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Sightseeing

Natural History Museum of Utah

📍 Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
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4.4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Introduction

The Natural History Museum of Utah sits on the foothills east of the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, opening in 2011 inside the striking RISE building and ranking among the Rocky Mountain region's leading natural history institutions. Permanent galleries span billions of years of Utah's geological evolution, from giant dinosaur fossils of the Mesozoic to ancient human traces along Ice Age lake shores and present-day ecosystems. Signature exhibits include extraordinary dinosaur skeletons unearthed in Utah, extensive mineral specimens, and interactive displays explaining the formation of the Great Salt Lake and Colorado Plateau. The museum also houses active research and education programs, hosting lectures, overnight camps, and STEM workshops, making it an essential destination for families, students, and nature enthusiasts exploring Utah's natural heritage.

Highlights

1
Dinosaur Fossils
Giant dinosaur skeletons and paleontological specimens unearthed in Utah
2
RISE Building
Modern green building opened in 2011, itself an exhibit
3
Mineral Collection
Rich Utah mineral specimens including copper, silver, and rare gems
4
Great Salt Lake Exhibit
Interactive displays on the formation of the Great Salt Lake and Colorado Plateau
5
Native Cultures
Utah indigenous history and cultural artifacts
6
Research and Education
Regular lectures, overnight camps, and STEM workshops

🛈 Practical Info

HoursDaily 10:00-17:00, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
AdmissionAdult about $19.95, child about $13.95
ParkingPaid parking lot in front of the museum
TransportEast side of University of Utah campus, reachable by UTA bus
FacilitiesGift shop, cafe, accessible routes, and family restrooms

💡 Tips

Allow 2-3 hours to tour the permanent galleries
Wednesday often features free family programs, check the schedule
Top-floor observation deck overlooks Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Range
Rich interactive exhibits, ideal for families with children
Combine with a University of Utah campus walk

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Natural History Museum of Utah?

Allow 2-3 hours to tour the permanent galleries Wednesday often features free family programs, check the schedule