- Home
- Things To Do
- History & Heritage
History & Heritage
The history of the land now known as Utah is millions of years old and is a major source of the world’s knowledge of dinosaurs and other ancient plants and animals through its many discovery sites.
The Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont cultures lived in this area about a thousand years ago and Utah’s lands are rich with evidence of their lives found in pictographs and petroglyphs panels — left behind on rock walls, as well as in the dwelling sites of their homes and villages. Native American nations continue to contribute to Utah's rich cultural heritage.
At the time of the American Revolution, Europeans started exploring the area. Spanish priests Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Escalante traveled through in 1776. Trappers, mountain men and traders followed close behind. Then, in 1847, Mormon pioneers (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and established settlements throughout the Intermountain West.
Twenty-two years later, the first transcontinental railroad was completed in Utah at Golden Spike National Historical Park, and immigration to the region grew tremendously. Industrial development like the Bingham Copper Pit and agricultural growth with crops such as sugar beets brought many more people to Utah and statehood by 1896.
All of these early cultures wove, and many continue to weave, the tapestry that is Utah.
Discover More
-
Dinosaurs & Paleontology
Explore Utah’s rich dinosaur history through its many museums and archeological dig sites dedicated to the prehistoric creatures.
-
Filmed in Utah
Add a touch of film history to your Utah itinerary, or plan your trip around these iconic cinema locations. You'll soon discover why we say Utah. America's Film Set.®
-
Ghost Towns in Utah
From the southern reaches of Grafton and up north to Thistle, these abandoned towns have left behind crumbling relics, memories and stories of another era.
-
Mormon Heritage
In 1847, Brigham Young and the first party of Latter-day Saint (known as Mormon) emigrants reached the desolate Salt Lake Valley. Since that day, Mormon cultural and heritage has made Utah a unique place to visit.
-
National Historic Trails
Four National Historic Trails pass through Utah, recognizing routes of travel that are of national historic significance.
-
Native Nations
Learn about the Native Nations influenced and shaped Utah. Find information about ancient habitation sites, art panels and museums.
Showing 0 of 0

Historical Sites in Utah
4 minute read
Explore Utah's fascinating past with our guide to historical sites and hidden gems. Uncover pioneer and indigenous stories at these Utah heritage hot spots.
History
"We simply need that wild country available to us... For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope."
– Wallace Stegner, “Crossing to Safety”
Discover More
-
10 Places to Honor Women's History on Your Trip to Utah
Written By Lindy Blanchette
Notable places you can visit where women have shaped history
-
15 Must-Do Adventures in Kanab
Written By Matcha
6 minute read
Looking for fun things to do in Kanab? Check out our list of the 15 must-do adventures in Kanab and start planning your visit today.
-
15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
Written By Whitney Childers
7 minute read
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
-
5 Places You Can Try Glamorous Camping in Utah
Written By Melissa McGibbon
Experience the fun and adventure of camping with a side of luxury.
-
5 Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants in Kanab, Utah
Written By Andrew Dash Gillman
4 minute read
Hungry for a culinary renaissance? Or a small-town staple? Whatever you’re craving, fuel your outdoor adventures at these favorite Kanab restaurants.
-
A Detour Worth Taking: Viewing Art in the Maynard Dixon Landscape
Written By Tiffini Porter
Discover an artist’s vision along a quiet stretch of Highway 89 at the Maynard Dixon Legacy Museum.
-
Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
-
Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
Written By Heather May
5 minute read
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
-
Desert Shutter Speed
Written By Jeremy Pugh
10 minute read
After lunch isn't the prime time to head to the desert. Come early or late, and Utah's deserts will reward you with their isolated landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, and stargazing opportunities.
-
Escape Tourist Hotspots on a Quiet Winter Getaway to Kanab
Written By Jenny Willden
5 minute read
From sand sledding to toadstool hiking, escape The Wave’s impossible lottery odds and enjoy other winter red rock adventures in Kanab.
-
Family Adventure in Bryce Canyon Country
Written By India Tate
6 minute read
A family-friendly itinerary from Bryce Canyon National Park to Kanab, with hikes for kids, local eats and unbeatable sunset locations.
-
How to Support Local On Your Utah Road Trip
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
5 minute read
Many small businesses in Utah rely on tourism for survival. These expert tips help road trippers make a real difference in communities by supporting local.
-
Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival
2 minute read
Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival is filled with round-the-clock Western-themed entertainment — think: music, cowboys and history.
-
Lake Powell Trash Boat
Attention good samaritans: Sign up for the Trash Tracker, a houseboat on Lake Powell, and help clean up the debris that has collected on the lake’s shores.
-
Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through
Written By Andrea David
Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.
-
Planning Your Utah Desert Holiday
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
Where to find holiday lights, performances, farms and activities in Southern Utah.
-
Scenic Boat Tours of Lake Powell
Written By Austen Diamond
4 minute read
Lake Powell boat tours are one of the best ways to explore the breathtaking sights of this man-made wonder. Learn all you need to know to book your own tour!
-
Slot Canyons: A Guided Hike Through Nature's Masterworks
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
It's said that southwestern Utah offers the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world. Well-prepared visitors can hike right into some of them, but the best experience is with a guide.
-
Southwestern Utah's Legendary Panoramas
Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Plan a photographic getaway today!
-
Take Advantage of Southern Utah’s Off-Season with Winter Glamping
Written By Carlysle Price
3 minute read
Even with lower temperatures, an outdoor adventure doesn't need to include "roughin' it."
-
The Creature Comforts of Kanab
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Visit Kanab, a welcoming town with classic Western roots and modern-day amenities sitting smack in the middle of Southern Utah’s greatest outdoors.
-
Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
-
Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
Written By Melissa McGibbon
6 minute read
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.
-
Winter in Southern Utah Like a Local
Written By Andrew Dash Gillman
4 minute read
Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view.
-
Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
Written By Matcha
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.

