Are you looking for a unique and amazing vacation destination? Look no further than the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City! Located in the University of Utah’s Research Park, the museum is home to a vast collection of natural history specimens, as well as stunning exhibits that will captivate and educate visitors of all ages.
The Natural History Museum of Utah was established in 1963 by the Utah State Legislature and opened in the George Thomas Library in 1969. In 2011, the museum moved to the Rio Tinto Center, a stunning 163,000-square-foot building with a 17-acre campus in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. The museum has over 1.6 million objects in its collections, which emphasize the natural history of Utah and are accessible to researchers from around the world.
The collections cover a wide array of topics, including anthropology, archaeology, ethnography, paleontology, entomology, vertebrate zoology, mineralogy, botany, and malacology. The anthropology collection includes 750,000 objects and records from over 3,800 sites, while the paleontology collection includes 12,000 vertebrates, 4,000 invertebrates, and 7,000 plants. The museum also has two new species that were discovered and named, Stokesosaurus and Marshosaurus, whose holotypes are preserved in the museum.
When visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. You can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include the Ancient Life Gallery, the Native Voices Gallery, and the Dinosaur Hall. You can also take part in one of the museum’s educational programs, such as the Dinosaur Tracks program, which allows visitors to take a close look at dinosaur fossils. You can also join in one of the museum’s workshops and classes, or attend one of its special events.
For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, which is located just outside of the museum. This quarry was the site of a 16-year excavation project in the 1960s and 70s, which uncovered the fossilized remains of numerous dinosaurs, including Allosaurus, Camarasaurus, Camptosaurus, Ceratosaurus, Stegosaurus, and more. It is now home to the world’s largest collection of Allosaurus skeletons.
As you can see, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a one-of-a-kind destination that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip. If you’re looking for a unique and educational vacation spot, this is definitely the place to visit! Here’s a list of the top things to do and see:
- Explore the museum’s exhibits and take part in its educational programs
- Attend one of the museum’s special events
- Visit the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry
- Check out nearby attractions like the Great Salt Lake, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and the Tracy Aviary
No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a great time at the Natural History Museum of Utah! With its vast collections and stunning exhibits, it’s the perfect place to explore and learn about the natural world. So why not plan a trip today?