The recession and higher gas prices the past few years have encouraged a lot of would-be travelers to spend their vacation time in Lincoln. And getting involved in the fast-growing "Be a Tourist" program is as easy as picking up a passport and heading out to 21 different attractions around the capital city throughout the summer.

Lance Schwartz decided to join in on the action and tour a few of the hot spots on the passport. His first stop was the Lincoln Children's Zoo.
John Chapo is the executive director of the zoo, "Over 175,000 people come through every year at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. We're one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Nebraska, right here in your home town."

The next stop was the Larsen Tractor Museum on UNL's East Campus.
Jeremy Steele says there's a lot to appreciate in the museum, "Because the Tractor Museum put Nebraska on the globe. It's the first place in the world to test tractors so people from all around the country know Nebraska for testing tractors, people in different countries know Nebraska because we test tractors here."

Up next was the Lux Center for the Arts. JoAnn Emerson is the executive director, "This place is all about art education, getting your hands dirty, making a pot making a painting, making a print."

It was then time to visit the Nation Roller Skating Museum. James Vannurden is the curator, "The National Museum of Roller Skating right here in Lincoln is the only roller skating museum in the world."

The final stop was Friday Nights Live at SouthPointe Pavilions. Julie Lattimer is the marketing Director at SouthPointe, "This is absolutely the only place in town where every Friday night for 14 weeks you can come and here great music, see your friends, enjoy fabulous food and support most of the city of Lincoln."

As soon as you visit at least 10 of the 21 attractions listed in the passport you'll be eligible for one of the 25 prize packages. And the grand prize for children is an $800 value. And of course, kids can get a cool t-shirt by participating.

For more details on the "Be a Tourist* program...go to www.lincoln.org