Located above the faultline in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, the Foothill Cultural District in Salt Lake offers gorgeous views of the valley and some of the state’s most interesting artistic, cultural, historic, and zoological experiences. This unique nook of the city has something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to sports fans, and from animal lovers to art admirers and history buffs.

Natural History Museum of Utah

At the Natural History Museum of Utah (or NHMU, for short) visitors of all ages can marvel at Utah’s incredible natural and cultural gems, including authentic dinosaur reconstructions excavated from Utah’s distant fields and the Native American art of the Five Nations, Utah’s indigenous peoples. Explore the dazzling mineralogy collection and the 200,000 specimens of diverse insect life, and be sure not to miss the current special exhibits—they’re always impressive and mind-expanding.

Learn more at https://nhmu.utah.edu/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/naturalhistorymuseumofutah/

Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden at the University of Utah is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West. The 21-acre grounds feature numerous plant collections, multiple display gardens, 450,000 springtime blooming bulbs, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs. Explore themed gardens, a children's garden, a waterfall and pond, and nearly five miles of natural area hiking trails. In the summer, the Red Butte Garden hosts a world-class outdoor summer concert series, which has featured the likes of Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Wilco, David Byrne, Al Green, and Emmylou Harris.

Learn more at https://www.redbuttegarden.org/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/redbutte/

This Is The Place Heritage Park

This historic park honors Utah's heritage through hands-on experiences that provide an authentic glimpse into pioneer and western life. You’ll gain new respect for the foresight and sacrifice of the early Utah pioneers as they struggled to make the state’s alpine-desert climate and rugged, remote geography their home. It’s not just a solemn educational experience, though—there are also pony rides, train rides, Native American craft making, and Brigham’s donuts!

Learn more at https://www.thisistheplace.org/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thisistheplaceheritagepark/

Fort Douglas Military Museum

Keep the history immersion going with a visit to the Fort Douglas Military Museum. The historic buildings and grounds preserve and exhibit military ephemera spanning Abraham Lincoln’s founding of the Fort during the Civil War to present day. Take a tour, see the exhibits, and learn about the Fort’s role in World Wars I and II, as well as its role as the Olympic Village during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

Web URL: https://www.fortdouglas.org/

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/FortDouglasMilitaryMuseum/

The Tower at Rice-Eccles Stadium

Another former Olympic venue, the Tower at Rice-Eccles Stadium is an unexpected place to host a meeting or party. This modern space overlooks the city as well as the PAC-12 (and former Olympic) Stadium—which also makes it a great place to enjoy football games, concerts, and fireworks.

Learn more at https://abovethecity.com/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheTowerRE/

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Salt Lake City. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, the 42-acre zoo’s natural hillside terrain and meandering tree-covered pathways make it a cool, pleasant place to discover wildlife from all over the world. Come see one of the West’s liveliest homes for rare and extraordinary animals.

Learn more at http://www.hoglezoo.org/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HogleZoo/

Tracy Aviary

Extend your exploration of the animal kingdom with a visit to the Tracy Aviary, encompassing eight acres of developed forest and gardens and home to over 400 beautiful birds representing more than 135 species. The Tracy Aviary is technically in the Central City neighborhood, but it’s easily accessible from the Foothill/University neighborhood, and the curiosity and avian awe it will inspire make it well worth the visit.

Learn more at https://www.tracyaviary.org/liberty-park/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tracyaviary/

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah houses 5,000 years of human history and creativity. The region’s most dynamic collection of visual art includes everything from ancient objects to the latest contemporary works. The museum is currently showcasing The Race to Promontory: The Transcontinental Railroad and the American West, an extraordinary photographic account of an event that transformed the nation.

Learn more at https://umfa.utah.edu/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/utahmuseumoffinearts/

University Guest House & Conference Center

Now that you have so many artistic, cultural, historic, and zoological activities on your agenda, you’ll need a place to stay. The Guest House offers a friendly, comfortable place to relax after the day’s adventures. You’ll enjoy Salt Lake views, a complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking, as well as TRAX light rail access right across the street.

Learn more at http://www.universityguesthouse.com/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/universityguesthouse/