When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
This Is The Place Heritage Park
Why This Is The Place Heritage Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City offers a unique and engaging destination where friends and families can immerse themselves in the rich history of Utah. As a living history playground, the park recreates the pioneering spirit and Native American heritage with authentic homes, shops, and interactive exhibits that bring the past vividly to life. Guests can stroll through Heritage Village, where costumed interpreters demonstrate pioneer-era skills and attendees are invited to participate in hands-on activities. Highlights include rides on replica trains and a pony carousel, visits to farm animals, and delicious offerings from local eateries like Brigham's Donuts and the Huntsman Grill. The Native American Village, with its replicas of traditional dwellings and hands-on beading stations, honors the indigenous tribes of the region. All of these experiences blend education and entertainment seamlessly, making it an ideal spot for group outings to create lasting memories. Seasonal events add further appeal, ensuring visitors find something engaging throughout the year. The park's beautiful setting near Emigration Canyon and the scenic views of Salt Lake Valley provide a charming backdrop for social gatherings and cultural exploration.
Here's what people think of This Is The Place Heritage Park
As of recent, This Is The Place Heritage Park holds a 4.7-star rating based on 3622 reviews.
Reviews consistently highlight This Is The Place Heritage Park's ability to deliver an enjoyable, educational experience for visitors of all ages, reflected in its strong 4.7-star rating from over 3600 reviews. Positive reviews often mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the authenticity of the historical settings, and the engaging hands-on activities that bring Utah's pioneer and Native American history to life. Families frequently praise the park as kid-friendly, especially enjoying the train rides, pony carousel, and interactive mining games. Visitors appreciate the variety of dining options and the overall cleanliness and accessibility of the park. On the other hand, some negative reviews note the cost of admission and activities as a drawback, feeling it may be on the higher side for larger families. A few visitors wished for more frequent updates to exhibits or additional amenities during off-peak seasons. Despite these critiques, the general consensus remains highly favorable, with many guests recommending the park as a meaningful and entertaining way to learn about Utah's heritage. Overall, this blend of immersive history, nature, and family-oriented fun makes This Is The Place Heritage Park a treasured and well-reviewed attraction in Salt Lake City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Darryl Milczarek
It has been years since I last visited this historic site and I am pleased with the positive changes. There are several large parking areas and so many attractions including gift shops and clean restrooms. The main feature is of course the huge bigger than life statues depicting historical events and peoples who explored and developed this region. There is even a village depiction early settlers life which might take hours to property explore and for which there is an entry charge. The lure of donuts and Dole whip was also enticing. I especially enjoyed the view is the Salt Lake valley as well as the monument in memory of those who dared to dream of a better life.
Dave Cameron
Tribute to the heritage of the area from before the Mormons arrived to settler cabins to many buildings from the next 100 years. Very pleasant guides in many buildings. Can get tram ride that goes around the perimeter to get a sense of what to see. Spent over half the day.
Erik Jenchenne
Very interesting park to visit to learn more about the valleys pioneers and their ways to live in the 1800's and 1900's. It's about 15min from SLC downtown, there where plenty of parking spots on-site and the entrance fee for the heritage park was $22. There are some food options too, like hot dogs, burgers, grilled cheese, donuts and ice cream. It is totally family friendly and you can easily spend 3-5 hours there if you take your time.
Culibrk Dayana
Amazing! It’s like a small village with houses from the 19th century and you can go inside and talk to the people who act like they live/work there. There’s a little farm with pony and horse riding, goats and rabbits. There is also a snack bar and donut shop and gift shop. It tells the story of pioneers of Salt Lake Valley. 22 dollars for an adult, half for children.
Wendy Juarez
I didn't think it was so fun! The views are outstanding. The train was really fun. And the activities keep the kids busy for a while. Today, we came on a school field trip, but I'm planning to come back and stay longer to explore every corner of This Is The Place.
