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Utah Vacations

Utah, the Beehive State, was admitted into the Union on January 4, 1896, becoming the forty-fifth state in the United States. Major industries in Utah include tourism, mining, farming, and steel making. Consisting of almost 85,000 square miles, Utah is the thirteenth largest state in the United States. Average temperatures run from about 93º in the summer to about 20° in the winter. The Great Salt Lake, for those of you who like to float in water, is one of the most famous lakes in the United States. The Rocky Mountains run through Utah, making Utah a favorite destination for skiers. Utah is not only for skiers, however. Utah has major attractions that your family can enjoy all year long.

Arches National Park – Moab

Arches National Park is absolutely amazing. Featuring the most natural stone arches in the world, Arches National Park consists of 73,000 acres of some of the world’s most interesting formations such as Delicate Arch and Fiery Furnace. There are miles of hiking and biking trails as well as horseback riding, off road ATV guided tours, and rock climbing. Do not miss the rangers’ guided tours to get the inside scoop on Arches National Park.

Admission fees vary. Please see website for more information. Arches National Park is open twenty-four hours a day year round. The Visitor’s Center is open April-October from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM and November-March from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Visitor’s Center is closed Christmas Day.

For more information, please see:

http://www.nps.gov/arch/

Note: Canyonlands National Park is also located near to Moab.

For more information, please see:

http://www.nps.gov/cany/

Mormon Tabernacle – Salt Lake City

The Mormon Tabernacle is home to the world famous Tabernacle Choir. The roof of this impressive building, at a width of 150 feet, is constructed without center supports. The acoustics are such that you can hear a pin being dropped from 170 feet away. The Tabernacle features an organ that was originally operated using hand pumped bellows and has over 11,000 pipes today. Located in Temple Square, the Mormon Tabernacle is a must see for music and architecture lovers.

The Mormon Tabernacle is free. The Choir broadcasts Sunday mornings and rehearses Thursdays from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM unless they are on tour. The Choir does not broadcast or practice on either Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day.

For more information, please see:

http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1879-1-1-2,00.html

Union Station – Ogden

For over fifty years, the Union Station in Ogden was a hub, welcoming residents and visitors alike. Today, The Union Station houses museums and galleries dedicated to art, railroad history, and more. Built in 1924, the Union Station includes the Browning Fire Arms Museum, the Utah State Railroad Museum, and the Union Station History Museum. The galleries in Union Station showcase national and local artists. The Union Station will have something of interest for the whole family.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the winter months and Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer. Admissions into the Union Station are free. Admissions, which include all of the museums, is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $3.00 for children, and a family day admission of $12.00 for two adults and up to four children.

For more information, please see:

http://www.theunionstation.org/index.html

Zion National Park – Springdale

Covering 229 square miles, Zion was Utah’s first National Park. When visiting Zion National Park, you can learn about the ancient animals and peoples of Utah. You can explore deep sandstone canyons and gaze at incredible rock formations. You can hike, ride bicycles, or enjoy ranger tours. Make sure to check to see if there are any special events while you are visiting Zion National Park.

Please see website for information on entry fees and hours of operation.

For more information, please see:

http://www.nps.gov/zion/

Museum of Ancient Life – Thanksgiving Point

The Museum of Ancient Life is over 120,000 square feet of dinosaurs. You can see skeletons of a xiphactinus, a tylosaurus, and a elasmosaurus, all terrors of the water. A huge brachiosaurus and supersaurus are featured in the Grand Hall. Children can design their own dinosaurs, rub fossils, or work at the Erosion Table on building dams and canyons. You can all learn about paleontology and how fossils are found. The Museum of Ancient Life also offers the Mammoth Screen Theater with interesting movies that the whole family will enjoy.

Admissions and hours vary. Please see the website for more information.

For more information, please see:

http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/museum/

~Laura Evans Staff Editor

Laura Evans is a freelance writer living in Southern California.

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