A "Jurassic Park" Where the Dinosaurs Won't Eat You

If you like dinosaurs, then Utah is an amazing state to be in. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but in my own search of museums in the state that are in whole, or in part, dedicated to dinosaurs, I have found twelve. TWELVE! That is more dinosaur museums than I've found in any other state.

Most people are familiar with Dinosaur National Monument that is located in Utah and Colorado, out near Vernal, Utah. But, are you familiar with any of the other dinosaur museums? There may be one closer to you than you realize.

One that is very unique and really geared towards both adults and children is Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. I remember the first time I took my kids to the park. They were enthralled with the dinosaurs that we found around every bend in the winding paths, and I was just as interested as they were. They nearly jumped out of their shoes when, after having just found a dinosaur, it roared loudly at them.

The Eccles Dinosaur Park has quite a few attractions that make it so much fun to visit. There are more than 100 life-sized statues of dinosaurs throughout the park, including predators, marine animals and flying reptiles, that are brought to life through attention to detail, robotics and sound systems.

Quite a few of the dinosaurs in the park were indigenous to Utah. Remember the Velociraptor from the "Jurassic Park" movies? Wuss! The park has a replica of the Utahraptor, a ferocious dinosaur discovered in 1993 in Grand County, that would have eaten Velociraptor's lunch.

Through movies and books we've become familiar with many types of dinosaurs such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. What makes the Eccles Dinosaur Park so fascinating is that it also has replicas of truly weird species of dinosaurs from other parts of the world such as South America and Asia.

Before, or after you are done wandering the park, head into the Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Museum. The museum contains many of the recent dinosaur fossil finds from around Utah and around the world. Full skeletons of dinosaurs are on display and you can watch people working in the lab to prepare more dinosaur bones and teeth for display.

Take the kids and go on over to the Geode Mine where they can dig for gems, pan for gold and crack geodes with the geode splitter. They can even keep the gems they find when they go digging.

The park also has an education center that my kids loved. They got to see exhibits and color dinosaurs pages to take home with them. There is a fun, dinosaur themed playground for the little ones and picnic tables scattered around the east side of the park.

Eccles Dinosaur Park is one of those places I've mentioned before that offer family memberships. A basic family membership will cost $60.

Spend a day with the dinosaurs (other than Barney). If your kids are anything like mine they'll enjoy the day and then exhaustedly fall asleep that night with smiles on their faces.

Place: Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
Location: 1544 East Park Boulevard, Ogden (located at the mouth of Ogden Canyon)
Phone: 801.393.3466
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Off-season, Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Children 1 and Under: Free! 2 to 12 Years Old: $5.00; Students with ID: $6.00; Adults: $7.00; Senior Citizens 62+: $6.00


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 44.1 miles
Ogden (downtown): 3.6 miles
Provo: 85.8 miles
Logan: 49.3 miles

Events for May 24, 2008

Being that it's Memorial Day weekend, there are a lot of things going on, that are free or inexpensive, all over the state. Here are a selection of a few that look like fun.

Camp Floyd State Park in conjunction with the Utah Civil War Association are hosting a Civil War Encampment on Memorial Day Weekend at Camp Floyd State Park. The event will allow visitors to experience camp life and participate in several activities performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army; learn to drill and march, load and fire a Civil War period rifle, watch a battle and medical display. Bring your picnic and have lunch with a soldier and participate in 1861 period games. The events will be conducted on both Saturday May 24th and Monday, May 26, 2008. All events are free of charge. Standard museum entrance fees of $2 per person or $6 per family still apply.
Directions: From I-15; take the Lehi exit #279, which is Lehi's Main Street. Continue west along this street, which eventually turns into Hwy 73. Continue along this highway to the town of Fairfield, approximately 22 miles from Lehi. Once in Fairfield, follow the highway signs into the park.
Park Information

Head out to Antelope Island and celebrate Memorial Day weekend at one of Utah's earliest ranches, the historic Fielding Garr Ranch. Learn how the people of Antelope Island lived. Learn to make pioneer handkerchief dolls, pick up a needle and quilt. Dip candles and make a pioneer lantern. Learn pioneer games such as farm ball and race your family in a sack race. Participants will need to bring an empty vegetable or soup can to make their own pioneer lantern.
Directions: Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive to the park entrance.

