Utah had the first state agency in the nation dedicated to preserving and maintaining visual artwork, starting in 1899. Museums with connections to indigenous and pioneer Utah are listed here, along with other popular regional attractions.
American West Heritage Center
4025 South Hwy. 89-91, 800-225-3378
Located in Wellsville in Cache County, this place offers a chance to travel back in time. They hold mountain man rendezvous, a 1917 Baseball Tournament, an 1850s pioneer settlement and covered-wagon rides.www.americanwestcenter.org
Beehive House
67 E. South Temple, 240-2671
Brigham Young’s home with pioneer furnishings and a Mormon-recipe restaurant.
Bingham Canyon Mine
25 miles southwest of Salt Lake CityThe world’s first open-pit copper mine, dating back to 1906, has a visitor’s center inside the mine itself with exhibits and videos. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Kennecott Utah Copper’s mine is the largest human-made excavation in the world, visible even from space. Open Apr. 1-Oct. 31.
Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Art
Center of Liberty Park
Traditional art and artists from Utah’s ethnic, native, occupational and rural communities. Archives accessible by appointment. Free concert series Monday evenings during July and August.
Clark Planetarium
The Gateway, 110 S. 400 West, 456-STAR
The new, state-of-the-art planetarium features a 206-seat star theater, a five-story 208-seat 3-D IMAX theater and 10,000 square feet of exhibit space.clarkplanetarium.org
Downtown Farmers’ Market, Pioneer Park
300 S. 200 West, 333-1103
A local growers’ market featuring fresh produce, baked breads and pastries, cheeses, meat and seafood, jams and honeys, plants and arts and crafts. Vendors also offer prepared foods and beverages. Open Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Family History Library
30 N. West Temple, 240-2331
Contains over 2 million rolls of microfilm containing copies of original records from more than 100 countries including census, land and probate and other records of genealogical value. www.lds.org; www.familysearch.org
Fort Douglas Military Museum
32 Potter St., 581-1710
Uniforms, weapons, vehicles and models showing the history of the fort.
Gardner Village
1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan, 566-8903
Bricklined paths and specialty shops surround the historic Gardner Mill. www.gardnervillage.com
Gilgal Garden
749 E. 500 South
Hidden in the middle of the city and now owned by it, Gilgal is known for its eccentric handcrafted stone art. There is a 25-ton sphinx with the face of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith, depictions of biblical stories and a tribute to Masons.
Hogle Zoo
2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., 582-1631
Housed on 42 acres since 1931, the zoo provides an oasis for 1,100 animals representing more than 250 species. Closed only Christmas and New Year’s days. hoglezoo.org
Living Planet Aquarium
522 S. 400 West, 320-9951
Actively explore the coral-reef system with tide-pool touch tanks and other interactive marine exhibits in this still-under-development learning facility.
Museum of Church History and Art
45 N. West Temple, 240-3310
Exhibits on the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, artwork by LDS artists and, usually, an interactive exhibit for children.
Pioneer Memorial Museum
300 N. Main, 538-1050
Large collection of pioneer artifacts, including dolls, with a library for descendents conserved by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in a four-story house and two-story carriage house.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
300 Wakara Way, University of Utah, 581-4747
The largest botanical site in the Intermountain West has a 1,500-acre arboretum with over 9,000 specimens of trees and shrubs from around the world. There are miles of hiking trails and acres of gardens to explore. Through October, the monumental bronze sculptures of Robert Wick, incorporating native plants, are in the Garden.
Salt Lake Art Center
20 S. West Temple, 328-4201
Changing first-rate exhibits of contemporary art and installations.
Thanksgiving Gardens at Thanksgiving Point Resort
Exit 287 off I-15, Lehi, 768-4999
A 55-acre masterpiece of themed gardens, with an enormous human-made waterfall as backdrop. www.thanksgivingpoint.com
This Is the Place Heritage Park Museum
2601 Sunnyside Ave., 582-1847
Old Deseret Village is a living history museum re-creating a typical community between 1847-1869. There are adobe houses, the Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse, shops and an information center. Open Apr.1-Sept. 1.
