Attractions Nearby Salt Lake City, Day Trips and Excursions

(Salt Lake City, Utah - UT, USA)

Surrounded by stunning landscapes and scenery, Salt Lake City is blessed with naturally beautiful nearby attractions providing fantastic opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Big Cottonwood Canyon's breathtaking views, Great Salt Lake's abundant wildlife and Snowbird Ski Resort's fantastic slopes are all within easy driving distance of Salt Lake City.

Popular man-made attractions close to Salt Lake City include Raging Waters, where you can cool off in the lazy river and try some of the region's most exciting water slides. There is also the Place State Park and Wheeler Historic Park, both of which offer visitors from Salt Lake City a chance to be whisked back in time and see what life was like in the late 1800s and the turn of the 20th century.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah UT, 84104, USA
Situated in the Wasatch Mountains 25 miles / 40 km east of Salt Lake City, this wilderness region boasts stunning natural beauty, spectacular vistas and endless possibilities for hiking and outdoor recreational activities. The canyon was formed by the erosive powers of rivers over thousands of years to become the 15 mile / 24 km long scenic attraction it is today. A paradise for snowboarders, climbers and campers, this natural highlight should not be missed by visitors to Salt Lake City.

Great Salt Lake

The second saltiest lake in the world and the largest US lake west of the Mississippi River, this 1,700 square mile lake is 75 miles / 120 km long and 28 miles / 45 km wide. A popular haven for wildlife, Great Salt Lake attracts millions of migratory birds each year to the ten islands within it. Its salty quality means it is fish free, with the largest aquatic creatures to inhabit the lake being brine shrimp. Two and a half million tons of sodium chloride is extracted from the lake by the salt industry annually.

Raging Waters

Address: 1200 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah UT, 84104, USA
Tel: +1 801 972 3300
Popular with all ages, this premier water attraction is situated on the outskirts of Salt Lake City and boasts 30 water slides and various other water features to keep you cool. Attractions include a water rollercoaster, half million gallon wave pool, 12,000 square foot Astroturf deck with sun loungers, slow moving river and hot tubs. With many features designed especially for children, this is a great place for a family day out.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 19:30, Sunday - 12:00 to 19:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Address: Salt Lake City, Utah UT, 84121, USA
Tel: +1 800 453 3000
At the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, in Salt Lake City's suburbs, you can enjoy excellent skiing and fishing all year round, and take a ride on the 125 passenger Aerial Tram that carries visitors from an elevation of 8,100 feet to 11,000 feet in less than 8 minutes. While most people come here for the slopes, there is a range of relaxing leisure activities to choose from, with attractions including heated pools, spas, restaurants and great hiking and biking trails, as well as luxury accommodation.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge for some activities

This is the Place State Park

Address: 2601 Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah UT, USA
Tel: +1 801 584 8391
This unique attraction recreates history and daily pioneer life from the period between 1847 and 1869. You can wander around this living historic village and explore period adobe houses, shops, schools, hotels and churches and be sent back in time.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Wheeler Historic Farm

Address: 6351 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah UT, 84121, USA
Tel: +1 801 264 2241
Wheeler Historic Farm is a historic 100-year-old farm that gives visitors the opportunity to milk cows, ride a tractor or wagon and learn about the live of farmers and their agricultural skills in the Salt Lake City area. The surrounding area provides jogging trails, acres of bluegrass and picnic areas, while special events and further attractions include summer camps, a May Day festival, a scarecrow masquerade, an Easter egg hunt and breakfast with Santa.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free