Eagle Mountain — 7 p.m., a free family concert at the SilverLake amphitheater, 7920 N. SilverLake Parkway, performed by Y Mountain Productions (BYU students) in a presentation called "Good Two Shoes," featuring pop, rock, country, jazz, folk and acoustic music. Also appearing is an a cappella group "Impact." Eagle Mountain will celebrate Military Appreciation Week. City officials are collecting donations for care packages to be sent to local deployed military personnel. Donation boxes will be available May 27-30 at City Hall, Eagle Mountain Elementary, Pony Express Elementary and the Ranches Academy, and also at the Memorial Day concert.

The Salt Lake Astronomical Society will be holding a public star party on Saturday evening at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex. Head on out to Stansbury Park and get a great view of the planets, stars and galaxies through the great telescopes they have at the observatory. The evening will begin at dusk as objects become visible and will include a 30-45 minute program.
Directions: From Salt Lake City, take I-80 West and exit at the Tooele/Granstville exit. Continue south until the road forks to Grantsville. Take the right fork and go about 1 mile, to the west entrance of Stansbury Park. Turn in and take the first right to the parking lot. The observatory is located west of the parking area just past the skateboard park.

Have Mountains of Fun for Molehills of Money

In previous posts, I've talked about how to use memberships to zoos, museums, etc. to stretch your activity dollars. Memberships can do two things; get you and your family into an attraction like a zoo, multiples times for one price, and many memberships come with reciprocal agreements that can get you into other attractions, museums, aviaries, state parks and more.

This post is about how to save money on activities with your family, when going someplace only once, or to a place that doesn't have a membership plan.

More and more places are trying to get you to spend your money at their place of business, including museums, parks, festivals, and such. These days, most of these attractions have internet sites that give you information about the location, the hours, admission prices and things to do while you are visiting. They may have printouts that you can take with you, or information to help you enjoy what you are going to see. They may also have coupons on their website that you can print to save money. Check websites before you go and see if printable coupons are available. Not every place with have them every time, but, when you can find them, that is the time to go.

If the website for a place that you would like to visit has an email newsletter- sign up! These newsletters may contain coupons and they will advise you of free or reduced admission days if there are any.

One great way to ensure that you have a coupon to save money is to buy a coupon book for your region. One coupon book that we purchase each year is the Entertainment Book! Right now is the best time because all books are only $9.99! (normally $25.00) These books contain coupons for, 50% off, or 2-for-1 deals, FREE admissions, and on and on. They also include coupons for restaurants, so if on one of your outings you wanted to stop somewhere for food, you've got a coupon.

Lastly, watch the "Things To Do, Utah" blog as well as the websites for your favorite places to visit. Many places such as museums or state parks will have days that you can get in for FREE. They may sponsor an activity or event at a park or some other location that is FREE.

The most important thing is to take advantage of what you can, when you can, when it is offered. You can have all sorts of fun with your family year round and it doesn't have to break the bank.

Feedback Friday for May 23, 2008

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Free Event of the Day for May 23, 2008

"Let's Go Fly A Kite."

Children ages 6-11 can make and fly their kite at 4:00 p.m. at the Draper Library, 1136 E. Pioneer Road, Draper. FREE Admission.

Event: Kite Making at the Draper Library
Location: 1136 East Pioneer Road, Draper
Phone: 801.943.4636
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 19.4 miles
Ogden: 54.8 miles
Provo: 28.4 miles
Logan: 99.5 miles

Utah Trivia Thursday for May 22, 2008

Did you know that Father Silvestre Vélez de Escalante and Father Francisco Atanasio Domínguez, Franciscan missionaries, were the first two men of European descent to see Utah Lake, the second largest lake in the state of Utah in 1776. But after reaching Utah Lake, they turned and headed south, not realizing that a much larger and stranger lake was only about 35 miles to the north. They just missed seeing the Great Salt Lake.

The first man of European descent to see the Great Salt Lake is often credited to Jim Bridger, a famous mountain man. He did not arrive there until 1824- 48 years after Fathers Dominguez and Escalante.

Free Event of the Day for May 22, 2008

Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse.

