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SALT LAKE CITY — This weekend, the munchkins will have a little more time off than normal. That doesn't mean, however, that in the chaos of just getting them off to school and finishing their homework that you planned anything.
Luckily, we've got a list for you of roadside attractions that don't require any overnight preparations, depending, of course, on where you're coming from. And many of these suggestions are free or inexpensive to see and usually not too crowded.
Ghost towns
Ghost towns are a dime a dozen in Utah. These towns are often old mining towns that were eventually abandoned after the mines they set up around quit producing — or maybe its inhabitants found out there wasn't ever anything there.
It's usually pretty easy to locate a ghost town near you, but because we're the helpful type, here are a couple of lists: 5 unforgettable ghost town adventures and Utah.com's list of ghost towns.
Pony Express
Cutting across Utah and acting as the nation's artery of mail from Missouri to California, the Pony Express was a relay system delivering information across eight states.
Utahns can take a self-guided auto tour across a portion of the trail, stopping and viewing the historical markers along the way. Start at Stagecoach Inn State Park at the trail's eastern terminus if you're coming from the north. If you're closer to Nevada, head over to the western terminus just outside of Wendover. If you want to try an overnighter or are up for a long drive, Simpson Springs Station outside of Dugway was a reliable waterhole for Pony Express riders, and a replica of the station sits on the land there.
For more instructions on following the trail, visit the BLM website.
Petroglyphs
Home to the Fremont Indians, Utah is chock-full of evidence of their lives here, including petroglyphs. There are many, many sites in Utah, including some that are easy to get to by car. Nine Mile Canyon's panel, "The Great Hunt," is impressive for its sheer size and number of characters. Others can be found here or here. If you're in southern Utah, you're especially in luck, since most of the petroglyphs are found down on the red rocks.
Pioneer sites
Whether you come from an LDS background or not, learning about the state's pioneer history is a great way to spend the day. Plus, there's likely a site near you wherever you live. Some of these sites are in state parks and may cost a few dollars to get into, but others can be seen free of charge.
Salt Lake has loads of pioneer historical sites, including Ensign Peak, This is the Place (which does cost), and the Old Council Hall, in addition to the sites on Temple Square. Adventurous families can even mountain bike a portion of the Mormon Pioneer Trail.
Those who want to learn more about Utah's critical role in connecting the East to the West by rail can visit Golden Spike National Historic Site. And if you need more, Ogden's Railroad Depot Museum is a short drive away and close to other pioneer sites.
Of course, sites exist north and south of Salt Lake and Weber counties. For a comprehensive list, go here to find something that suits your fancy.
Quirky sites
Utah's history isn't all pioneers and Native Americans, however. There are lots of interesting and unexpected places to find fun.
In Salt Lake, Gilgal Sculpture Garden is an unexpected plot of unique sculptures with LDS and Egyptian overtones. It's not necessarily representative of LDS culture, but it's an offbeat homage to it.
Utah has a bit of interactive art installations, including several others in Salt Lake City, the Tree of Utah in the Bonneville Salt Flats, Nancy Holt's "Sun Tunnels" west of the Salt Flats, the Banksy stenciling on Park City's Main Street and the Monument for Time in Herriman. The Spiral Jetty is also a popular art installation, especially when the waters around it turn pink from bacteria usually found in the north.
Other interesting and outlandish sites include the skeletal Delta Solar Ruins and the glorified gift shop and tourist attraction that is Hole n' the Rock by Moab.
What are you doing this weekend? Anything you would add to the list?
Related:
5 day trips for Utah history seekers
For those looking to get out of the house for a few hours on a weekend or a day off, Utah boasts a host of easy-to-access historical sites for the casual explorer.
