Tours and Sightseeing
Art: Miles Parnell
Park City’s colorful history is one of the first things people notice about our town; it’s a little hard to miss. Remnants from the old silver mining town and its inhabitants abound in today’s Park City, from high-spirited attitudes to charming architecture.
You can take a historic Park City Museum tour to relive 100 years of history through stories of the Hearst family fortune and the fire that almost decimated the town. The Park City Museum and Territorial Jail, 528 Main Street, is a joint venture of the city and the Park City Historical Society and also serves as a visitor information center. Visit other town landmarks, including the Alf Engen Museum at the Utah Olympic Park, which recounts the history of all skiing disciplines and Park City’s considerable role in that history.
So you’ve learned about the history of Park City; are you interested in finding out more about your own personal history? The Family Tree Center at 531 Main Street is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and offers free family history searches and consultations. The expert family history specialists at this unique genealogical center can help you discover your ancestors by searching more than 650 million names from around the world. If you like this experience, you’ll love a visit to the world’s largest genealogical library, located in Salt Lake City. 801.240.2331.
There are myriad other museums in the area focusing on a wide variety of subjects. Some of our favorites include The Aero Museum at the Heber Valley Airport, BYU’s Museum of Art in Provo, “This is the Place” State Park in Salt Lake City, and the Utah Museum of Natural History on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City.
While you’re in Salt Lake City, consider making a stop downtown at Temple Square and the LDS Visitors Center. In addition to the spectacular architecture, the grounds are beautiful and if you get there early enough in the day you might get a chance to hear the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Want to see stars? The Clarke Planetarium in Salt Lake City has a well-earned reputation for producing creative star shows. If you’re looking for the real deal and don’t mind bundling up for cold temperatures, join members of Utah Skies for a star party. Local astronomers will share their own telescopes, as well as their knowledge of the night sky. www.utah-skies.org.
Utah’s only steam-powered locomotive provides the muscle to pull the Heber Valley Historic Railroad passenger trains. Take a trip back in time as you travel on this train around Deer Creek Reservoir into the spectacular beauty of Provo Canyon.
Both Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons have gondolas that will whisk you to the top of the mountain and you can enjoy this ride even if you’re not a skier.
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