When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Cross E Ranch
Why Cross E Ranch is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cross E Ranch is a beloved family-owned and operated ranch located in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a rich heritage that dates back to the 1960s. The ranch is named after one of the oldest cattle brands west of the Mississippi River, the +E brand, originally owned by the Jeremy family. David Hinckley began leasing the ranch and cattle in the 1960s, eventually buying his own herd and building a renowned Angus cattle operation. This commitment to quality livestock and hard work has made Cross E Ranch a memorable and authentic farming experience for the local community. Beyond its agricultural roots, Cross E Ranch serves as a community venue that offers educational and entertainment opportunities designed to connect people to their food and agricultural practices. Visitors often come to the ranch to learn about cattle farming and the importance of agriculture, making it a unique meeting place where friends and families can enjoy the outdoors and deepen their appreciation for rural life. The ranch’s blend of history, education, and family atmosphere creates a welcoming environment for gatherings and events, highlighting the enduring value of traditional farming.
Here's what people think of Cross E Ranch
As of recent, Cross E Ranch holds a 4.7-star rating based on 2098 reviews.
User reviews for Cross E Ranch highlight a strong appreciation for its community-focused atmosphere and educational mission. Positive reviewers often praise the ranch's friendly and knowledgeable staff, the well-maintained facilities, and the authentic agricultural experience that allows visitors to connect with rural life and cattle farming. Many appreciated the family-oriented environment and the opportunity to learn about where their food comes from, which makes it a great place to visit with friends or family. On the other hand, some negative reviews mentioned occasional issues such as limited amenities, small size relative to some visitors' expectations, or a desire for more varied activities or events to engage a broader audience. However, these critiques are relatively few compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Overall, reviewers conclude that Cross E Ranch offers a valuable and genuine farm experience that serves as a wonderful community hub for education and entertainment, deeply rooted in local history and family tradition.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Eric Gonzalez
Been here two years in a row now and it’s always a good time. The food is good and not too pricy. The donuts are amazing and well worth the long line they always have. The caramel apples are also amazing. Love all of the animals! They usually have cows, baby goats, pigs, alpacas (I think), rabbits, and more. The corn maze is always really well done and features a new design each year. When the sun goes down they have several fire pits open to eat and drink next to. They also have pumpkin picking, or pre picked pumpkins near the exit.
Fatima Martinez
Such a great place to spend the day with the family. Lots of activities. Their farm animals are very well taken care of, the staff is awesome, area is clean, big and open. Food and treats are yummy, water bottles provided for free by the ranch. You can bring your own food if needed, which is great specially if you are planning on being there all day. Do not miss the fall festival! Their corn maze is amazing!!!
Melissa Morgan (Ginge)
First time visiting and we had an absolute blast! Despite it being extremely hot, we had an unforgettable time sitting in the goats pen and getting to brush the Mama Goats and their babies! Each one having a name tag was cute too, the kiddo in our group loved calling them by their names. (We also really appreciated the bottles of water left out for patrons to grab, so we could stay hydrated in this crazy heat! And also the hand washing station with soap and using the pump pedal to use water to disinfect our hands after touching the animals!) All in all, it's a perfect day out. A very well executed layout and tons for the whole family to see and do. We can't wait to come back!!!
Rachelle Frederiksen
We always enjoy when we come here. Sometimes spring, sometimes fall. Always a great time. Loved all the baby animals. Enjoy all the activities. Thanks for the memories! (Could use some more areas with shade). Love that they do free water and have sanitizer and bug spray throughout. A smidge pricier than I would like. I feel like an adult should be cheaper as they aren't likely the ones on the ropes course, climbing wall, zip line, etc. And kids should be bigger than up to 11. Or give a deal for families of 5 or sometimes. Just gets a bit pricey.
Stephany Morrison
Every year I amazed at how much they spend on improvements to an already maintained farm. More benches, new toys to play on, fresh gravel, new parking. They put a lot into providing more and more. They put down wood chips or gravel just so we don't get to much dust and that is a cost other farms don't invest in. The kids love it but it's a great place for the adults as well. Best donuts in the world!!!!
How to reach Cross E Ranch
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Why Cross E Ranch may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cross E Ranch with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Cross E Ranch offers an exceptional blend of outdoor fun, natural beauty, and memorable hands-on experiences that make it a perfect destination for group meetups. The ranch’s 4.7-star rating from over 2,000 reviews reflects its popularity and consistent high quality, ensuring your time spent here will be enjoyable and well-received. Located in scenic Salt Lake City, Utah, Cross E Ranch combines the charm of a traditional family farm with an array of engaging activities that appeal to people of all ages. Whether your group enjoys nature, animals, games, or seasonal festivals, the ranch provides a welcoming environment where you can bond while creating lasting memories. What's more, the spacious outdoor setting allows groups to mingle freely, picnic, and explore together without feeling crowded or rushed. Its combination of lively seasonal events, interactive attractions, and locally sourced food options makes it more than just a day trip; it's an experience that encourages connection, laughter, and shared joy. Choosing Cross E Ranch for your gathering guarantees a unique, multi-faceted day out full of smiles, discovery, and entertainment tailored to groups seeking something special and authentic.
What activities does Cross E Ranch offer that make it ideal for group meetups?