01
5 Days
Attagirl! Women’s History & Highlights
This five-day itinerary pairs Utah women's history and time for reflection with active adventure, beautiful scenery and instagrammable locations.
Hiking, History and Heritage, Wellness, Community, Arts, Mountain Biking, Guided Experiences, Support local, Glamping, Women's Travel, Urban Experiences
Highlights
- Suffrage Walking Tour
- Thelma & Louise Filming Locations
- Capitol Reef Glamping
- Women's History in Utah
- Capitol Reef Red Rocks

02
7 Days
History & Hoodoos
Just the national parks, ma'am. We get it. You're a bucket-lister with a checklist and a pen. We hope it has a lot of ink.
Hiking, History and Heritage, Stargazing, Camping & Backpacking
Highlights
- The Mighty 5® national parks
- All-American Road Scenic Byway 12
- Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
- Dead Horse Point State Park

03
4 Days
Golden Spike Empire
Participate in railroad history, bird migration and iconic earth art in the quiet stretches of Northern Utah's rural Box Elder County.
Kid-Friendly, History and Heritage, Community, Arts, Wildlife
Highlights
- Historic Union Station
- Golden Spike National Historic Site
- Spiral Jetty
- Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

04
6 Days
Classic Westerns of the Silver Screen
From the alpine backwoods of Jeremiah Johnson to the sweeping vistas of Westworld and all the John Ford's in between, Utah is the place to travel for movie magic.
Film Tourism, History and Heritage, Photography, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Arts
Highlights
- Westworld to Thelma and Louise
- John Ford Classics
- Gunsmoke to the Outlaw Josey Wales
- Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

05
6 Days
Native Spirit
Countless generations of Native Americans have called the landscapes of Utah home, from the hunter-gatherers of the prehistoric era to the more than 50 Native Nations currently in Utah.
Hiking, History and Heritage, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Arts, Native American
Highlights
- Nine Mile Canyon
- Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Navajo Fry Bread

06
7 Days
Trekking Along the Dinosaur Diamond Highway
Utah’s Dinosaur Diamond Highway is the perfect guide to experience ancient history, millions of years in the making.
Hiking, Dinosaurs, Kid-Friendly, Scenic Drives/Road Trips
Highlights
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Jurassic National Monument
- San Rafael Swell
- Dead Horse Point State Park

07
5 Days
Grand Adventure in the Great Basin
In this five-day itinerary you won’t find many crowds. But take your time and you’ll find this desert geography isn’t so empty after all.
Hiking, Cycling, Adventure, Dinosaurs, Photography, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Stargazing, Wildlife, Mountain Biking, ATV and off-road, Guided Experiences, Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Agritourism
Highlights
- Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
- Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail
- Topaz Incarceration Camp and Museum
- Sinbad Road / Hermit Cabin
- Great Basin National Park
- Cove Fort