Tracy Aviary
589 E. 1300 South, Liberty Park, 596-8500
Established in 1938 and located on 7.5 wooded acres within a city park, the aviary houses some 400 birds of 135 species and cultivates about 100 varieties of plants. Free-flying summer bird shows.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
410 Campus Center Dr., University of Utah, 581-7332
This is the only general art museum in Utah and presents a comprehensive view of civilization. Exhibits include Greek antiquities, paintings by European masters, contemporary American art and an extensive collection of Utah art. The museum’s impressive collection of traditional African art, focusing on four cultures, will be shown through Sept. 14. utah.edu/umfa
Utah Museum of Natural History
1390 President’s Circle (200 South), University of Utah, 581-6927
Discover Utah’s singular geological beginnings, dinosaur exhibits, native peoples and cultures along with two special exhibitions on caves (with one you can explore yourself). umnh.utah.edu
Wheeler Historic Farm
6351 S. 900 East, 264-2241
Activity barn, wagon rides, art galleries, historic demonstrations, antique displays, antique farm machinery building on 75 acres of farm and park land.
The ski resorts hiding in the mountains beyond Salt Lake City average 500 inches of snow annually. But most people don’t realize resorts are excellent for summer sports as well.
Alta Ski Area
Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta, 359-1078 or 800-STAY-ALTA
Many lodging properties nearby are available at off-season discounts.
Brighton Ski Resort
Star Route, Brighton, 532-4731 or 800-873-5512
Go mountain biking, rock climbing or hiking at this Big Cottonwood Canyon resort.
The Canyons
4000 Parkwest Drive, Park City,
435-649-5400 or 800-754-1636
Horseback tours, gondola rides, mountain picnics at 8,000 feet.
Deer Valley Resort
PO BOX 1525, Park City, 435-649-1000,
800-424-3337
Lift-assisted mountain biking on over 50 miles of trails, hiking in cool mountain temperatures.
Park City Mountain Resort
PO BOX 39, Park City, 435-649-8111 or
800-227-2754
The Alpine Slide, ZipRider, mountain biking, a climbing wall and Human Maze, Diggler scooters and horseback riding.
Powder Mountain
Ogden Canyon, Eden, (801) 745-3772
Mountain biking and Intermountain Cup bike races.
Snowbasin Ski Area
PO BOX 460, Huntsville, (801) 399-1135
Ride the Needles Express Gondola 2,310 vertical feet up the mountain, then stroll, hike or bike on 25 miles of manicured trail.
Snowbird Ski And Summer Resort
Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird, 933-2222 or 933-2200
Ride the gondola up the mountain and hike down. Drop the kids at the day camp and take the adventure ropes course followed by a visit to a world-class 28,000-square-foot spa with rooftop pool. Then dine at one of the resort’s fine restaurants. Snowbird plans to offer weekend skiing this year through July 4th.
Solitude Ski Resort
12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, 534-1400 or 800-748-4754
Scenic lift rides, mountain biking, hiking, disc golf and fishing, plus a spa.
Sundance
Provo Canyon, Sundance, 800-892-1600
Robert Redford chose the east side of Mount Timpanogos, some of the most breathtaking terrain the state offers, as the site of Sundance, his luxury resort. Fine dining, outdoor theater, author readings in the Tree Room, art classes and yoga early every morning.
Utah Olympic Park
PO BOX 980337, Park City, 435-658-4200
The only facility of its kind in the United States, Utah Olympic Park offers Xtreme and Ultra Ziplines, bobsled rides (with a certified driver), guided tours, the Alf Engen Ski Museum, sports camps for children and adults. For more information, visit utaholympicpark.com.
Bonneville Seabase
9390 West Hwy. 138, Grantsville, 800-840-3874
Designed for safe, open water snorkeling and scuba diving, this is a geothermally heated, saltwater, high-altitude miniocean that’s home to abundant marine life. Before or after diving, relax in their mineral spring water hot tub. www.seabase.net
Salt Lake Stingers
Franklin Covey Field, 77 W. 1300 South, 485-3800
The AAA affiliate baseball team for the Anaheim Angels.
Salt Lake Real
Rice-Eccles Stadium, 451 S. 1400 East, 581-UTIX
Salt Lake City is known for golf courses that cover all ability levels and offer a variety of terrain. From nine-hole courses for novices to 18-hole championship-caliber links, the Salt Lake Valley has the right course for you.
