DES MOINES - Lt. Gov. Patty Judge kicked off a 67-stop summer travel tour of Iowa Wednesday to highlight the state's tourist attractions and festivals.

She hopes Iowans will follow her lead and support local attractions that make up the state's $6.3 billion tourism industry.

"Iowa has fun, unique, exciting attractions, events and festivals for the entire family," Judge said.

Judge started her tour at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines.

She said Iowa families without the resources to travel out of state should consider affordable travels closer to home.

She cited a 2008 survey by AAA that found Iowa the fourth-most affordable state in the nation for travel. The state's tourism industry also supports 65,000 jobs in the state.

The 2009 Iowa Travel Guide lists more than 700 attractions and 2,000 festivals and activities, many of which are free or of minimal cost. It can be ordered or viewed at www.traveliowa.com.

Her itinerary includes stops such as the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, King's Pointe Resort in Storm Lake and the Meskwaki Pow-Wow.