Interested in going on an adventure unlike any other? Have you always wanted to relive the days of the Old West? Then your next family road trip should include one of these seven unique experiences.

American West Heritage Center

Experience what it was like to be a pioneer in the 1800s (well sort of. At least the good parts, anyway). The American West Heritage Center will help you do just that. Located in beautiful Cache Valley at the foot of the Wellsville Mountains, there is plenty of history to be discovered when you visit. Some activities include handcart treks, pony and train rides, camping, and group tours. Summer camps and fun adventures are also available on select dates.

An adult day pass is $6, while child passes are $4 and senior passes are $5. There are also gold member passes for $50 for individuals or $80 for families. Pricing for festivals and special events varies.

A schedule of events can be found on the American West Heritage Center website. Daily updates are posted on its Facebook page.

Butch Cassidy

Take a ride on the wild side by following in the footsteps of famous American Old West outlaw Butch Cassidy. In his day, he was the mastermind behind the Wild Bunch gang. Although his robberies occurred mainly out of state, Utah is where he lived and sought protection.

Historic places to visit and see where Butch Cassidy lived include Hay Springs, Red Canyon, Castle Gate and many more. Each of these places has something unique to offer.

For more detailed information on each of Butch Cassidy's stomping grounds, visit Utah.com.

Ghost towns

A lot of people enjoy the thrill of getting goosebumps and exploring abaondoned places, and there aren't many places more chilling than the ghost towns of Utah. There are a few located around the state, most of which were boomtowns that were eventually deserted during Utah's coal mining days.

One of Utah's largest and best-preserved ghost towns is Gold Hill, which visitors can only reach by traveling down a 23-mile unpaved road. There's also Park Valley, where many stories of Russian settlers and the gold rush can be discovered.

Old mining towns

There's plenty of history to be dug up when visiting old mining towns. Did you know Park City was a silver mining district before it became a world-class ski resort? Or that Moab was a uranium boomtown during the 1950s and the Cold War?

Located southwest of Salt Lake City, the Bingham Canyon Mine, more commonly known as Rio Tinto Kennecott, is full of history. At one point, it became the largest excavation and open-pit copper mine in the world. Although its visitors center is currently closed until further notice, updates can be found on its website.

Pony Express Trail

The Pony Express Trail National Back Country Byway starts at Fairfield and ends near Ibapah, Utah. Visitors can enjoy the trail's history with several recreational opportunities along the way.

The Pony Express trail is interpreted at several locations. Start retracing the original Pony Express route at Camp Floyd and Stagecoach Inn State Park. This was an overnight stop for drowsy travelers. The park is open seven days a week, with visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Next along the trail is the interpretive site called the Pony Express National Back Country Byway Visitor Information Site, located 1.8 miles west of Faust Junction. As you travel west along the trail, this stop offers the first opportunity to view interpretive work completed in 1976 by the BLM.

Robbers' Roost

For over 30 years, Robbers' Roost was a hideout for outlaws, including the Wild Bunch, bank robbers, and horse and cattle rustlers. Hundreds of hiding spots were available, since the only easy access was through the mouth of the Dirty Devil River. Robbers' Roost was one of several hideouts along what is now known as Outlaw Trail.

Utah's American Indian tribes

Representing Utah's original inhabitants are Indian tribes, five of which are still around today. Ancient dwelling sites and rock art messages can be seen throughout Utah. Tribes actively live their cultures and visitors are often invited to attend celebrations. A free exhibit of traditional beadwork, carvings and other objects can be found at the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Art in Salt Lake City.

For locations involving Indian tribes, visit Utah.com.

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