Cross E Ranch is packed with a diverse range of activities to entertain groups of all sizes and interests. One of the major draws is its seasonal festivals, like the Spring Festival, which focuses on interacting with adorable baby animals including goats, llamas, bunnies, and chicks—perfect for animal lovers in your group. The fall season transforms the ranch into an autumn wonderland featuring a pumpkin patch, a challenging corn maze with interactive quests, hay rides, and pig races which are crowd favorites. For those who enjoy physical activity and fun challenges, there are climbing walls, slides, archery, and zip lines suitable for various ages. Outdoor games like Giant Jenga and cornhole create opportunities for friendly competition and group engagement. Food enthusiasts won’t be disappointed—fresh cider donuts and seasonal country foods are crowd-pleasers that add a cozy, local flavor to the day. All these attractions create varied, inclusive experiences to keep everyone entertained, making it easy for groups to find something fun together or split up to enjoy different interests within the same visit.
Why is Cross E Ranch perfect for hosting private group events?
Cross E Ranch offers private party areas designed specifically for group gatherings, enhancing its suitability for meetups with friends or family. The private area is conveniently located north of the barn and includes three picnic tables and a natural gas fire pit, providing a comfortable, dedicated space for your group to relax, socialize, and celebrate. Renting the area costs a reasonable fee per time slot and includes access to over 30 attractions across the ranch (excluding some extras such as food and pony rides). Groups can customize the experience by adding food and fun bundles, allowing guests to enjoy punch passes that work for treats and meals—perfect for simplifying meal logistics during your event. The ranch ensures smooth management of group check-ins through a representative system, streamlining arrivals and wristband distribution. Importantly, groups can decorate and set up in their reserved spaces to personalize the atmosphere, bearing only a few restrictions to protect ranch property. This flexibility, combined with a wide-ranging set of activities, makes Cross E Ranch a flexible and festive venue that can accommodate different group sizes and preferences with ease.
How does Cross E Ranch celebrate and involve guests in its seasonal events?
Cross E Ranch hosts lively seasonal events that foster community spirit and provide immersive experiences that encourage group participation. The Spring Festival (formerly called the Baby Animal Festival) is a major highlight, featuring baby animals that visitors can pet and interact with inside the animal pens. This up-close animal interaction is a unique opportunity for groups to connect with nature in a hands-on way. The ranch also showcases fields of tulips and seasonal scenery that create beautiful backdrops for photos, making it a favorite spot for social media sharing and capturing group memories. In the fall, the ranch is transformed with an expansive corn maze that challenges all ages and skill levels, as well as a pumpkin patch ripe for picking, hayrides, barrel train rides, and vibrant festival foods. These festivals not only entertain but also educate guests about agriculture, local food systems, and farm life. Participants can take part in fun competitions, games, and festive activities that keep energy high and interaction constant, which is ideal when trying to engage a lively, social group.
What makes Cross E Ranch particularly welcoming for dog owners and pet lovers?
For groups that want to bring their furry friends along, Cross E Ranch is a dog-friendly destination with plenty of open space where dogs can safely explore alongside their owners. The ranch encourages families to include their dogs during strolls through picturesque fields and other outdoor areas, making it a full family outing including the pets. The wide-open environment and natural setting are perfect for dogs to enjoy a safe adventure, which enhances the experience for dog-owning groups looking to combine social time with pet-friendly fun. While dogs are not allowed inside the animal pens or certain restricted areas (such as during animal interactions in the spring event), there are ample spots for pet exercise and photo opportunities with seasonal backdrops like tulip fields and pumpkin patches. This inclusiveness broadens the ranch’s appeal for group meetups, allowing even those who prioritize pet-friendly venues to fully participate. For large groups, bringing dogs can add to the enjoyment and provide moments of shared affection and entertainment.
How does Cross E Ranch maintain safety and accommodate large groups with ease?
Cross E Ranch is well-equipped to handle large groups smoothly and safely, which is a crucial factor for anyone organizing a meetup or private party. The ranch requires groups to have a designated representative at the entrance for check-in, allowing wristbands and ticket distribution to be managed efficiently. This system minimizes wait times and confusion, ensuring everyone can start enjoying attractions quickly and together. The ranch’s expansive outdoor setting helps prevent overcrowding and allows guests to spread out comfortably, which is particularly important for any group concerned about personal space or wanting to avoid congestion. In the event of inclement weather, the ranch offers rain checks and the option to reschedule private party areas, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and ensuring groups don’t miss out due to bad weather. Additionally, the ranch enforces rules for safe interaction with animals and equipment, ensuring that activities like archery and climbing walls are conducted responsibly. These thoughtful policies create a secure and convenient environment ideal for group socializing.
What unique features of Cross E Ranch enhance the overall group experience?
Beyond the wide range of attractions and seasonal events, Cross E Ranch offers unique, authentic farm experiences and local products that enhance any group outing. The ranch is family owned and operated, with an educational mission to connect visitors to the origins of their food and to the agricultural lifestyle. This deeper purpose adds meaning to visits, turning a fun day out into an informative occasion that can spark conversations and learning among friends and family. Visitors can also purchase fresh all-natural grass-fed beef and other locally produced goods, supporting regional farmers and bringing home a taste of the ranch experience. The setting itself, nestled with views of the Wasatch Mountains, offers picturesque landscapes perfect for group photos, nature appreciation, and relaxing in a rural atmosphere away from the city hustle. Cross E Ranch’s combination of entertainment, education, and natural beauty creates a fulfilling experience that elevates group meetups beyond the ordinary.
In summary, Cross E Ranch is an outstanding venue for gathering friends or family thanks to its diverse activities, welcoming pet policy, private group accommodations, and commitment to creating a safe, entertaining, and educational environment. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying quality time outdoors, groups will find everything they need for a memorable day at this beloved Utah ranch.