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HAMILTON — Butler County tourism is slightly down from this time last year, although many locals are taking day trips closer to home.

Gas prices have deterred many out-of-towners from venturing to Butler County, said Executive Director Mark Herquet of the Butler County Visitor's Bureau.

The number of hotel beds filled in the county during May is down 3.5 percent from last year, Herquet said.

However, it is anticipated that while out-of-state tourism will decrease, there will likely be an influx of locals making day trips to tourist attractions as an alternative to gas-guzzling vacations, Herquet said.

While no business has reported great losses to the bureau yet, some are reporting declining numbers of patrons — especially from out of state.

Although Hueston Woods' revenue is stable, the lodge has experienced an overall decline in the number of patrons, said Assistant Park Manager Ken Elliott. Campgrounds, however, experienced an increase in customers last month.

This could be because people close to the park are choosing to camp instead of taking vacations, Elliott said.

"We'll be fine," Elliott said.

Other tourism hot spots like Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum have experienced similar trends.

The park draws visitors from a 100-mile radius, although there have been fewer out of town visitors and more Hamiltonians and Cincinnatians visiting lately, said Director Harry Wilks.

"More people are coming to see the exhibits," Wilks said of locals, adding that the upcoming Ancient Sculpture Museum will bring in patrons.

Some tourist destinations have not yet seen the effects of the gas price increase.

IKEA, which opened March 12, has not experienced a serious decrease in sales since opening, said Public Relations Specialist Kitalena Mason.

"I think people are looking for entertainment," Mason said.

EnterTRAINment, a West Chester Twp. theme park slated to open in July, will also provide entertainment for day-trippers, Herquet said.

Contact this reporter at bburks@coxohio.com.