Natural History Museum of Utah
The Basics
The building’s award-winning, environmentally sensitive design represents Utah’s unique layered geology. Visitors travel the entirety of Utah’s natural history through a series of 10 hands-on, interactive exhibits from Native American artifacts to gems, minerals, and more.
To hear the stories behind the museum’s most fascinating objects, take the guided highlights tour of the museum (small additional fee).
Things to Know Before You Go
Natural History Museum of Utah is a must-see for dinosaur and natural history lovers of all ages.
Don’t miss the views of the Salt Lake Valley from the rooftop terrace.
Admission to the Natural History Museum of Utah is included with select city passes.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to borrow at no cost.
How to Get There
Situated in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains on the eastern edge of the University of Utah, the Natural History Museum of Utah overlooks the Salt Lake Valley. Visitors can take TRAX, Salt Lake City’s light rail train, to the University of Utah, and then jump on the university’s free shuttle to the museum. The museum is easily accessed by car via Foothill Drive, and plenty of parking is available for both cars and bikes.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Utah Natural History Museum is open seven days a week with extended evening hours on Wednesdays. The museum sponsors history lectures, science movie nights, architecture tours, and the popular bluegrass and BBQ nights during the summer months, so check the museum events calendar.
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Immensely popular with hikers and mountain bikers, Salt Lake City’s Bonneville Shoreline Trail passes right in front of the museum’s doors. The trail runs along the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, which once sat in the Salt Lake Valley and covered much of Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. Visitors can explore the trails around the museum or visit neighboring Red Butte Gardens, the largest botanical garden in the intermountain west.
- Red Butte Garden
- Fort Douglas Military Museum
- This is the Place Heritage Park
- Utah's Hogle Zoo
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA)
- Liberty Park
- Tracy Aviary
- Leonardo Museum
- Utah State Capitol
- Salt Lake Tabernacle
- Joseph Smith Memorial Building
- Temple Square
- Latter-day Saints Family History Library
- Latter-day Saints Church History Museum
- Clark Planetarium