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- Special Interest
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- ActivitiesEnvironmentalFun
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June
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Great Outdoors Month beckons us to explore nature’s wonders throughout June. Dedicated to America’s diverse landscapes, this month encourages everyone to get outside, reconnect with the environment, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of fresh air. Plan a hike, visit a national park, or simply relax in a local green space.
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History of Great Outdoors Month
Great Outdoors Month first started as a Great Outdoors Week under President Clinton in 1998. The main aim was to increase jobs and the GDP of the country by getting people to enjoy nature and appreciate it. The week went on to become so popular that for the next few decades, starting from President Bush’s administration and continuing through President Obama’s and Trump’s administration, Great Outdoors Week was expanded to the whole month of June. In 2016, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act was enacted in order to study America’s outdoor recreation economy. The report portrayed that outdoor recreation had contributed more than $412 billion, which is 2.2% of the total GDP, to the economy. The report further stated that outdoor recreation had the fastest growth of any industry in 2016 as it led to 4.5 million jobs.
These numbers are some of the clearest depictions of fast industry growth, but this isn’t the only reason we’re excited for June. Summer means new exploration trips full of adventures. Whether you like trudging through thick green forests, going hiking on mountain trails, swimming in the cool waters of seas/rivers/lakes, or just sitting and gazing at the stars or clouds in the sky, nature has something for everyone. Each year, June brings in a ton of deals and offers by nature resorts and parks. Be quick to grab the best to plan a trip with your friends and family.
Since 2008, many states in the U.S. have shown their interest in celebrating this event and, by the end of 2019, more than 30 U.S. states had become a part of this yearly celebration. This month helps people explore the natural sites of the country that aren’t often visited by tourists and locals.
Great Outdoors Month timeline
The government plans to build trails in the city and rural areas.
A program is developed to preserve archeological sites of the U.S.
President Clinton and his administration announce Great Outdoors Week, celebrated in June, to give a boost to the economy and the outdoor recreation industry.
Governors of different states across the U.S. proclaim Great Outdoors Month to be welcomed and celebrated to the fullest.
The Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act is enabled to examine the industry’s impact on the GDP.
People use ‘#EscapeTheIndoors’ to talk about the most popular activities they did during the month, and some of the top results show fishing and spending time with family.
The U.S. government announces it will restore and upgrade its national parks.
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See MoreGreat Outdoors Month FAQs
When is Great Outdoors Month?
Great Outdoors Month runs throughout June 2026, encouraging everyone to explore and appreciate America’s natural landscapes. It’s the perfect time to plan an outdoor adventure.
How many Americans participate in outdoor recreation?
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, approximately 168.1 million Americans, or 55% of the U.S. population aged six and over, participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2023. This widespread engagement highlights the importance of Great Outdoors Month.
What is the economic impact of outdoor recreation?
The outdoor recreation economy is a significant contributor, generating $1.1 trillion in gross output and supporting 5.2 million jobs in 2022, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Great Outdoors Month helps to highlight this vital sector.
What is the history of Great Outdoors Month?
Great Outdoors Month began as ‘Great Outdoors Week’ under President Clinton in 1998, expanding to a full month in 2004. It was established to highlight the importance of outdoor recreation and conservation, encouraging Americans to enjoy their public lands and waters.
How To Celebrate Great Outdoors Month
Plan a trip
The best way to celebrate this month is to plan and go on a nature trip, either solo or with your loved ones. Start listing things you want to do, prepare a timetable and a budgeting sheet, make accommodation and food arrangements, and you are good to go. You can plan a peaceful fishing trip or a boating trip with friends. The rivers always have a calming effect on the soul. So grab your boating gear and enjoy the rich blue rivers.
Explore new territories
While we do love a good walk down memory lane by visiting the same places, there’s no harm in trying and exploring areas you have never been to before. You will get to explore new sides of nature AND make new memories while you’re at it. It’s a win-win. For example, why not explore a new trail, which is always an exhilarating experience. Our country is blessed with almost 60,000 miles of hiking trails, including recreational and national historic trails. These trails allow you to visit forests, lakes, or historical sites and explore our country's diversity.
Appreciate nature
The daily grind of life can be extremely redundant and exhausting, to say the least. By appreciating nature by spending some time outdoors you get to have a breather and learn new things in the process.
5 Facts About Mother Nature That Will Blow Your Mind
The same amount of water
The amount of water on Earth always remains constant because of the cyclical nature whereby water evaporates, condenses, and filters throughout the year.
Get more oxygen
A single tree releases more than 260 pounds of oxygen every year.
Protecting wildlife
Trees and forests provide shelter to 80% of wild animals.
So many Autumn leaves go to waste
Fall leaves comprise 75% of the solid waste in America’s fall season.
Strong supporters of Earth Day
The first Earth Day in 1970 was celebrated by 20 million Americans everywhere.
Why We Love Great Outdoors Month
It’s a celebration of nature
Taking part in outdoor activities allows us to learn about the natural environment, such as the wildlife, plants, and natural climate of the area. Once we understand our environment, we can become more sensitive and careful about our actions. Nature has a ton of gifts for us. The only condition is for us to take care of it and appreciate it for what it really is. If we are not careful, we may lose nature’s gifts through pollution, leaving our future generations devoid of this joy.
It’s a celebration of work
While it is true that one of the main aims of Great Outdoors Month is to celebrate us taking a break from our work to explore the outdoors, the month has also led to the creation of millions of employment opportunities for many. It has also significantly boosted the U.S. economy and propelled it onto the world stage.
It’s a celebration of the outdoors
The indoors provide us with a sense of safety but the outdoors beckons us on the paths of adventure, adrenaline rush, and so much more. Exploring the outdoors means going back to our roots and making the best out of every situation when we don’t have the comfort of technology. By visiting natural and archaeological sites, we get to learn much about our past and history. This gives us a sense of being rooted in our communities and helps us understand why we follow certain traditions and customs.
