Extending Wild Horse hours show visitor spending potential

It is safe to say that the reason we love Montana and choose to live here are the same reasons that 10.5 million people choose to visit our state for a long weekend or their vacation.

While research from the UM's Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research shows that non-residents visiting our state are certainly attracted to our two national parks, many enjoy our open spaces, friendly faces and small towns. Nearly 8 percent of Montana's non-resident visitors are from Canada, with 57 percent coming from Alberta and 13 percent from Saskatchewan.

Debbie Vandeberg

In 2009, visitors spent 2.3...