Golden Spike National Historical Park is a captivating place to visit, especially if you're…read moreinterested in the history of the transcontinental railroad. Although the original Jupiter and No. 119 locomotives were scrapped long ago, the replicas built in the 1970s are impressive. The replica locomotives are brightly painted, beautifully detailed, and a highlight of the park. The museum's exhibits do a great job explaining the engineering challenges, cultural impact, and enormous effort involved in connecting the United States by railroad. When you stand outside in this remote, rugged landscape, it underscores how difficult building this railroad must have been. Overall, Golden Spike National Historical Park is an educational and memorable stop for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone exploring northern Utah.

I recalled this place being mentioned in history classes a few times in school. I didn't know if…read moreI'd ever be close enough to merit stopping by, though. This spot is located within 90 minutes of downtown Salt Lake City, to the northwest. Once you get off I-15 and travel about 5 miles, there is basically nothing more along the route for the next 10 - 15 miles until you reach this site. They have a visitors' center with the standard features - park rangers, a short introductory film, a gift shop, restrooms, etc. I don't know how much it costs as we were there with a couple who got free entry for our party. I'm sure you can look on the website for this info. Beyond the visitors' center is the site itself, along with 2 locomotives. What I did not know was that on the anniversary of the original ceremony (sometime in May) and on Saturdays during 'the summer', they do reenactments of the original festivities. I think they do this twice on Saturdays. We happened to be there for the 1 p.m. 'show'. They have some people dressed up in period costumes and invite some of the kids from the audience to put on light 'cowboy attire' as well to help out. They then fire up both engines and back them up and bring them back to the original position. It was interesting to seem them running. At the end, they invite anyone in the crowd who is interested to pose for a replica photo of the original one from the ceremony. The National Park Service then posts this on their website a few days later. If you like history and don't mind the drive, this is a fun side trip. I'd definitely recommend looking up the times and visiting on a day when they are running the locomotives. The closest place with a lot of choices for eating (other than just fast food) is probably Ogden, which is just under an hour away.

If you are an aerospace geek or a military history dork, then the Hill Aerospace Museum is a must…read morefor you. As a kid growing up, I watched war movies with enchantment. I read up on military stories. And sometimes, I was lucky enough to meet a veteran that would share their stories. Hill Aerospace had all of that. Since my wife does the planning, I didn't think much of our visit until we pulled up and those large decommissioned military planes sitting outside in all of its glory brought me back to when I was 10 years old. But the magic continues after you walk in. Within three large hangers housed of some of the most historically iconic planes on display. Add a small platoon of veterans, many of which had personally flown some of these pieces, the stories were endless and I had the honor of speaking with a number of these veterans and listen to their stories. It was an amazing time and I could have spent the whole day there. I don't say this often, but Hill Aerospace is almost a destination museum. It was such a great experience and those veterans made it that much more special.

This is one of those places that surprises you every time you visit. The collection of aircraft is…read moreincredible -- everything from massive bombers to experimental jets to helicopters that look like they came straight out of a movie. It's a great mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, and you can get really close to the aircraft, which makes the experience feel very real and tactile, especially for kids. The museum is clean, spacious, and well organized. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and genuinely excited to share stories and history -- you can feel their passion. Also, free admission (with optional donation), which is amazing considering how much there is to see. Perfect place to spend a few hours learning, exploring, or just staring up at some truly impressive engineering. Great stop for families, aviation lovers, or anyone looking for something inspiring and different to do. Highly recommend.

The staff here was super kind and super knowledgeable. I have always been a huge dinosaur nerd, so…read morewhen I was visiting the area for my nursing school clinicals I had to stop in! The price is reasonable and the many displays were a treat! You could even purchase a geode for them to cut open then and there for you as well as some minor fossils and minerals in the gift shop! Will definitely visit again if I am ever in the area!

Rawr! Did I scare you? If so, beware of this dinosaur park in Ogden. While the dinos on display are…read morenot alive, they are life-like and some of the them move and make noise. Possibly a little too scary for some audiences-usually those that are shorter than a yardstick. The indoor area of the museum is very well done with lots of displays and exhibits that educate guests on the different pre-historic beings. There were far more than I could have named on my own with my basic "Land Before Time" dinosaur knowledge. Upstairs, you'll find rocks and gems, which is well done although maybe less interesting to some folks. However, take a peek at the dinner rocks-there's a whole display of rocks that are in the shape of food. I got a kick out of that. Outside, there's lots of wide open space with paths that wander throughout the trees. There are dinos dispersed throughout the property, and a few benches to sit on. Lots of the grounds were covered in weeds, which may have been what the dinosaurs preferred to eat. However, in modern day, it just looks unkempt. For a kiddo-or adult-that has a fascination with dinosaurs, this could be a fun place to spend an afternoon. For the rest of us, an hour or two is probably plenty.

