This study examined how visitors to two Minnesota state parks perceive the visual impacts of emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation and whether EAB acts as a constraint to recreation. The majority of respondents had a negative reaction to a photo of an EAB-impacted forest. About one-third of visitors said they would not return to an EAB-impacted site. While awareness of EAB was high, knowledge may be limited. Interpretation of impacted sites could help visitors differentiate EAB impacts from other causes of forest damage.