Unique Family Fun for Free

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

21 May 2009 10:40 PM

Why spend thousands of dollars on summer fun when you can visit unique attractions for free? Before you head out on your annual summer road trip take a look at what you can do for free in select U.S. cities.

NEBRASKA

Talk about an amazing photo op. Imagine the response you'll get from friends when you take a family picture in front of Carhenge, near Alliance. The one-of-a-kind structure is inspired by England's famed Stonehenge, though its rocky pillars are fashioned from cars. The three-dozen-vehicle sculpture was erected by an artist, who was impressed by Stonehenge while in England, as a tribute to his late father. Can you image how your dad would react seeing you in front of a massive structure made from old cars?

NEW MEXICO

No trip to New Mexico is complete without visiting quirky Roswell, home of alien abduction stories. The city's famous UFO Festival takes place this year from July 2-5, and will feature everything from symposiums and book signings to concerts and costume contests to films and fireworks.

OREGON

Oregon is celebrating a major milestone this year. The state is turning 150, and to celebrate, Astoria, a city at the mouth of the Columbia River that dates back to the Lewis & Clark expedition is offering free audio tours. You can download the tours to your iPod or burn them onto CDs. One of the most popular tours is "The Reel Astoria," which showcases locales where films such as Free Willy, Kindergarten Cop and The Goonies, were set.

SOUTH CAROLINA

It's one-stop summer viewing at Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls in the Blue Ridge foothills an hour east of Greenville... and you won't have to spend a dime. You can tour the 1,600-foot tunnel, whose construction was cut short by the Civil War, for free. Then, you can drive a short distance and visit Issaqueena Falls, which cascades 200 feet and comes with its own Indian maiden legend. Views of the natural wonder are also free this summer.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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