Each Thursday evening in the historic Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square, in downtown Salt Lake City, the Tabernacle Choir rehearses their music for upcoming performances. If you are unable to make it to one of their Sunday performances of "Music and the Spoken Word," take the opportunity to hear them on Thursday nights.

Event: Mormon Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal
Location: Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Phone:801.570.0080
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 0 miles
Ogden: 36.6 miles
Provo: 46.2 miles
Logan: 81.3 miles

More Firetrucks Than You Can Shake A Hose At

It's instinct. When we hear a siren, we stop, look around, find the emergency vehicle and wonder where it's going. Most little kids love police cars and fire engines. It could be the flashing lights and sirens. It could be the police officers and firefighters. Whatever it is, many kids, and adults find these vehicles amazing.

If fire engines, firefighters and a sense of history intrigue you and your kids, then you need to head out to Grantsville to the Desert Peak Complex. This is where the Utah Firefighters Museum is located and they have a mind boggling collection of fire trucks and other equipment that looks right into the history of Utah firefighting.

There are over 50 fire engines from all different eras, starting in 1914. The museum also has 3 horse drawn and 9 hand cart fire apparatus. You can also see many different kinds of helmets and firefighting gear that has been used for the last century.

Outside is a touching memorial area where Utah firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty are properly remembered.

I don't know if it's all the bright shiny fire trucks or being surrounded by reminders of heroism, but this museum made my heart race and my adrenalin run just like when I was a kid watching a fire truck race past us on the road.

Place: Utah Firefighters Museum
Location: Grantsville,the museum is in the Desert Peak Complex on SR 112.
Phone: 435.884.3376
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (and by appointment)
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 34.7 miles
Ogden: 68.0 miles
Provo: 73.1 miles
Logan: 111 miles

Free Event of the Day for May 21, 2008

Would you like to know how to make awesome creations with balloons?

Balloon Animals Workshop by Mont Magic is for children 7 and older (accompanied by an adult) who will learn to twist and tie balloons into animal shapes.

Event: Balloon Animals Workshop
Location: Riverton Library, 12877 South 1830 West, Riverton
Phone: 801.943.4636
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE (tickets will be handed out 15 minutes before the show)


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 20.5 miles
Ogden: 55.9 miles
Provo: 29.7
Logan: 101 miles

Book Talk Tuesday for May 20, 2008

The Utah Guide, 3rd. ed., by Kent Powell, at nearly 500 pages is a hefty attempt to catalog Utah attractions, yearly events and festivals, trails, scenic settings, accommodations, and restaurants throughout the state.

The book mentions many of the places that the previous books I've reviewed in Book Talk Tuesdays have covered, but with some of the depth. The book is well organized by geographic regions (the author has broken Utah into six regions), and each region by area, and then by type of listing; places to see, events and festivals, restaurants, etc. Powell gives good, short descriptions of most places so that you get a fairly good idea of what there is to do or see at each location. There are three inset sections with color pictures from around the state, almost all of which are mentioned in the book. Powell also does a good job in keeping to things that are of interest to a wide variety of people rather than pointing out things that might have such a narrow interest that most readers would skip pages in order to find the good stuff.

As good as this book is, there are a few drawbacks. In trying to pack so much information into one book, the print is fairly small, which, for some of us can make the book difficult to read. The amount of material also seems to be a limiting factor in descriptions of places. It seems Powell wanted to get so much packed into the book that he couldn't always write as much information as he could (or should) have about many of the places.

My biggest complaint about the book, though, is its age. While still a valuable resource, it's in its 3rd edition and was last published in 2003, making it five years out of date. Most of the attractions and sights mentioned in the book are still there, but some are not. Phone numbers and website address also have a tendency to change over time, so all the information is not completely accurate. Also, the pricing guides that he uses to give you an idea of the general cost, are now out of date as well, sometimes significantly.

Overall, the book lists many great places to see and things to do in Utah, but it needs to be brought a bit more up to date.

Suggested Reading: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Tale of Two Houses

Utah, as most people know, was settled by Mormon pioneers. One of the reasons the Salt Lake Valley, on the eastern edge of the Great Basin, was selected by Brigham Young was its isolation from the rest of the United States. In fact, when the pioneers arrived in the valley, Utah was still technically a part of Mexico.

