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Natural History Museum of Utah

301 Wakara Way · Salt Lake City, UT

Why you should go…

Perched at the mouth of Red Butte Canyon, the Rio Tinto Center houses full dinosaur skeletons, native cultures exhibits and a rooftop terrace with valley views. The building itself, clad in reclaimed copper, is designed to echo the surrounding mountains. Rotating exhibits cover everything from gems to climate science.

  • #dinosaurs
  • #science
  • #architecture
  • #families

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Natural History Museum of Utah, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Red Butte Garden

    Under $25

    A 21-acre botanical garden in the foothills, home to a summer outdoor concert series.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    History Buff

    This Is The Place Heritage Park

    Under $25

    A living-history village marking where Brigham Young's pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Utah's Hogle Zoo

    Under $25

    A foothill zoo near the mouth of Emigration Canyon with elephants, big cats and a popular Rocky Shores exhibit.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Clark Planetarium

    Free

    A free downtown science center with hands-on exhibits and a large-screen theater for extra-cost films.

    4.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Alf Engen Ski Museum

    Free

    Free museum at Utah Olympic Park covering the history of skiing and snowboarding in the Intermountain West.

    14 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Park City Museum

    Under $25

    Downtown Park City museum with interactive exhibits on the town's mining and ski history.

    19 mi awayMore like this