The Natural History Museum of Utah, located on the University of Utah campus, is a top tourist attraction in Salt Lake City. The museum focuses on the natural history of Utah, but there is definitely a heavy focus on dinosaurs, which makes it an ideal place for dinosaur aficionados and kids of all ages. It also makes a great place for a date.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Natural History Museum of Utah
The museum is open seven days a week but weekdays during the day tend to be pretty busy with visits from local school groups. If you want a quieter experience at the museum, Sundays during the day and Wednesday evenings tend to be the best time to go. The museum stays open until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Must See/Do at the Natural History Museum of Utah
While the museum does a good job of rotating in new exhibits, the dinosaurs are here to stay. The designers have spent a lot of time making sure these exhibits extra special, and tourists will see the results of those efforts right away. In addition, make time to see the Native Voices exhibit and listen to stories of Utah's Native Americans at the Storytelling Circle. Finally, be sure to look for the numerous skulls located on the walls. One section in particular shows the evolution of primates through their skulls.
Admission to the Natural History Museum
The museum costs around $10 per person, while children under 2 are free. The museum does have free days about five times a year, but reservations online and tickets are still required.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Natural History Museum
Parking is free and generally isn't stressful. In addition to the parking lot just outside the entrance, there are overflow lots nearby when the museum gets busier, such as during free days. In addition, public transportation is available. The most convenient route is to take the Trax Light Rail Red/University line to the Medical Center, and then catch the University of Utah black shuttle to the museum. In addition, there are bike trails that pass in front of the museum.
Food at the Natural History Museum
There is one tiny cafe at the museum that serves decent sandwiches and soups for around $8. However, if you're looking for a bigger selection, the Corner Bakery Cafe at on Foothill Blvd is a great alternative that is close by.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Natural History Museum
The best way to the see the museum is from the top down. Once you walk in the museum, take the elevator to the very top and then work your way down. It makes it much easier to see the whole museum. If you do this, you'll want to give yourself two to three hours to see the whole thing.
Author's bio: Clint T. has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.
Unknown to most tourists outside the Ogden, Utah area, the Treehouse Children's Museum is a great place for kids of all ages to experience hands-on displays and interactive exhibits. Adults will also find the museum an engaging place to spend the afternoon with their families.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Treehouse Children's Museum
The museum is open every day of the week except Sunday, and while it doesn't get overcrowded very often, it's best to avoid visiting on Saturday mornings during the school year or on rainy days when parents are looking for places to visit with their children. Visiting on school holidays should also be avoided.
Must See/Do at the Treehouse Children's Museum
One of the main focuses of the museum is literacy and the musical story time is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to engage in literary learning. Additionally, the main treehouse is a must-do for your children who are a bit more active. Finally, older kids with a political interest will enjoy getting their picture taken in the Oval Office at the American Dream Gallery.
Admission to the Treehouse Children's Museum
Admission to the museum is around $5 for both children and adults. The museum also offers various discounts on its website. In addition, the museum has memberships available starting at $50 per year.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Treehouse Children's Museum
While there is no dedicated parking lot for the museum, street parking is available for free around the building. In terms of public transportation, the museum is conveniently located only three blocks from the Utah Transit Authority Frontrunner train station. Cross Wall Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and Grant Avenue until you see the Solomon Center. Turn north in front of the center until you see the museum.
Food at the Treehouse Children's Museum
There are no food options located directly at the museum. In fact, food is not permitted on the exhibit floor, although snacks are allowed in the lobby. However, there are plenty of food options within walking distance of the museum. Tickets for the museum are valid all day on multiple entries, so you can go for a couple of hours, leave to eat, and then come back.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Treehouse Children's Museum
While the museum is geared towards providing hours of entertainment for children, it is not very stroller friendly. If you are going to bring a baby, it's best to wear a baby pack instead of trying to navigate the displays and groups of people with a stroller.
Author's bio: Clint T. has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.
The Hill Aerospace Museum located on the Hill Air Force Base is a perfect place to visit for both aviation enthusiasts and families. The museum boasts a number of old and new aircraft, interactive aviation exhibits, as well as a whole room dedicated to changes over the years in pilot outfits.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Hill Aerospace Museum
The museum is open all year-round Monday through Saturday except for January 1, July 4, and December 24-25. While the museum's 30 acres is big enough to host large groups, if you want the whole place to yourself, it's best to go during the week when parents are at work and children are in school. Summers weekends, especially on days with airshows, can be more stressful to both find parking and peacefully enjoy the museum.
Must See/Do at the Hill Aerospace Museum
While the museum boasts a number of exhibits, you'll want to be sure to make time to see the SR-71 Blackbird and Sikorsky MH-53M helicopter located in the second hangar, where you can see these aircraft up close and personal. Additionally, if you've got an extra half hour, take some time to see the Vietnam War prison cell exhibit and accompanying movie, which will give you a new found appreciation for what the prisoners of war faced. Finally, don't forget the Women Air Force Service Pilots exhibit, a fascinating history and tribute to the women who flew during World War II.
Admission to the Hill Aerospace Museum
Admission is free to the museum, although there is a donation box near the entrance to the museum for those who would like to contribute. In addition, this part of the Air Force base is open to the public, so there is no need for a special access badge to visit the museum.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Hill Aerospace Museum
Driving to the museum is the best way to get there, as there is currently no public transportation options that drop visitors off at the museum itself. The museum is easily accessible with a car by taking Exit 338 off of I-15. Parking is also free at museum.
Food at the Hill Aerospace Museum
There are no food services at the museum itself, except for a couple of vending machines. However, the city of Roy is located just opposite the museum on the other side of the freeway with your choice of fast food establishments.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Hill Aerospace Museum
During your visit, be on the lookout for employees and volunteers staffing the museum, especially those sitting near the exhibits in the hangars. Many of these volunteers are military veterans who love the opportunity to tell stories to visitors about the aircraft on display.
Author's bio: Clint T. lives has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.
