Through hands-on exhibits and educational programs, the Church History Museum tells the story of the pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church), from the church’s founding in 1830 to the arrival in Salt Lake City in 1847. In addition to LDS history, the museum also houses an extensive art collection and hosts an annual international arts competition.
Located on the University of Utah campus, the Utah Museums of Fine Arts (UMFA) houses more than 20,000 original works of art from across the globe. Find everything from ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts to the latest contemporary works. It also has an impressive Native American and Western American art section.
Tracy Aviary, set inside Salt Lake City’s leafy Liberty Park, is the oldest and largest freestanding aviary in the country. Home to hundreds of bird species hailing from around the world—and offering free-flight shows, interactive talks, and more—it’s a popular destination for local and visiting families and nature lovers.
The largest ski resort in the US, Park City Mountain Resort blooms from the quaint downtown of Park City, Utah. The park’s manicured groomers, powder bowls, and extensive terrain parks provide options for everyone from first-timers to advanced skiers. You can wrap up a day on the slopes at one of the many downtown ski-up bars and restaurants.
While Zion National Park is known for its strenuous hikes and outdoor adventures, the nearby Zion Canyon Hot Springs is all about relaxation and rejuvenation. The unique natural attraction lets visitors relax in dozens of mineral-rich, geothermally heated pools surrounded by desert landscapes—a perfect way to soothe tired muscles after a day on the trails or to simply unwind and enjoy the tranquility of southern Utah.
The second-largest copper producer in the United States, the century-old Kennecott Copper Mine (aka the Bingham Canyon Mine) provides about a quarter of America’s copper needs, as well as gold, silver, and molybdenum. The impressive open pit, which is is still growing, is said to be visible from space.
Established in 1862 as a military outpost to protect the overland mail route and telegraph lines along the Central Overland Trail, Fort Douglas is now a military museum. Featuring war memorabilia, historic photos, and maps, the museum tells the stories of Utah veterans and the history of military presence in the Utah territory.
Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Snowbird is a winter and summer mountain resort known for its long ski season and steep terrain. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the laid-back atmosphere, variety of runs, and abundance of high-quality snow.
With one of the largest annual snowfalls in Utah, Brighton Resort is a favorite with skiers and snowboarders who appreciate the affordability, high-quality snow, and unflashy atmosphere. Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, the resort offers free skiing for children under 10, making it particularly popular with families.
With a dinosaur museum, themed garden, farm park, and more, Utah’s Thanksgiving Point brings together multiple experiences on one family-friendly campus. Part museum and part theme park, it’s located 20 minutes south of Salt Lake City and also features a golf course, spa, shopping, restaurants, and 3-D movie theater.
Nestled in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude Mountain Resort is just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport but far from the crowds of the other ski resorts. The resort’s 1200 acres (485 hectares) receive an annual average snowfall of more than 500 inches (1270 centimeters) and boast 65 trails, 3 bowls, and high-quality groomers for skiers and snowboarders of every level.