How to reach This Is The Place Heritage Park
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Why This Is The Place Heritage Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at This Is The Place Heritage Park with your friends? This unique heritage park is more than just a historic site—it's a vibrant living history museum that invites groups to step back in time and share an immersive experience together. Nestled at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City, it offers an inspiring setting where the story of Utah’s early pioneers and Native American tribes comes alive. Friends and families can gather to explore richly preserved historic buildings, engage with knowledgeable costumed interpreters, and participate in interactive activities that recreate pioneer life. The park’s open space, scenic mountain backdrop, and well-maintained grounds create an inviting atmosphere ideal for socializing while learning about the region’s heritage. Additionally, the park’s numerous amenities, seasonal events, and hands-on experiences provide endless opportunities for entertainment that can appeal to all ages and interests, making it the perfect rallying point for a meaningful day out with your group. Whether you want to celebrate Utah’s history or simply enjoy a fun, engaging day outdoors, This Is The Place Heritage Park offers a unique blend of education, recreation, and companionship.
What activities can you enjoy together at This Is The Place Heritage Park? The park boasts over forty historic buildings and replicas that visitors can explore, providing an authentic glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life. Your group can embark on a self-guided tour of Historic Heritage Village, a meticulously restored pioneer settlement with homes, shops, and artisan workshops where costumed interpreters demonstrate old-fashioned trades and crafts. There are hands-on activities like blacksmithing demonstrations, weaving, candle dipping, and other pioneer-era skills that invite visitors to try their hand at traditional crafts. For families or groups with children, the park offers pony carousel rides and a replica train that chugs around the grounds, delivering both fun and a sense of the past. You can also visit the farm area to see and learn about the animals important to pioneer life, such as cows and horses. Throughout the year, special themed events and reenactments add excitement and variety, including celebrations on Pioneer Day, educational shows, and Native American cultural presentations that honor the region’s indigenous heritage.
Why is This Is The Place Heritage Park ideal for a group meetup? The park is designed to be an engaging, interactive space that caters to groups of friends or family seeking a shared experience in a scenic and historic setting. Its expansive grounds allow groups to spread out or gather in communal areas, with picnic spots and eateries like the Huntsman Grill and Brigham’s Donuts available for group dining. For those interested in history, the mix of indoor and outdoor venues means group members can tailor their experience based on interests and energy levels, from deep dives into pioneer history to lighter, playful activities. The park’s non-denominational approach welcomes all visitors to learn and celebrate diverse cultural stories without restriction. Seasonal and holiday events create further opportunities for gatherings, featuring live entertainment, parades, and community festivities that foster a sense of camaraderie. The combination of educational exhibits, hands-on participation, scenic beauty, and visitor amenities makes it a practical and memorable location for any group celebration, reunion, or casual meetup.
What makes the park’s historical setting special and engaging for visitors? The park sits precisely where Brigham Young gazed upon the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 and declared, “This is the right place. Drive on.” This founding moment of Utah’s settlement is commemorated by monuments and carefully preserved sites throughout the park, grounding visitors in the state’s pioneering narrative. Beyond the Mormon pioneer story, the park honors Utah’s Native American heritage, showcasing authentic Native villages and cultural programs that highlight the traditions of the Shoshone, Piute, Ute, Goshute, and Navajo tribes. The preservation of original buildings relocated from across Utah ensures visitors engage with genuine historical architecture and artifacts rather than mere replicas. Costumed interpreters add life to the past, recounting stories and demonstrating skills of early settlers to provide an intimate understanding of pioneer struggles and innovations. This immersive environment allows groups to connect with history emotionally and intellectually, making any meetup a richer experience than simply visiting a museum or park.
How does This Is The Place Heritage Park cater to families and children during group visits? The park is thoughtfully designed to captivate young visitors while keeping adults entertained with educational content. Interactive experiences such as pony rides, a vintage carousel, and the narrow-gauge train around the grounds provide enjoyable activities that naturally engage children. The farmyard brings the pioneer experience to life by introducing children to traditional farm animals, allowing for memorable, hands-on learning. In addition, children and adults alike may participate in crafting workshops that teach historical skills such as candle making or pottery, all guided by enthusiastic interpreters. Seasonal and holiday programs often feature special children’s activities like scavenger hunts, games, and pioneer-themed storytelling, ensuring families can easily spend an entire day exploring and enjoying the park together. The safe, contained environment with ample restroom facilities and food options makes the park a practical and fun destination for families meeting up with friends.
