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Budget-friendly tourism opportunities are abundant

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COLUMBUS -- According to the U.S. Travel Association, Americans plan to take more day and weekend trips this year rather than spending money on lavish destination travel. Visitors seeking fun, unique, budget-friendly tourism opportunities this summer need look no further than Ohio.

"Ohio has some amazing free tourism opportunities including 74 state parks, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Museum -- which rivals or exceeds the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. -- three world class art museums, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and so much more," said state tourism director Amir Eylon. "Even some of our one-of-a-kind attractions are less than $20 or $25 including the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Wilds and zoos ranked in the top 10 in the country."

Located within about 600 miles of roughly 60 percent of the U.S. population, Ohio is an ideal driving destination for visitors seeking top-notch, budget-friendly getaways this year. Following is just a sampling of Ohio tourism experiences ranging from free to $25 per person or less. More travel ideas, an events calendar, package deals and coupons are available from Ohio's official tourism website, www.DiscoverOhio.com.

Among sites to see are:

-- National Museum of the United States Air Force, near Dayton: The oldest and largest military aviation museum in the country showcases more than 300 aerospace vehicles ranging from the Wright Brothers to the latest stealth technology and drones. Don't miss the Presidential Hangar where visitors can enter the (Air Force One) aircrafts of U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Five smaller presidential planes and four other aircraft also are on display.

-- Cincinnati Art Museum: From African to Eastern art and European sculptures to costumes and textiles, the Cincinnati Art Museum holds more than 60,000 works of art. Two upcoming exhibits explore the beauty of women in sculpture and photography.

-- Newark Earthworks, Newark: The Earthworks is a national historic landmark and a place where visitors can explore the 2,000 year-old geometric earthworks that served as both cathedral and astronomical observatories for the people known to archaeologists as the Hopewell Indians (100 B.C.- A.D. 500). In January 2008, the Newark Earthworks was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage List by the U.S. Department of Interior for inclusion.

-- Wyandot Popcorn Museum, Marion: Pay homage to this delicious treat in the home of the world's largest collection of popcorn poppers and peanut roasters and enjoy free popcorn served all day. Check out the world's largest popcorn festival, the Marion Popcorn Festival, Sept. 10-12.

-- Tiffin Glass Museum, Tiffin: Admire the artistry of more than 2,000 pieces of Tiffin Glass that includes stemware, lamps, optics and more. Nearby, Crystal Traditions gives free tours of their facility including the studio where visitors can watch the glassmaker and glasscutters showcase their skills and explain their techniques to onlookers.

-- Toledo Museum of Art: Discover art objects from Africa, Asia and ancient cultures. The museum also holds paintings and sculptures from famed artists including Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet and Picasso. And check out the Glass Pavilion, a work of art in itself that celebrates Toledo's glass heritage and holds one of the country's finest collections of glass from antiquity to present day. Enjoy extended hours Friday evenings until 10 p.m. with an ever-changing combination of events including free tours, activities, live music and glassblowing demonstrations.

-- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville: From the towpath trail along the historic Ohio and Erie Canalway to the Ledges and the 60-foot Brandywine Falls, nature's beauty abounds here. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association lets you to explore this amazing national treasure. For a few dollars, board the Cuyahoga Valley National Scenic Railway for a trip through the park or take the train to the end of the Ohio & Erie Canalway bike trail and bicycle back or make stops are sites along the way. Tickets run about $10.

-- Cleveland Botanical Garden: Visit Costa Rica and Madagascar without leaving Ohio in the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse that is home to more than 350 species of exotic plants and more than 50 species of butterflies, insects, birds, reptiles and amphibians living in delicate balance. Outside, enjoy 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens including the nationally recognized Western Reserve Herb Society Garden and the Hershey Children's Garden. Dogs are welcome at no extra charge on Sundays through Sept. 27. Tickets are $7.50 for adults.

-- Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Wapakoneta: Chronicle Ohio's contributions to the history of space flight and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission and Ohio native Neil Armstrong's historic first steps on the moon. Tickets are $8 for adults.

-- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati: Appropriately located on the banks of the Ohio River, the barrier that separated slave states from free states, the museum is dedicated to telling the stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times. Admission is $9 for adults.