Popular and Historical Attractions

Here's our list of other things to do in Utah that are worth some time and attention, other than skiing.

          Tracy Aviary

             Tracy Aviary is America’s oldest and largest bird park. It is located in Salt Lake City on eight acres. It was opened in 1938 after Salt Lake City banker Russell Lord Tracy donated his bird collection to the city. Today the aviary has approximately 400 birds representing about 135 species.

Utah's Hogle Zoo

            Utah’s Hogle Zoo is home to over 1,100 animals and offers special programs for kids during their visit such as “Who wants to be a zookeeper for a day?” On Aug. 1, 1931, the doors first opened after Mr. and Mrs. James A. Hogle donated the land where the zoo now sits. In 1948 Shasta the female liger was born, father a lion and mother a Bengal tiger. Visit the zoo and check out the latest attraction.

Kennecott Bingham Copper Mine

            If you drive about 20 minutes southwest of Salt Lake City you will run into the largest man-made excavation on earth. The Kennecott Bingham Copper Mine has produced about 17 million tons of copper, which is more than any other mine in history. The mine is so large, it can be seen by astronauts in space.

Heber Valley Railroad

            The Heber Valley Railroad is Utah’s historic steam passenger railroad. It roams across the farmlands in the Heber Valley following the shore of Deer Creek Lake and crossing into the canyon. You can step back into “Clue” as you embark on one of the many comedy murder mystery train excursions.

Red Butte Garden

            Red Butte Garden located on the University of Utah campus, is a botanical garden with a lot going on. There are exhibits, concerts and much more that happens throughout the year. Today it is the largest botanical garden that tests, displays and interprets regional horticulture in a 400 miles radius.

Lagoon Amusement Park

            Just north of Salt Lake is Utah’s amusement park destination. There are several thrilling roller coasters and in October their feature is “Frightmares”. Also inside the park is Lagoon-a-beach where you can ride various water slides or float in the lazy river. Or you can step back in time with Pioneer Village and stroll through streets of the Wild West.

Discovery Gateway

            Discovery Gateway is Utah’s premier children’s museum where they provide interactive activities to learn and explore.

State Capitol

            Utah’s Capitol building has much of the history of the stated embedded into it. The building was constructed between 1912 and 1916 using granite from Little Cottonwood Canyon and the dome is covered in Utah copper. Guided tours are available every half-hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Thanksgiving Point

            Thanksgiving Point is located just south of Salt Lake County and is some of Utah’s most beautiful gardens. It hosts numerous events from concerts to business meetings to weddings. There’s plenty to see and do at Thanksgiving Point.

This is the Place Heritage Park

                        When Mormons first entered the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young looked out across the valley and said, “This is the right place.” When you visit the heritage park you step back in time to when Brigham Young and the pioneers first came to Utah and experience their daily life. There are more than 40 original or replica homes and businesses throughout the village to help make the experience more firsthand. Explore the streets and wander through time.

            Temple Square

                         Historic Temple Square is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.  Wander the Square and visit the Tabernacle, home of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There are many other sites to see and it can take up much of your day. Other sites include the LDS Church Office Building, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Lion House, the LDS Conference Center, the Assembly Hall or the garden tours.

Golden Spike National Historic Site

            On May 10, 1869 the last spike of the first transcontinental railroad was driven into the ground north of Salt Lake. This is a great place to picnic and participate in special events held throughout the year. On May 10 each year they reenact the “Driving of the Golden Spike Ceremony.”