Fun Day Friday
Welcome back to another Fun Friday blog and you can only guess where we are going this week. I am going to take you to another one of my favorite states.
1.) The Narrows located in Zion National Park- True to its name, The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This challenging hike is one of Zion’s most popular trails, taking you through towering walls of Navajo sandstone that rise up to 2,000 feet. Along the 16-mile hike, you’ll be rewarded with nature’s raw beauty, from the stunning zebra stripes adorning the cliffs to the spectacular slot canyon scenery. While you're there make sure that you check out the Zion National Park
2.) Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab- From the prominence of Dead Horse Point, 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River, an ever changing landscape unfurls. Immense vertical cliffs meet with canyons carved by ice, water and wind creating a visual masterpiece. Plants and animals surviving on the edge of existence face many challenges of extreme conditions within this high desert environment. Stories of ancient hunters, resting along the cliff tops while knapping chert in preparation for the next hunt, and cowboys of the late 1800's, chasing wild mustangs onto Dead Horse Point, using the narrow neck to block off the natural corral . What story will you discover on your visit to Dead Horse Point State Park?
3.) Temple Square- Hours of operations is 9am-9pm Dominated by a magnificent six-spired temple, the square is the symbolic heart of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. I love this site simply for the architectural beauty of it.
4.) Best Friends Animal Society- Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. An authority and leader in the no-kill movement, Best Friends runs the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as lifesaving programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters across the country. Since its founding in 1984, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters nationwide from 17 million per year to about 4 million. That means there are still over 9,000 dogs and cats killed in shelters each day. And we will not be done until that number is zero. Best Friends has the knowledge, technical expertise and on-the-ground network to end the killing and Save Them All(R).
5.) Natural History Museum of Utah( Salt Lake City)- As the Utah state museum of natural history, this top attraction provides an introduction to the science in Utah's remarkable landscape! With engaging exhibits and over 5,000 artifacts on display, the Museum features Utah's paleontology discoveries, fascinating gems and minerals found world-wide, preserved artifacts from Utah's prehistoric peoples, and stories told by the five Native nations that lie within the state's boundaries. Journey to the top of a three-story indoor Canyon. Wander through Utah's dinosaurs and animal life. Interact with earthquakes, erosion, and our Digital Globe to discover how the earth's surface and the Great Salt Lake have changed over time. Enjoy breath-taking views from our observation deck. Hike the Bonneville Shoreline trail. Experience natural history as only Utah can reveal it. Enjoy beverages, lunch or a snack at the Museum Cafe. Shop the Museum Store for unique jewelry and gift items influenced by nature's design. Visitors with young kids will enjoy Our Backyard, an intimate, discovery-based environment that invites our preschool visitors to experience natural history first hand!
6.) Cedar Breaks National Monument located in Cedar City- A smaller version of Bryce Canyon, this 2,500-foot deep basin filled with strange limestone formations in a vivid array of colors and hues offers breathtaking views on a five-mile drive along the rim. This naturally formed amphitheater has guided walks in the summer and a few designated hiking trails.
7.) Red Butte Garden located in Salt Lake City- Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West and, together with the University of Utah, is the state arboretum. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. All just minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. The Garden is renowned for plant collections, themed gardens, over 524,000 springtime blooms, gorgeous private rental spaces, a world-class summer concert series, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.
8.) George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park located in Ogden- Journey back in time to the days when the Dryosaurus roamed and the Tyrannosaurus rex ruled at this outdoor six-acre park that displays giant dinosaurs complete with sound effects like crashing trees and earth moving footsteps. The complex also includes a museum that features hands-on exhibits of the latest fossil finds from Utah and around the world.
9.) The Wave at Coyote Buttes in Big Water- The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near Big Water, Utah on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the Colorado Plateau. It is famous among hikers and photographers for its colorful, undulating forms, and the rugged, trackless hike required to reach it.
10.) Hill Aerospace Museum hours of operations 10am-4pm located in Ogden- Hill Aerospace Museum is located on approximately 30 acres of the northwest corner of Hill Air Force Base, five miles south of Ogden, Utah. The Museum, which opened in 1986, was founded in 1981 as a part of the United States Air Force Heritage Program. The Utah Museum hosted its five millionth visitor in the fall of 2019. More than 360,000 visitors, coming from every state and from many foreign countries, visited the museum in 2019. Not only does the Museum have close to 100 aircraft displayed in its two inside galleries and outside air park, it exhibits thousands of artifacts depicting the history of aviation of the United States Air Force, Hill Air Force Base and the State of Utah. Hill Aerospace Museum also has a STEM Education program housed in the Lt. General Marc C. Reynolds Aerospace Center for Education. FREE ADMISSION!