Being so isolated, far away from the eastern United States and the "civilization" many of the pioneers were used to, often makes people wonder what life was like out here in the 19th century. There are two wonderful, contrasting examples of homes that the pioneers lived in, right in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City.

The first home is a typical log cabin, built from trees cut in the nearby canyons. The cabin was home to the William Henry Deuel family for less than two years after they arrived in the valley. It is one of only two original structures from that period that remain intact. It has been fully restored and is preserved with pioneer artifacts inside to show what life would have been like for a typical family in the early days in the Salt Lake Valley. During the summer, there is often a volunteer at the cabin, dressed in period clothing explaining what daily life was like for the pioneers.

The other home is The Beehive House, the residence of Brigham Young. Built in 1854, seven years after the arrival of the pioneers, it is an amazing example of what could be done by people living so far away from "civilization." The building was designed by Truman O. Angell who also designed the Salt Lake Temple. This was a large house, built with many rooms, including the playroom, the gracious sitting room, the fairy castle, and the family store.

There is a FREE 30-minute tour available of the Beehive House which has many of the original pieces of furniture, stoves, and even clothing on display, much the way it was in the 1850's. The tour guides point out things that are interesting to both children and adults. My first tour of the Beehive House was when I was about 7 years old and I found it fascinating. I've gone back numerous times since, both as a child and as an adult.

The Deuel Cabin and the Beehive House are within two blocks of each other; an easy walking distance, and in the blocks between is the Temple Square complex, with beautiful gardens and more historic buildings.

Places: The Deuel Cabin and The Beehive House
Location: 50 North West Temple and 67 East South Temple (respectively), Salt Lake City
Phone: 801.240.2671
Hours: The Deuel Cabin, dawn to dusk; The Beehive House, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 0 miles
Ogden: 37 miles
Provo: 44.7 miles
Logan: 81.7 miles

Free Event of the Day for May 20, 2008

Watch a classic movie.

Stewart at 100: Brigham Young University will mark the centennial of James Stewart's birth - May 20, 1908 - with screening of "You Can't Take It With You," the 1938 Best Picture Oscar winner. 7:00 p.m.(doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Harold B. Lee Library auditorium on the BYU campus in Provo. Ages eight and older.

Event: Movie screening- "You Can't Take It With You"
Location: Harold B. Lee Library Auditorium, Brigham Young University, Provo
Phone:
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE (ages 8 and older)


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 46.6 miles
Ogden: 81.9 miles
Provo: 2.3 miles
Logan: 127 miles

Free Event of the Day for May 19, 2008

Want to see snakes and lizards up close and personal?

The BYU Monte L. Bean Museum is presenting its live animal show on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Tonight's topic is reptiles.

After the animal show, take the opportunity to see all the amazing exhibits on display of the plant and animal world. The kids will love it.

Place: Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Location: 645 East 1430 North, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Phone: 801.422.3963
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed Sunday
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 44.5 miles
Ogden: 79.9 miles
Provo (downtown): 2.3 miles
Logan: 125 miles

An Island in the Middle of the Desert

One of the places that I've taken my kids more than any other seems to be an anomaly when living on the deserts edge- an island in the middle of an ocean-like lake.

Antelope Island is the largest island of the eight on the Great Salt Lake. You access the island by driving out on a 7 mile long causeway that gives the impression of flying low across the water. You enter the island at the northern tip and immediately see a small marina where boat owners dock while not sailing the lake (yes, you can sail on the Great Salt Lake).

There is a road system on the island that gets you to the major points of interest, but by and large the island is free of roads, particularly at the southern end of the island, where there is even a dearth of hiking trails.

One of the first stops to make is the visitors center that you see sitting atop a hill above the entrance to the island. The visitors center has information and exhibits about the history, geology and habitat of the island. Get a sense of the island at the visitors center, ask state park rangers any questions you might have, get your bearings and decide what to see.

One of the most interesting drives is along the east coast of the island, south to the Fielding Garr Ranch. The ranch house is the oldest continuously occupied house in the state of Utah and the oldest house on its original foundation. There are activities going on quite often at the ranch. My kids loved learning how to dip candles. Check the events schedules to know when things are going on.

