Salt Lake City, Utah, is a stunning destination with activities to offer people of all ages. From outdoor recreation to cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in Salt Lake City. Whether you are looking to hit the trails, soak in the culture and history, or gain more knowledge about topics you love, a trip to Salt Lake City should be high on your bucket list. It is an ideal destination for anyone searching for a mix of adventures and excursions and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Here are seven places to check out in Salt Lake City.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a hidden treasure in Salt Lake City. This unique outdoor art installation is famous for its unusual sculptures made from various materials, including stone, concrete, and metal. The National Register of Historic Places has recognized the garden as a historic site. The Gilgal Society nonprofit is dedicated to preserving the garden and promoting its artistic and cultural significance. The garden is full of fascinating work with special symbolism. Many of the sculptures were created to inspire onlookers to spend time reflecting. For instance, the sphinx sculpture in the center of the Gilgal Sculpture Garden was created to represent the ancient wisdom of Egypt.
Hogle Zoo
The Hogle Zoo is home to over 800 animals from around the world, such as African elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, and more. The Hogle Zoo is committed to conservation and education with programs such as the species survival plan to protect endangered species. They offer fun educational programs such as summer camps and classes for all ages. They are known for their Zoo lights, a December tradition where the zoo has beautiful light displays, a kaleidoscope light tunnel, visits with Santa, and more.
Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah explores the natural history of Utah through museums, guided tours, and hands-on activities. The exhibits explore geology, paleontology, archaeology, botany, and zoology. The museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils and other artifacts. The museum is part of the University of Utah and is known for its innovative architecture and gorgeous landscaping. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a must-visit spot for guests of all ages.
Ensign Peak
Ensign Peak is a popular hiking destination in Salt Lake City. It is a short trail that leads to a summit with an elevation of 1,080 meters. The hike provides stunning views of the city and its mountains. It is easily accessible from downtown Salt Lake City and is a well-maintained trail. It is an important historical and cultural site with signs and exhibits throughout the trail that explain its history.
Liberty Park
Liberty Park is the second largest public park in Salt Lake City. It has walking paths, sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. It is home to the Tracy Aviary, one of the largest and oldest bird sanctuaries in the United States. Liberty Park is also home to Liberty Park Pond, a hot spot for fishing and paddle boating. The lake has rainbow trout, catfish, and sunfish. If you visit to fish, just be sure you have the required Utah State fishing license.
Clark Planetarium
Clark Planetarium is a science museum with various exhibits and interactive displays. Its state-of-the-art digital Dome Theater shows films about space and astronomy. There’s a famous exhibit called Explore The Solar System, where guests can explore planets and moons and see a scale model of the solar system. The planetarium offers educational programs such as classes, workshops, and demonstrations. Clark Planetarium is a unique destination for visitors interested in space and astronomy.
Salt Lake Trolley Tours
Salt Lake Trolley Tours is a guided tour that operates on vintage-style trolley cars to see the sights of historical and cultural landmarks. The tours take you to significant locations, including the State Capitol Building, Temple Square, and Trolley Square shopping center. In addition, there are themed tour options available such as the Twilight Tour, which takes visitors on a scenic evening ride through the city’s downtown area. The trolley is a delightful way to see the city’s architecture and skyline at night. They also offer a Haunted Trolley ride, visiting the city’s most haunted locations and sharing spooky stories.