Cottonwood Country Club
1780 E. Lakewood Drive,277-2691
Hidden Valley Country Club
11820 S. Highland Drive, 571-0583
Willow Creek Country Club
8300 S. 2700 East, 942-1954
Bonneville Golf Course
954 S. Connor St., 583-9513
Eaglewood Golf Course
1110 E. Eaglewood Drive, North Salt Lake, 299-0088
Fore Lakes Golf Course
1285 W. 4700 South, Taylorsville, 266-8621
Forest Dale Golf Course
2375 S. 900 East, 483-5420
Glendale Golf Course
1630 W. 2100 South, 974-2403
Glenmoor Golf Course
9800 S. 4800 West, South Jordan, 280-1742
Jordan River Par-3 Golf Course
1200 N. Redwood Road, 533-4527
Lakeside Golf Course
1201 N. 1100 West, West Bountiful, 295-1019
Lynn F. Pett Murry Parkway Golf Course
6345 S. Murray Parkway Blvd., Murray, 262-4653
Meadowbrook Golf Course
4197 S. 1300 West, 266-0971
Mick Riley Golf Course
421 S. Vine, 266-8185
Mountain Dell Golf Course
Parleys Canyon, I-80 exit 134, 582-3812
Mountain View Golf Course
2400 W. 8660 South, West Jordan, 255-9211
Mulligan’s Golf & Games (Golf & Miniature Golf)
692 W. 10600 South, South Jordan 254-3377
Nibley Park Golf Course
2730 S. 700 East, 483-5418
Old Mill Golf Course
6080 S. Wasatch Blvd., 424-1302
Riverbend Golf Course
12800 S. 1040 West, Riverton, 253-3673
Rose Park Golf Course
1386 N. Redwood Road, 596-5030
Schneiter’s Pebblebrook Golf & Recreation
8968 S. 1300 East, Sandy, 566-2181
Stonebridge Golf Club
4415 Links Drive (2400 S. Bangerter Highway), West Valley City 957-9000
Thanksgiving Point
3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, 768-7400
University Golf Course
University of Utah, 581-6511
West Ridge Golf Course
5055 S. West Ridge Blvd., West Valley City, 966-4653
Wingpointe Golf Course
3602 W. 100 North, 575-2345
There are more than a dozen national parks and monuments in Utah, more than in any other state, all within a day’s drive of Salt Lake City. The farther south you drive, the redder the rocks become. The Forest Service administers most of the mountainous areas near Salt Lake City. You can reach the National Park Service at (435) 719-2100 and the Forest Service at (801) 524-3900. Due to dangerously high water levels this spring, many hikes (like the Narrows in Zion) and slot canyons have been temporarily closed. But waterfalls are more numerous and spectacular this year due to the runoff.
Arches National Park
5 miles north of Moab, U.S. Hwy 191,
435-259-8161
The collection of eroded sandstone formations here are the largest of their kind in the United States. A road winds past many of the arches and most others can be reached by hiking.
Bryce Canyon National Park
270 miles south of Salt Lake City, off Utah Hwy 12, 435-834-5322
The landscape of Bryce Canyon ranges from fantastical to eerie. Unique geology conditions resulted in columns and spires that must be seen. Sunrise and sunset over the canyon is particularly enchanting.
Canyonlands National Park
20 miles south of Moab, Utah Hwy 313,
435-719-2313
Chopped into three distinct sections by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands is best experienced off-road or on the rivers. Island in the Sky offers amazing vistas. Only sturdy hikers and bikers should try The Maze.
Capitol Reef National Park
230 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah Hwy 24, 435-425-3791
Named for the white sandstone that resembles the buildings in Washington, D.C., Capitol Reef is dominated by colorful formations and cliffs.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
25 miles east of Cedar City, Utah Hwy 14 to Utah Hwy 148, 435-586-9451
Cedar Breaks is home to painted cliffs and colorful spires, with nearby forests that are home to some of the world’s only bristlecone pines, the oldest living things on the planet.
