Free Attractions in the U.S.

Extending from coast to coast, there are many free attractions in the U.S. for tourists and sightseers to enjoy on weekend getaways and vacations. Here are a few of them.

Free Attractions In The U.S. - The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden

This is an experience for both the chocolate lover and the plant enthusiast in one location. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden is located in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas. The cactus garden offers a self-guided tour of its 350 species of cactuses and other succulents on two and a half acres. It is open every day from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. The chocolate factory features a guided tour of their gourmet chocolate making facility, along with free chocolate samples. Ethel M Chocolates, owned by Mars Incorporated, was founded by Forrest Mars and named after his mother, Ethel. The chocolate factory is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Free Attractions In The U.S. - MillerCoors Brewing Company Tour

The MillerCoors Brewing Company Tour, formerly Coors, is located in Golden, Colorado. This 35 minute, self-guided audio tour describes the brewing process to visitors while they view the brewery complex. The tour ends in the hospitality room and gift shop, where free samples of beer are offered to those over 21 years of age, and soft drinks to all others. Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

Free Attractions In The U.S. - Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum

The Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum is found inside the Ardmore Public Library in Ardmore, Oklahoma, about 90 miles south of Oklahoma City. The doll collection, donated by Eliza Cruce Hall in 1971, consists of over 300 rare and antique dolls, including several French dolls once owned by Marie Antoinette. The museum is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Free Attractions In The U.S. - Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry not only provides transportation for commuters from Manhattan to Staten Island for thousands of passengers daily, it offers spectacular views of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to visitors of New York City. The free 5 mile ferry ride takes about 25 minutes, with one of the nine vessel fleet departing approximately every half hour, 365 days a year.

Free Attractions In The U.S. - Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, atop a ridge on Skyline Drive. The display consists of seven life size, cartoon-like, green dinosaur sculptures. This popular public dinosaur park has been in existence since 1936 and is always open during daylight hours.

Free Attractions In The U.S. - Lincoln Park Zoo

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Lincoln Park Zoo is the home to hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds. As one of the nation's oldest zoos, established in 1868, it has progressed to become one of the most modern with its up to date animal exhibits. Attracting millions of visitors every year, this popular Chicago landmark is open 365 days a year from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For free attractions in Atlanta, Georgia, see Free Things To Do In Atlanta

References:

http://www.planetware.com/henderson/ethel-m-chocolate-factory-and-botanical-cactus-garden-us-nv-emch.htm

http://www.millercoors.com/AgeVerification.aspx

http://visitors.ardmore.org/page.php?page=1005

http://www.inetours.com/New_York/Pages/Staten_Island_Ferry.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinosaur_Park

http://www.lpzoo.org/