Provo / Utah Valley

Local Highlights

• 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 ranks today swell the town's population by about 30,000 each school year. Enjoy free admission to 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.

• 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 and several of the area’s best restaurants.

• 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 8 miles one-way to the mouth of the canyon, and a very scenic ride along the Provo River. It's possible to continue the ride 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, zip lining, bike, kayak and tube rentals.

• Sundance Mountain Resort

  Robert Redford's 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.

• 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 into your visit to Thanksgiving Point.

• Utah Lake State Park

  Utah Lake State Park provides access to Utah's largest freshwater lake provides 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.