Dinosaur National Monument
20 miles east of Vernal, Utah Hwy 149,
970-374-3000
In addition to the world’s largest quarry of Jurassic fossils anywhere, Dinosaur offers fantastic rafting on the Green and Yampa rivers.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
45 miles north of Vernal, off Hwy 191,
435-784-3445
Known for some of the best trout fishing in the state, the park extends to Wyoming and covers over 200,000 acres.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
691 Scenic View Dr., Page, AZ, 928-608-6200
Situated on the Utah-Arizona border, the area surrounds Lake Powell, a favorite vacation spot for water-skiers and houseboat cruisers.
Golden Spike National Monument
25 miles west of Brigham City, Utah Hwy 83, 435-471-2209
Commemorated here is the historic occasion of May 10, 1869, when the Union Pacific rails met and the country was connected. This is also the starting point for a visit to the SPIRAL JETTY, Robert Smithson’s world-famous Earthwork.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
300 miles south of Salt Lake City, U.S. Hwy 89, 435-826-5499
The newest addition to our trove of national monuments, Grand Staircase has 1.7 million years of fabulous desert topography and geology.
Hovenweep National Monument
The scenic southeast corner of Utah, 43 miles southwest of Cortez, Colo., 435-719-2313
Visit six dwellings of pre-Columbian Pueblo Indians.
Natural Bridges National Monument
East of Lake Powell, Utah Hwy 95, 435-692-1234
Centered around three natural bridges cut by the Colorado and her tributaries, Natural Bridges offers great hiking and camping.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Northeast of Page, Ariz., Lake Powell, 928-608-6205
Most accessible by boat from Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the largest freestanding natural bridge.
Timpanogos Cave National Park
East of American Fork, American Fork Canyon, 801-756-5238
In close proximity to Salt Lake City, the Cave is reached via a 1.5-mile hike and includes three separate limestone caverns. Bring a jacket; it’s cold in the caves.
Wasatch-Cache National Forest
801-524-3900
For information regarding fishing, camping, hiking or picnicking in the mountains surrounding Salt Lake City, contact the National Forest Service.
Zion National Park
325 miles south of Salt Lake City, Springdale, 435-772-3256
From the wide-mouth canyon near Springdale to the bottleneck canyons of the Narrows, Zion impresses from start to finish, offering evidence of six distinct geological epochs.
There are a number of parks throughout the Salt Lake area and the rest of the state that are administered by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. For camping reservations call the Division of Parks, 322-3770 or 800-322-3770. You can also visit its Website at www.stateparks.utah.org.
Antelope Island State Park
4528 W. 1700 South, Syracuse, 773-2941
The largest island in the Great Salt Lake can be reached via a seven-mile causeway from the town of Syracuse, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. Home to a variety of wildlife, including a buffalo herd and often annoying insects, the island features sandy beaches and a boat marina.
East Canyon State Park
5535 S. Hwy 66, Morgan, 801-829-6866
Just east of Salt Lake City is a 680-acre lake and forest area.
Great Salt Lake State Park
Exit 104 from I-80, west of Salt Lake City, 250-1898
Don’t let the smell or the bugs stop you from thinking this is a must-see salt-water lake. The Great Salt Lake extends over 2,000 square miles and is saltier than the ocean. The park features a marina and picnic areas.
Historic Rail Trail State Park
Park City, 435-649-6839
Hike, mountain bike, horseback ride or cross-country ski on this 28-mile trail where motor use is banned.
Jordan River State Park
1084 N. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, 801-483-5473
This park follows the Jordan River north to south through Salt Lake City, offering walking and biking trails, an exercise course and spots to land a raft or canoe. Salt Lake City artists (with the help of several youngsters) just completed two environmental artworks here: Bend in the River at approximately 1150 S. 1000 West, and the Labyrinth at about 1550 S. 1110 West
Rockport State Park
I-80 East to Wanship, Exit 156, 435-336-2241
This Is The Place Heritage Park
2601 Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City,
801-582-8247
Site of the Mormon pioneers entry into the Salt Lake Valley.
Willard Bay State Park
900 W. 650 North, #A, Willard, 435-734-9494
Freshwater lake open year-round for fishing, plus campsites and marinas.
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation provides more than 60 facilities ranging from small city parks to vast recreation centers. For information concerning locations, availability and reservations, contact County Parks at 483-5473 or 368-2560.