11.) If you love the snow you have got to check out Park City Mountain Resort- Located in the heart of the restaurants, hotels, nightlife and shopping of one of America's great ski towns, Park City Mountain Resort has something for every snow enthusiast: manicured groomers, ideal learning terrain, powder-filled bowls and some of the industry's most progressive terrain parks and halfpipes.
12.) Park City Main Street Historic District- Historic Park City is the gem among riches. Nestled in the valley flanked by Park City Mountain Resort on one side, and Deer Valley on the other, it is the heart and soul of our mountain town and the epicenter of all that is fun and wild. Historic Park City’s has a rich and storied past: it began as a raucous silver town, nearly faded into history as a ghost town, and then re-invented itself as a ski town that grew into a world-class destination and host to global events such as the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Sundance Film Festival. At the center of Historic Park City is Main Street--home to over 200 unique businesses. Visitors can shop among at independent boutiques, dine at one-of-a-kind restaurants, relax at a restorative spa, ride the town lift to play in the mountains, stay in style within a short walk of everything, revel in our spirited nightlife, discover something to treasure from our lively art community, and connect with loved ones with memorable experiences.
13.) Moab Reservation Center- Call now for hell's revenge tours, U-Drive tours, Scenic 4x4, helicopter, jet boat, paddle board and rafting rentals or guided trips! We are your one stop shop for all local tours and information - focusing on small locally based operations.
14.) This is the Place Heritage State Park located in Salt Lake City- This Is The Place for FUN in the West! Explore a Pioneer Village, Ride Trains and Ponies, play at Irrigation Station Splash Pad and Pan for Gold! Say hello to our farm friendly animals, and "milk" Clara Belle the Cow. There's goats, sheep and a donkey plus many other little furry friends who like to be snuggled and scratched. See a working Blacksmith in his shop, a Tinsmith and help a "Spinster" card and spin wool. Hungry? Have a "Flavor Burst" soft serve ice cream cone in the Huntsman Saloon, or enjoy Brigham's Donuts, a little bit of sugary Heaven! There's great grub at the Huntsman Hotel grill and a candy shop for your sweet tooth at the ZCMI Mercantile. Visit the Native American Village, see Native American dancers and make take home crafts. Don't miss the Visitor Center and Gift Shop, one of the best shopping experiences in the West. You can also see the Mormon Battalion Museum and Stoddard Art Gallery. There's much more to see and do at This Is The Place Heritage Park. If you have an hour or a day, come have FUN at the Park! Stop #13 on Hop On Hop Off Tours. Planning a Wedding or Reception or special event? Our historic building rentals are located in one of the Valley's most picturesque settings. Nine venues, one that's right for you! Plan your next Corporate Event at This Is The Place. We can accommodate groups from 10 to 10,000.
15.) The Alpine Coaster in Park City- Thrill seekers, meet your match on Utah's largest Alpine Coaster. The elevated track winds you through more than a mile of loops, curves and hair-pin curves at speeds up to 30 mph. Just like your favorite roller coaster - but with the refreshing mountain scenery of Park City.
16.) Utah Shakespeare Festival- The Utah Shakespeare Festival produces the work of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights in three spaces at the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts in Cedar City Utah. Plays, orientations, seminars, Greenshows, classes, camps, and tours complete a Festival experience.
17.) Tracy Aviary Salt Lake City Operations 9am-5pm- The oldest aviary in the U.S. features extensive collections, educational programs and exhibits of more than 130 different species of birds.
18.) Rainbow Bridge National Monument- The world's largest natural bridge, nearly as high as the Statue of Liberty, spans 275 feet across the water.
19.) Kodachrome Basin State Park located in Cannonville- Kodachrome Basin is a spectacle of towering sandstone chimneys, changing in color and shadow with the day's mood- from red-tinged spires against a blue sky, to soft evening light settling over the desert. This color and contrast inspired prompted the National Geographic Society in 1949, with consent from the Kodak Film Corp., to name the park Kodachrome Nearly 70 monolithic spires, ranging from six to 170 feet in height, jut up from the valley floor or protrude from the sandstone. These natural towers stand like stone sentries overlooking the park and create a backdrop that is sure to delight the senses and spark imagination. The redrock and semi-desert climate make this state park attractive to visitors all year.
