For Immediate Release August 16, 2011

Contact: Rebekah Sweeney (608) 266-3790

Jorgensens Journal: One-Tank Trips to Cap off Summer Vacation

With school and cooler weather just weeks away, many of us are scanning our calendars, hoping to make time for one last summer hurrah. If your schedule is filling up fast or if youre working on a shoestring budget, a one-tank trip might be just the getaway for your family. One-tank trips are just what youd imagine a trip you can take on just one tank of gas. If we suppose the average car holds 15 gallons of gas in a trip and gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, one tank will take us 350 miles. Here in South Central Wisconsin, that puts you within reach of dozens of fantastic destinations, including historical, educational, and beautiful natural sites. To get away from our high-paced world of cell phones and emails, take a step back in time and visit Old World Wisconsin. Located just a half-hour away in Eagle, Old World Wisconsin recreates a historically-accurate and hands-on experience of Wisconsins first working farmsteads and settlements. Your family can visit the blacksmith, stroll through the heirloom vegetable garden, or play games straight out of the late 19th century. Family admission (up to two adults and two or more children) will run you about $40. For more information or to plan your trip, visit http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org. If your family is the outdoors-type, consider spending a night in one of more than 4,600 campsites in Wisconsin state parks and forests. Between McFarland and Stoughton, Lake Kegonsa State Park offers a swimming beach and a boat launch within 1 mile of the campground. I hear the fishing there is great and that the hiking trails are beautiful. To the south, on the shores of Lake Geneva, Big Foot Beach State Park offers 100 campsites (including 14 with electricity), five miles of hiking, a sandy beach and playground for small children. You can search for other available state park campsites and make reservations by visiting www.dnr.wi.gov or by calling toll-free (888) WI-PARKS. Another great one-tank trip is the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. Dane Countys perenniallyvoted Best Free Place for Families is currently featuring two new additions: Leo Pold, an African Lion cub and an 18-month-old red panda, Sha-Lei. The zoo is also celebrating its 100th anniversary with special celebrations throughout the year; find out more by visiting www.vilaszoo.org.

To get the kids back in an educational frame of mind, you might consider heading east to visit the Milwaukee Public Museum. Its currently offering a summer exploration pass for $25, which will allow you and your immediate family members to visit the museum as much as you like from now through September 30th. Check out the Hebior Mammoth or learn about plate tectonics. Other exhibits focus on food, rare flowers and Native American games. The family pass also entitles you to discounted rates for IMAX and Planetarium shows, including Tornado Alley or Earth, Moon & Sun. For a complete list of exhibits and offerings, visit www.mpm.edu. A final note: if your travels bring you near our State Capitol, please stop by my office and say hello! The tours here are free, as well, and the view from the observation deck is hard to beat. As the last days of summer vacation and summer weather pass by, I encourage you to get out and make a memory. Great family fun is well within your reach here in Wisconsin! ###