As Park City moves from winter to spring, the town slows down and takes a deep breath. Many restaurants, businesses and events temporarily close to give their staff and employees a well deserved break.
For locals and visitors alike, day trips to nearby locations provide recreation and entertainment that are not available in Park City during this shoulder season.
SALT LAKE CITY
As a major metropolitan area, Salt Lake City offers numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. The drive through Parley’s Canyon takes about 40 minutes, making it an easy day trip destination. Theaters, museums and shopping centers are located close to city paths and mountain trails, providing numerous options for a single day trip.
Salt Lake City’s rich cultural scene is extensive and has something for everyone. Some of the most popular destinations include the Natural History Museum of Utah, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, and Temple Square.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is where visitors of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy hundreds of resident animals in the African Savanna, Great Apes, Primate Forest, Small Animal Building, Rocky Shores, Asian Highlands, and the new Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah exhibit. Plus, the zoo is AZA accredited which means it maintains strict standards for animal care and provides large, spacious habitats.
Antelope Island is home to free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, antelope and many other desert animals. Visitors can hike or mountain bike on the backcountry trails for spectacular views of lake and island scenery.
What to ask about: Special Events and Fundraisers.
Local Insight: Park City Transit connects to UTA bus service for those preferring not to drive, though a vehicle provides more flexibility for exploring the city. Consider rush hour traffic (roughly 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) which affects canyon travel times.
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THANKSGIVING POINT
Located about an hour from Park City, in a small town called Lehi, is Thanksgiving Point. This 55 acre park showcases themed gardens and museums. The entire venue was created to “cultivate wonder, strengthen connections, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.” Featured attractions include a butterfly biosphere, an interactive working farm, and a dinosaur museum. You can easily spend the entire day exploring the numerous exhibits and events.
EVANSTON, WYOMING
If you hop on Interstate 80 and head East for about an hour, you will arrive at Evanston, Wyoming. The quaint town is rich in historical architecture and character. At the heart of the city is the Bear River Greenway that includes 6 miles of paved pathway and another 10 miles of dirt rails.
However, what draws many Parkites to Evanston is the Wyoming Downs Racetrack. As the largest privately owned horse racing venue in Wyoming, it combines thrilling live racing with simulcast horse racing from racetracks across the country and around the world.
Local Insight: Legal Tender Restaurant, located in Evanston, has a section of the restaurant where you can enjoy off-track betting.
