobs in Utah County, according to the Utah Lake Authority.

For decades the state’s largest freshwater lake has faced a negative reputation for being dirty, and people opted to stay away from it.

However, in recent years, a concerted effort has been underway to change people’s perception of Utah Lake. The Utah Lake Authority and other local conservation groups are working to protect and enhance the lake’s ecosystem, while educating people about its natural beauty and opportunities for recreation.

“Utah Lake is an often invisible asset. But in reality, it makes significant contributions to our economy,” ULA Executive Director Luke Peterson said in the release.

The study examined online surveys, visitor volume counts, tourism-related spending on lodging, dining, recreation, and retail throughout 2024. The results showed that Utah Lake had 1.1 million visitor-days by non-Utah County residents, including 800,000 of those who paid for lodging.

Local leaders praised the lake’s role in boosting the economy, supporting businesses, and enhancing quality of life.

Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the lake continues to prove its worth as a powerful economic engine for Utah County.

“Beyond its natural beauty and recreational value, it drives jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens the county’s economy,” he said.

Blair added, “the study underscores the vital role Utah Lake plays in enhancing the quality of life for both visitors and local residents.”

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said it’s gratifying to see data that county leaders have known for years.

“Utah Lake is instrumental to our community,” he said. “The lake provides ecological, recreational and economic benefits to both residents and visitors.”

Beltran added that the results from the study is a testament to the work being done by the Utah Lake Authority.

“It’s exciting to see such strong numbers in the early years of the Utah Lake Authority and our partners’ vision,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”