On your drive down to the ranch, keep an eye out for the herd of roaming bison. About 500 live on the island and graze in the open rangeland most of the year. Once a year they are rounded up and brought to the corral for checkups and thinning the herd.

There are several trails on the island for hiking or biking. Some are shorter than a mile and the longest ones run about 7 1/2 miles. Two of my favorites are the short, Buffalo Point trail at the north end of the island and the slightly longer Frary's Peak trail. The trail to Buffalo Point is less than 1/2 mile long and is a fun hike for kids and adults alike. From there you get a great view of the lake looking north. The Frary's Peak trail is a bit longer at 3 1/4 miles, but takes you to the tallest peak on the island. It is a bit steeper than the Buffalo Point trail, but my kids still were able to hike it with a few stops along the way.

Camelbak Backpacks: Free Shipping

If you're hot and tired after a hike, head down to Bridger Bay, a developed beach with campgrounds nearby. Take a dip in the lake, but be warned. With low lake levels, the water has not been close to the white sandy beach for a while and it may take a short trek to get to the water's edge. Also, once you get to the water, you will need to make your way through a swarm of brine flies, but once past them, the lake is is fun to play in and is shallow enough for the littlest of kids. If you want a little deeper water, just walk out a little further. Once you are done in the water, head back to the beach and shower off- unless you want to be encrusted in salt when you dry off.

My advice, when heading out to see attractions around the state is always to bring food and drinks with you- it's cheaper that way. But, Antelope Island does have concessions, and the one thing you may want to try is a buffalo burger, just to say you did.

There is no end to adventure on Antelope Island, so be prepared to spend an entire day, and like myself and my family, make follow up trips to go where you didn't get to go on your first trip to the island.

Place: Antelope Island State Park
Location: Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive to the park entrance.
Phone: 801.773.2941
Hours: May through September: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. / November through February: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. / March: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. / April: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. / October: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitor Center and Fielding Garr Ranch Hours: September 15 to April 14: 9a.m. to 5 p.m. / April 15 to September 14: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $9.00 per car


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 40.2 miles
Ogden: 24.8 miles
Provo: 81.8 miles
Logan: 69.5 miles

Events This Week- May 19 to May 24

Here are some events happening around the state and in your community in the upcoming week:

Monday, May 19, 2008
The acclaimed Timp Tellers, Ginger Parkinson, Paige Funk, and April Johnson will present larger-than-life myths and magical tales in the Orem City Library's Storytelling Wing at 7:00 p.m. 56 North State Street, Orem. FREE Admission.

Continuing exhibit: From the Masses to the Masses: Chinese Art and Documentary at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. Rich in the folk traditions of rural peasant artists, this historical exhibit highlights the impact of politics on artists and their art during Mao's China. Event includes "From the Masses to the Masses: Art of the Yan’an Cave Artists Group" art exhibition. Located at 1355 W 3100 South, West Valley City. Open, Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Join the Utah Puppet Theatre for one of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic children’s stories, "The Emporer's New Clothes." The vain Emperor and all his court are characters made of mops, brooms, scrub brushes, and feather dusters. This one is sure to make the kids smile! Sandy Library, 10100 S. Petunia Way, Sandy. Begins at 10:30 a.m. FREE Admission.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
"The Lord of the Rings," performed by the Salt Lake Symphonic Winds, Tuesday, 7 p.m., in the Jewett Center, Vieve Gore Concert Hall, at Westminster College. 1840 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City. FREE Admission.

Andy Andews, motivational and family-oriented speaker. 7:00 p.m., Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, Salt Lake City. This presentation is filled with incredible stories, real historical examples, topical insights—and a lot of laughter! This event is based on his newly released book, Mastering the Seven Decisions. Admission is FREE, but seating is limited and will be filled on a first come first served basis. The program is being taped and it is highly encouraged that you are in your seats by 6:30 p.m. No children under 12.

Stewart at 100: Brigham Young University will mark the centennial of James Stewart's birth - May 20, 1908 - with screening of "You Can't Take It With You," the 1938 Best Picture Oscar winner. 7:00 p.m.(doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Harold B. Lee Library auditorium on the BYU campus in Provo. Ages eight and older. FREE Admission.

