Some experts are predicting gas prices will rise as high as $2.50 a gallon this summer.

Gas prices around the state are almost back to $2 a gallon, and there's still a price hike to come.

"Over the course of the last 5 years gas prices spike in the springtime on average about $.20 is what we see in the springtime months," says AAA spokesman Mike Bie.

The record for highest statewide average is $2.13 a gallon, and we reached that last June. A national petroleum expert says $2.50 a gallon could be the benchmark this summer.

Bie says it's too early to tell, "There's so many variables that come into play it's difficult to predict what gas prices are going to be 5–6 months down the road. We see projections that oftentimes are way far from the mark."

If gas does go that high drivers will be facing some tough choices.

"We're going to have to do something to change it. We don't make enough money to keep driving around this much. $2.50 is a lot of money," says Minnesota resident Curt Brockmeier.

"I'll still drive. I just won't drive as often and maybe not as far," says Zach Emmons.

Drivers aren't the only ones affected. Last year the Kalihari Resort and Waterpark in the Dells handed out gas vouchers to encourage people to drive despite the costs.

"It was pretty successful. Everybody is pretty sensitive to gas prices so it certainly drew some attention," says spokesperson Daylene Stroebe.

Stroebe says she's not sure if they'll offer a similar program this year.
Bie says they probably won't need it. "In the past if gas prices have had any impact on travel and tourism it's kept people closer to home rather than folks making a cross country trip."

Bie says the biggest factor in gas prices is supply and demand,
and prices spike in summer because more people hit the road for vacations.