Big Bear
930 E. 9695 South
Big Cottonwood
4300 S. 1300 East
Canyon Rim
3100 S. 3100 East
Copperton
8731 W. 10305 South
Cougar
4800 W. 6400 South
Creekside
1664 E. 4800 South
David Gourley
4300 W. 5015 South
Evergreen
2230 E. 3425 South
Granite Park
2700 E. 10000 South
Harmony
3700 S. Main
Hillsdale
3275 S. 3200 West
Hunter
3600 S. 6000 West
Jordan River Trailhead
2320 S. 1000 West
Magna
8941 W. 2600 South
Pleasant Green
3250 S. 8400 West
Riverview
5840 S. 700 West
Sugar House Park
2100 S. 1602 East
Tanner Park
2700 E. 2760 South
Taylorsville
4721 S. Redwood Rd.
Union
7360 S. 700 East
Valley Regional
5100 S. 2700 West
Wheeler Historic Farm
6351 S. 900 East, 264-2241
Utah Geological Survey
Natural Resources Map & bookstore
1594 W. North Temple, Suite 3110, Salt Lake City, 537-3300.
Map sales, 537-3320, http://mapstore.utah.gov
Maps for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife, fishing, and geology.
Centennial (Outdoor)
3100 S. 5600 West, 840-2338
Crestwood (Outdoor)
1700 E. Siesta Dr., 424-0621
Dimple Dell (Indoor)
10670 S. 300 East, 495-1480
Draper (Outdoor)
657 E. Vestry Rd., 495-1445
Fairmont Aquatic (Indoor)
1044 E. Sugarmont Dr., 486-5867
Gene Fullmer (Indoor)
8015 S. 2200 West, 563-8440
Holladay Lion (Indoor)
1616 E. Murray-Holladay Rd.,424-0621
Magna (Outdoor)
3250 S. 8400 West, 250-2194
Liberty Park (Outdoor)650 E. 900 South, 538-2096
Mary Jenson (Indoor)
10300 S. Redwood Rd., 253-4404
Northwest (Indoor)
1300 W. 300 North, 596-0072
Redwood (Outdoor)
3100 S. Redwood Rd., 974-6923
South County (Outdoor)
12765 S. 1125 West, 253-4404
Salt Lake City Sports Complex (Indoor)
645 S. Guardsman Way, 583-9713
Steiner West (Indoor)
855 W. California Ave., 974-2420
Taylorsville (Outdoor)
4914 S. 2700 West, 967-5006
Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center (Indoor & Outdoor)
5624 S. 4800 West, 966-5555
West Jordan (Outdoor)
8125 S. 2200 West, 569-5090
Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation offers sports and other activities at more than 60 parks, 10 swimming pools, two tennis complexes, a youth recreation center and two aquatic centers. The phone number is 972-7800. A partial listing of facilities:
Children’s Garden
At Liberty Park, 972-7800
Glendale Youth Recreation Center
855 W. California Ave., 974-2420
Kiwanis-Felt Center
440 S. 900 East, 538-2064
Sunnyside Park
1600 E. Sunnyside Ave., 972-7800
Tracy Aviary
At Liberty Park, 596-8500
Lagoon Amusement Park
275 Lagoon Drive (15 miles north of SLC just off 1-15), 451-8000
The state’s largest amusement park features one of the nation’s oldest wooden coasters as well as kiddie rides, games, a water park and plenty of other hours of fun.
Raging Waters
1200 W. 1700 South, Salt Lake City, 972-3300
A great place to be during the summer heat, at Raging Waters you can lounge in the wave pool or get shot out of a tube.
Seven Peaks Water Park And Golf Course
1330 E. 300 North, Provo, 801-373-8777
Utah’s largest water park features all kinds of fun, including numerous slides, pools, volleyball areas and picnic facilities.
Hollywood Connection
3217 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, 973-4386
The area’s newest amusement center features all kinds of great rides, games, skating and food as well as a megaplex of cinema screens.
6030 W. 1300 South, 974-6902
Highway Conditions
964-6000
Utah Transit Authority/Bus Information/Trax System
PO BOX 30810, Salt Lake City, 801-RIDE-UTA (743-3882). Utah’s light-rail system travels from the Sandy Civic Center to downtown Salt Lake City and up 400 South to the University of Utah and University Hospital.