Join the Utah Puppet Theatre for one of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic children’s stories, "The Emporer's New Clothes." The vain Emperor and all his court are characters made of mops, brooms, scrub brushes, and feather dusters. This one is sure to make the kids smile! Sandy Library, 10100 S. Petunia Way, Sandy. Begins at 10:30 a.m. FREE Admission.

Magic and popular children's story characters teach children, ages 6 and older, that how reading is fun and important, at 7:00 p.m., at the Holladay Library, 2150 E. Murray-Holladay Road, Holladay. FREE Admission.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Music @ the Main. The Glinting Gems, a trio featuring stand-out musicians from Salt Lake City's downtown music scene, plays bluesy rock that sounds fresh and timeless at the same time. Begins at 7:00 p.m., Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City. FREE Admission.

Balloon Animals Workshop by Mont Magic is for children 7 and older (accompanied by an adult) who will learn to twist and tie balloons into animal shapes at 7:00 p.m. at the Riverton Library, 12877 S. 1830 West, Riverton. FREE tickets will be handed out 15 minutes before the show.

Thursday, May 22, 2008
Beginning Thursday, and going through Saturday, the Scandinavian Heritage Festival will take place in Ephraim, Utah at Snow College and Pioneer Park. The air will buzz with costumes, dancing, storytelling, entertainment, historical tours, craft and food booths and more. FREE Admission.


Friday, May 23, 2008
Beginning Thursday, and going through Saturday, the Scandinavian Heritage Festival will take place in Ephraim, Utah at Snow College and Pioneer Park. The air will buzz with costumes, dancing, storytelling, entertainment, historical tours, craft and food booths and more. FREE Admission.

"Let's Go Fly A Kite." Children ages 6-11 can make and fly their kite at 4:00 p.m. at the Draper Library, 1136 E. Pioneer Road, Draper. FREE Admission.

Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Garr-Fielding Ranch on Antelope Island State Park will host a Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering. While parents listen to the entertainment, children can learn to make handkerchief dolls and how to play pioneer games. Directions: Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive to the park entrance. Admission to the park is $9.00 per car (also see Utah State Parks memberships).

Predators and Prey. Who are the predators and who are the prey at Goblin Valley? How do they survive in this harsh environment? This program is geared toward children six thru 12, but everyone is welcome. Earn a Junior Ranger badge and have fun! Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Observation Point above the Valley of the Goblins. The park is located 24 miles south of I-70 on Highway 24. Admission to the park is $7.00 per car also see Utah State Parks memberships).

Beginning Thursday, and going through Saturday, the Scandinavian Heritage Festival will take place in Ephraim, Utah at Snow College and Pioneer Park. The air will buzz with costumes, dancing, storytelling, entertainment, historical tours, craft and food booths and more. FREE Admission.

Art In The Unlikeliest of Places: The Springville Museum of Art

Just over 50 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah, in Springville, is an art museum that you might more likely see in a major metropolitan area, not a town of just over 20,000 people. The current building completed in 1937 (with several additions since) it is the oldest museum dedicated to the visual fine arts in the state of Utah. The museum building, designed in the Spanish Moroccan style is a work of art by itself.

The museum houses both its own permanent collections and hosts traveling exhibitions. Its particular focus is on Utah Art, a major Soviet collection, early Americana, and the European Steed Collection. But, if you think that a museum of this quality is for adults only, think again.

The Springville Museum of Art also has two youth galleries on the lower level and hosts many programs for children aimed at both helping children appreciate art and stirring their interest in art. Many of these programs are hands on events where children can participate in making a piece of art themselves.

Don't miss "Community and Family Night," each Monday at 6:00 p.m. This free event provides quality cultural and educational opportunities to the community of Springville and beyond. The program consists of a Guest Artist Presentation, Entertainment, and a Children's Art Project. There is also the "Sunday Concert Series" on select Sundays each month, starting at 5:00 p.m.

The museum is a wonderful place to go and see and learn about amazing, world class art, in one of the unlikeliest places.

Place: Springville Museum of Art
Location: 126 East 400 South, Springville, UT
Phone: 801.489.2727
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Closed on Mondays
Cost: FREE