Provo & Utah Valley
Best of Utah Valley
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Brigham Young University
The Brigham Young Academy was founded in Provo in 1875. This school grew into what is now Brigham Young University (BYU), whose student body today swells the town's population by about 30,000 each school year. Enjoy free admission to BYU's museums of art, life science, paleontology and more. Visit the BYU Creamery, hit a lecture series or head for the hills and hike Y Mountain to the largest collegiate symbol in America.
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Downtown Provo
Though there is plenty of parking in downtown Provo, events like the Art Stroll, Provo Farmers Market and Taste of the Valley are all within walking distance of one another. Venues like the Covey Center for the Arts and Velour Live Music Gallery, as well as several of the area’s best restaurants, are also just a short stroll away.
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Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon features Bridal Veil Falls, Vivian Park and the Provo River Parkway, among other stops that collectively are a fantastic year-round destination for outdoor recreation. In the summer, Bridal Veil serves as the scenic backdrop for abundant biking, mountaineering, rafting and hiking opportunities and in the winter is a must-visit destination for ice climbers the world over. A great way to see it all is to run or ride the Parkway, a paved trail from Vivian Park in the canyon to the Shops at Riverwoods. It's about eight miles one-way to the mouth of the canyon, and a very scenic route along the Provo River. It's possible to continue through town all the way to Utah Lake. Provo Canyon Adventure Zip Line, Runoff River Adventures and other private outfitters in the area offer horseback riding and zip lining, as well as bike, kayak and tube rentals.
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Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance Mountain Resort is a haven for winter and summer recreationists, as well as artists and nature lovers. Enjoy skiing, riding, biking, fly-fishing, comfortable lodging, luxurious spa accommodations and award-winning dining. The Owl Bar is a must-visit watering hole for both the libations and the history. Also consider the rustic and sophisticated accommodations or workshops at the Sundance Art Studio.
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Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point houses the North American Museum of Ancient Life, one of the largest dinosaur museums of its kind, featuring one of the most valuable Jurassic dinosaur collections in the world, including a 150-million-year-old dinosaur egg. There’s also the Johnny Miller-designed Thanksgiving Point Golf Club and two gorgeous garden displays with activities for every season. The Museum of Natural Curiosity features more than 400 interactive experiences, adding even more options for education and discovery to your Thanksgiving Point visit.
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Utah Lake State Park
Utah Lake State Park is home to Utah's largest freshwater lake, with fishing access for channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass and several species of panfish. Spend an evening RV or tent camping, then powerboat, canoe, or sail the day away on Utah Lake.
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or eat at a restaurant in addition to campfire meals.
Things To Do
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Explore Downtown
Downtown Provo is full of locally owned boutiques and eateries. Spend an afternoon popping in and out of shops for a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and growing culture.
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Hiking
With easy access to trails for the entire family, hiking is one of the most popular activities in Utah Valley. Explore the trails of Provo Canyon then spend an evening around a campfire in one of the day use picnic areas as you watch the sunset.
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Lakes & Rivers
Provo is a gateway to some of the best watersports along the Wasatch Front. Spend a day boating at Utah Lake State Park, or visit Provo River for blue ribbon fly fishing or a relaxing day floating down the river.
What's Nearby
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Deer Creek State Park
Just a short drive from Provo, Park City and Salt Lake City, Deer Creek State Park and Reservoir offers playful summer days filled with boating, fishing and watersports.
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Heber Valley
Between the destination towns of Heber and Midway, Heber Valley astonishes with its alpine splendor and access to endless outdoor recreation.
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Park City
Park City is the perfect mountain town. The winter slopes were once featured in the Olympics, and in summer the mountains and nearby state parks and reservoirs transform into a hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping mecca.
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Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City makes a great gateway for travelers visiting Utah's ski resorts or southward to Utah’s renowned red rock country.
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Timpanogos Cave
Timpanogos Cave sits high on the northern slope of Mount Timpanogos in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah.
Getting to Provo
Provo is accessible via several exits off I-15, about an hour south of Salt Lake City International Airport (which also places Provo about an hour closer to Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, including Arches and Capitol Reef, each less than 3 hours away). The Utah Transit Authority’s FrontRunner Commuter Rail stops at Provo Central Station, less than a mile from the Utah Valley Convention Center and Center Street dining and nightlife. Provo Airport offers nonstop flights through Allegiant Air to Oakland, Phoenix and Los Angeles.