What dining and relaxation options enhance the group experience at the park? This Is The Place Heritage Park offers several dining options to accommodate groups looking to enjoy meals or snacks on site. The Huntsman Grill serves hearty, pioneer-inspired fare perfect for a casual group lunch or dinner, while treats like Brigham’s Donuts and the ZCMI Candy and Toy Shop provide sweet bites and nostalgic shopping experiences. Picnic areas throughout the grounds allow visitors to bring their own food for a relaxed, outdoor meal surrounded by historic scenery. The open spaces and shaded seating areas invite groups to rest comfortably between activities or catch up with friends in a serene environment. The combination of diverse food choices and well-maintained spaces to gather makes the park an accommodating place for groups wanting to dine together or simply unwind during their visit.
How does the park’s programming throughout the year make it a compelling meetup spot? The park hosts a rotating calendar of special events, festivals, and educational programs that enrich the visitor experience and offer unique reasons to return. Celebrations such as Pioneer Day on July 24 bring the community together with parades, historical reenactments, live music, and interactive activities reflecting Utah’s pioneer spirit. Periodic harvest festivals, holiday themed events, and Native American cultural presentations provide fresh ways to explore the park’s heritage through performances, crafts, and storytelling. These special programs are often tailored for all ages, making them ideal occasions for group outings and multi-generational gatherings. Additionally, the park’s ongoing living history demonstrations and storytelling sessions ensure that visitors can always discover something new or deepen their understanding during repeat visits. This vibrant programming calendar transforms the park from a static historic site into a dynamic community space perfect for memorable meetups.
What makes This Is The Place Heritage Park a unique destination compared to other historic sites? Unlike many historical museums that rely solely on static displays, This Is The Place Heritage Park offers an immersive living history experience where visitors participate actively. The combination of authentic pioneer villages, interactive crafts, period-appropriate demonstrations, and engaging interpreter programs provides a multidimensional way to understand history. Its location at the very spot where a pivotal moment in Utah’s settlement occurred adds a powerful sense of place and authenticity that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. The inclusion of Native American history alongside pioneer narratives shows a holistic approach to storytelling that respects diverse cultural contributions. Furthermore, the park’s commitment to family-friendly entertainment, ample visitor amenities, and open layout creates a welcoming environment that encourages socializing and shared discovery. This blend of education, recreation, culture, and community engagement makes it a standout venue to host meetups that are both fun and thoughtful.
Why is the accessibility and convenience of the park important for group meetups? Strategically located near Salt Lake City's eastern edge and adjacent to other attractions like the Hogle Zoo, This Is The Place Heritage Park benefits from excellent accessibility for both locals and visitors coming from afar. Ample parking and well-marked entry points make arriving with a large group straightforward. The park’s layout is designed to accommodate visitors with varied mobility, with paved pathways and rest areas allowing everyone in a group to participate comfortably. Proximity to major roads and public transit options further enhance convenience for spontaneous or pre-planned gatherings. This ease of access reduces logistical stress and maximizes the amount of time groups can enjoy the historic ambiance and activities together during their visit.
How can hosting a meetup at This Is The Place Heritage Park create lasting memories? Gathering at This Is The Place Heritage Park offers a unique blend of educational discovery, outdoor relaxation, and interactive fun that fosters strong group bonds. Participating collectively in pioneer crafts, watching reenactments, or sharing rides on the historic train creates shared experiences that friends and family will remember fondly for years. The park’s picturesque scenery, historical backdrop, and variety of activities encourage photos, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that deepen connections. Celebrating heritage together allows groups to engage with history in a personal way, linking past and present through communal enjoyment. Whether it’s a casual outing or a special occasion, the park provides an inspiring environment where groups can celebrate friendship, family, and cultural legacy alike. Hosting your meetup here turns an ordinary day into a vibrant adventure steeped in meaning and delight.