By Carissa Utley, Local News 8 Reporter

Gas prices are looking good for a change, but over the summer it seemed like no one was traveling. The numbers are in for one local pit stop and they say they've never seen a busier season.

This giant potato in Blackfoot must be doing some good because despite the hard times we've been facing with the economy the sales at the Idaho potato museum aren't suffering one bit.

Stephanie Govatos executive director of the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce says this year they've seen at least $4500 dollars more in admission sales, and have sold more than  another $11 thousand at the gift shop then ever before.

Govatos said, "I'll bet we've had at least 1500 visitors this year than we have in the past. This year has been astronomical."

Govatos says the number of tour buses has nearly doubled, and with 25 buses stopping, carrying at least 30 to 50 people, they're bringing a lot of money with them.

In 2007 the potato underwent a makeover and the museums name was changed.    

"I think that changing the freeway signs has helped. People would come in and ask ‘Where's the potato expo?' After changing the name now people say, ‘I'm here to see the Potato Museum.'" Said Govatos.

But no matter how many times people visit they try to have something new. This summer they've added the world's largest potato masher collection.

Those working at the museum say they think the most popular item in the gift shop has to be the poster of Marylyn Monroe standing in the potato field.