Wow. What a treasure. The Kearns Mansion is where the Governor of Utah and his family reside. It is…read morea gorgeous home built in 1902 with free tours by Preservation Utah. Decorated for Christmas made the one hour tour even more special. The tour normally includes just the main floor with the parlor, study, dining room, kitchen and pantry. But right now they are also taking guests up the grand staircase to the ballroom. The original art is fabulous. The wood work, plaster work, murals, all gorgeous. The history shared about the Kearns family and past governors was interesting. And the Christmas decorations were the icing in the cake. Take advantage of this free tour which I believe is offered in the summer and part of November and December. Park in the free lot off of H Street and they will let you enter the East gate right on the hour.

We visited this rocket garden on our way to Golden Spike and Spiral Jetty…read more Nice display and a quick visit

Incredible place to visit. Located near Golden Spike National Park, this gem of a park is worth a…read morestop. Tremendous collection if you like rockets.

Had an amazing tour here. The view to get up to Minnetonka was beautiful. It does get cold around…read more40 degrees year around in the cave so plan ahead and bring a sweater and pants and comfortable walking shoes. Comercial store bought water bottles like Crystal Geysers are not allowed, however, you can bring your own bottle as long as it's not a one time use. Another note, there's a ton of stairs , more than 800 round trip stairs including one flight up of 72 steps. The limestone in the cave are old, over hundred millions. Amazing how it would take a hundred years just to get to an inch of growth. My favorite in the cave were the "wedding reception" area and "Seven Dwarfs." Tour takes about an hour and there's clean restroom adjacent to the entrance with a washing basin. Really had a great time. Cheers and enjoy!

This was a fun experience and suggest anyone who is capable of climbing steep stairs to try it…read more Yes, the stairs can get steep and long, so be warned if you get winded easily. Our guide Jared had his dad jokes but he was amazing. The cave was beautiful and very cold, but you'll warm up quick breaking a sweat from the stairs. You'll have to purchase tickets at one point then drive up another mile to the staring point of the tour. It tour lasted 90 minutes which time goes by fast. Well worth the trip.

Absolutely stunning state park north west of the SLC area. only $15 for a vehicle, $5 for a…read moremotorcycle. There is so much to do here! Take in the epic views of the great salt lake from up high, walk along the coastline of the lake. There hiking trails up the mountains. There are bison all over to explore and photograph, as well as tons of species of birds to watch. If you're lucky you'll spot some Antelope or long horn sheep. Saw lots and local bicyclists, I imagine it wpuld be a blast to ride. You can park at the entrance and ride in at a small parking lot. The drive down the eastern coast is spectacular and if you don't mind a dirt road you can continue for a little further to the southern tip. Or stop at the pavement and check out the ranch that's been there for generations. What a cool place, I am so glad I got to visit an check it out. Ext time I'll stay for an extended period in one of the campgrounds!!

Gnats were out in force, but overall the best 15 bucks I spent in UT…read more You have to like driving... Went out around 5 and were there for the long sunset. Bison! Dirt roads! Very few other cars! Amazing panoramas! We will be back.

Great place to stroll around and learn about Mormon history! You can see the beautiful mountains…read morebehind the Mormon buildings. Definitely worth stopping by for a quick self-guided tour of the historical spots in this area!

As you approach Temple Square, you'll find this spectacular monument that was dedicated in 1897…read more Way at the top of the stone column is a statue of Brigham Young pointing with an outstretched left arm. On the lower pedestal are more statues and sculpted panels of a frontiersman, an American Indian, and a pioneer family. Some of the inscriptions read: In Honor Of Brigham Young and The Pioneers The names of the PIONEERS who arrived in this valley, July 24, 1847. *Signifies those now living. The unmarked ones are all deceased. The names of 143 men (including 3 colored servants), 3 women, and 2 children. 27 of those listed are marked as still amoung the living at time of dedication, 50 years to the day from the initial arrival in the valley. The entire company and outfit consisted of 143 men, 3 women, 2 children 70 wagons, 1 boat, 1 cannon, 93 horses, 52 mules, 66 oxen, 19 cows. This monument erected by public subscription. Was unveiled July 24, 1897.

Our train tour with JILL was phenomenal! She made our experience so fun and informative. Employee…read moreof the month material to me!! So glad we could we could join her t

This was one of the destinations from our tour bus. Unfortunately, the tour guide only gave us 20…read moremins to explore the area. A historic place with many statues on site. They were definitely worth the photo op. I saw other family going on train rides that would take you from one place to another. If you want to enter the zoo, there was an admission fee. Also there were pony rides for the kids to enjoy. Once you are done, there was a gift store available to shop for soverniers. If you want to spend most of your time here especially when you have kids or enjoy a family fun, I would avoid booking a tour. I believe the vistors parking is free.