Great Times at the Great Salt Lake
Natural History Museum of Utah
There is no better place to learn about the unique geography, earth science, history, and native cultures of Utah’s past. With 10 permanent exhibits, this museum provides every visitor both interpretive and interactive educational experiences. Check out “Past Worlds of Utah,” an exhibit depicting the area’s progression over the past 500 million years, and which provides interactive opportunities to touch, smell, and even taste the unique qualities of the famous lake. The “First Peoples” exhibit shows how prehistoric populations once lived in Utah. And lastly, don’t miss the Native Voices segment that illustrates the first five nations of Native American peoples in Utah.
Liberty Park
This very popular public urban park in Salt Lake City is the city’s second-largest public park. Spread over 80 acres, this wide expanse of well-maintained and accessible green space is perfect for nature buffs or anyone looking to get a bit of fresh air. Looking for an immersive, refreshing, and nature-filled excursion? Perhaps a peaceful walk on the walkways, or maybe a dip into the park’s pool, or even getting a few sets in at the tennis court. The park offers something to do for nearly everyone. Beautiful and scenic, Liberty Park does not disappoint.
The Clark Planetarium
This incredible planetarium and museum features free, hands-on exhibits that the whole family will love. Conveniently accessible at the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, you’ll find an IMAX theater, plus another theater for shows and other exhibitions. See three permanent exhibits when visiting the Clark Planetarium: Earth, near-Earth, and Beyond. You’ll enjoy hands-on activities about planets, stars, and other aspects of space. It’s a great place to learn about science and space. Don’t forget to swing by the planetarium gift shop.
A History of Salt Lake
The unmistakable land now known as Utah was first inhabited by the ancient Pueblo people (sometimes called Anasazi). As time passed, the Ute tribe, which the state is named for, settled in the area. Other Native American peoples like the Shoshone, Navajo, Paiute, and Goshute also called the area home. Although Spanish Franciscan missionary Silvestre Velez de Escalante explored Utah, he only went as far as what is the current-day Utah Valley. The area was first surveyed by U.S. Army Officer John C. Fremont in 1843. In 1846, the tragic Donner Party trekked across the valley through Emigration Canyon, which continued to be the main path into Salt Lake for many years.
Today, Salt Lake City is a sprawling metropolis with divergent peoples, incredible natural surroundings, and more things to do, see, and discover than we could ever hope to share in this space. Come, see, enjoy, and fall in love with the people and the places that are this area’s real assets.