20.) Utah Field House of Natural State Park located in Vernal Hours of Operations 9am-5pm- Exhibits explain the geologic history of the region.
21.) Clark Planetarium located in Salt Lake City- For more than 50 years, Clark Planetarium, formerly known as Hansen Planetarium, has been Salt Lake’s go-to destination for visitors of all ages who want to discover and learn about space and science. We engage audiences inside our walls and across the State of Utah in the creative process that is science through educational outreach, hands-on exhibits, on-site programming and our IMAX and dome theatres.
22.) Thanksgiving Point located in Lehi- Thanksgiving Point offers an array of different activities including the 55-acre gardens Ashton Gardens, Butterfly Biosphere insect zoo and butterfly conservatory, Museum of Natural Curiosity, Museum of Ancient Life, Mammoth Screen 3D theater, Water Tower Plaza, Harvest Restaurant, Farm Country and a 18-hole golf course.
23.) Golden Spike National Historical Park located in Corrine- While you here you can learn about the Transcontinental Railroad as well as learning about space shuttles
24.) The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium located in Draper- The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium highlights animal habitats in Utah waters, Earth's oceans and South American species. Learn about our interdependence with the fragile ecosystems of our planet through entertaining, interactive educational exhibits and programs.
25.) Union Station located in Ogden- For 50 years this stately and historic depot served as a major hub for transcontinental rail service. Today, it remains a monument to grand rail stations of the early 20th-century and includes four museums: the Utah State Railroad Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Browning Kimball Car Museum and the Browning Firearms Museum.
26.) Utah’s Hogle Zoo located in Salt Lake City- Utah’s Hogle Zoo dates from 1931 and is located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Its natural terrain covers 42 acres of tree-lined pathways where visitors can view over 800 animals. In 2014 Hogle Zoo opened African Savanna – a 4+ acre exhibit featuring the giraffe, zebra, nyala and ostrich mixing and mingling on the grasslands, while African lions look on from Lions’ Hill. The popular Zoofari Express train also returned with the opening of Savanna and features a new eco-friendly engine, wider seats, and is handicapped accessible. Hogle Zoo strives to provide a safe, fun, and educational venue for visitors. Don’t miss Asian Highlands, an amazing re-creation of a Himalayan village and houses five endangered species of Asian cat, including the largest big cat, the Amur tiger. Also on your must-see list is the Elephant Encounter exhibit which features African elephants and white rhinos.
27.) The Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage- The Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage (MFWH) is dedicated to stories of American Western Heritage as showcased by films from the Moab to Monument Valley region. The Museum is located within the main lodge of Red Cliffs Lodge, the exact location where John Ford and John Wayne filmed Rio Grande and other classic Westerns. Since then, the Moab to Monument Valley region has hosted the toast of Hollywood: Roger Moore, Gregory Peck, Ricardo Montalban, Ben Johnson, Francis Ford, Peter Fonda, Beverly D'Angelo, Patrick Swayze, Michael Bay, Cuba Gooding Jr., Nicholas Cage, Christopher Lloyd, Henry Fonda, Angela Lansbury, Will Smith, John Woo, Tom Cruise, Christian Slater, Ed Harris, River Phoenix, and the list goes on...
28.) Land Cruiser Heritage Museum- Hours of Operation is 8am-5pm- The mission of the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum is to preserve and celebrate the history of one of the world's greatest vehicles, the Toyota Land Cruiser. See over 90 models of Land Cruisers from countries around the world, including the first Land Cruiser imported to the U.S. and the one that drove on all seven continents.
29.) If you're into petroglyphs there are tons of spaces around the state where you can see all the amazing ancient ruins.
30.) The Creamer located in Beaver- From the farm to our store, you can taste the passion and pride our local dairy farmer owners put into every product. Established in 1952, The Creamery’s deep-rooted legacy began when local farmers built our plant, helping us supply cheese to the Beaver, Utah, community for more than 65 years. The Creamery is more than a safe haven for cheese. We’re a community that serves as a stopping place for road warriors and a retreat for local families.
With so many amazing things to do in the state there really is something for everyone. So many places to hike, go white river rafting, ride horses and so many historical homes and forts. If you get a chance to check it out let me know what you think. If it didn't snow there it would definitely be one of my favorite places to live. Have an amazing day thanks for tuning in and come back next week for another amazing trip through the US.
Written by: Beautifulchaos318
