Natural History Museum of Utah

Activity Overview

The Natural History Museum of Utah is located inside of the Rio Tinto Center on the University of Utah's campus in Salt Lake City. Its fascinating exhibits focus on the natural history of Utah and the history of humans in the area, from prehistoric times to the present. Visitors of all ages will learn about science, nature, and intriguing cultures while exploring the museum's detailed exhibitions that cover everything from the Great Salt Lake to Utah's Native American groups.

Things to Do

• Explore the permanent exhibitions - they focus on topics that include prehistoric humans that lived in the area, Utah's ecosystems, and gems and minerals.
• Take your little one to the Our Backyard exhibit, which encourages children to be curious as they crawl underground and splash around in the pond play area.
• Learn all about history of the Great Salt Lake through hands-on exhibits that provide you with the sights, sounds, and smells of the lake.
• Go for a hike through the Museum Preserve, which features a walking trail with interpretive signs related to the wildlife and natural history of the area.

Natural History Museum of Utah Insider Tips

• Visit during one of the museum's four Free Days each year - while admission is free, you will need a ticket, so make sure to reserve one online in advance.
• Avoid the crowds and school groups by visiting the museum weekdays after 2:00 p.m. or on a Sunday. The museum is also open until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings.
• Check out their calendar to learn about events like film showings, lectures, animal demonstrations, and special museum tours.
• The museum is easily accessible no matter what type of transportation you choose! There are plenty of parking spaces for cars and bike racks for bicycles. You can also access the museum using the UTA Bus service, which has routes that stop at the intersection of Chipeta and Wakara Way, or using the TRAX Light Rail combined with the University of Utah Shuttle service.