When we spent a month and a half camphosting in the Heber Valley, we knew a traditional trip recap wouldn’t cut it. Most of our days were just work and normal life, but on our days off we packed in plenty of adventures. From the Swiss-themed town of Midway to exploring Park City, day trips into Salt Lake City, and road trips out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, we discovered so many amazing places. Instead of a daily play-by-play, here’s a roundup of 25 of our favorite experiences- everything from hikes and museums to food stops and quirky roadside attractions. If you’re looking for things to do in Utah, especially around the Heber Valley, this list has plenty of ideas to get you started.
1. Visit Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter
1258 Center Dr, Park City, UT 84098
https://extension.usu.edu/swaner/
EcoCenter Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
The Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter in Park City protects over 1,200 acres of wetlands, making it a rare and thriving habitat for wildlife right on the edge of town. Inside the EcoCenter, we loved the hands-on exhibits, great for both kids and adults, and the observation deck that gives you a sweeping view over the preserve. If you visit, plan to spend some time outside too; the trails and boardwalks make it easy to spot birds and enjoy the peaceful landscape just minutes from the bustle of Main Street.
2. Take in the Views at Bridal Veil Falls
Provo Canyon (Hwy. 189) Provo, UT 84604
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/recreation/provo-canyon-scenic-byway
Bridal Veil Falls is a 600-foot waterfall tucked into Provo Canyon, and it’s one of those spots that’s easy to enjoy whether you just stop for a quick look or make time for a short walk. We pulled over more than once while driving through the canyon, it’s that scenic, and the falls were always worth the stop. If you’re passing through, there’s a paved trail at the base that makes it an easy stroll to get closer, and the canyon drive itself is stunning any time of year.
3. Adventure to Wasatch Mountain State Park
Visitor Center: 1281 Warm Springs Rd, Midway, UT 84049
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/wasatch-mountain/
We spent an extended time at Wasatch Mountain State Park while camphosting, and it quickly became one of our favorite places in northern Utah. The park is packed with things to do, whether you’re into hiking, history, or just relaxing outdoors. We hiked the nature trail out to the glacial outwash boulder field, which felt like stepping back into the Ice Age, and we had a blast geocaching. The Tour of Wasatch multicache is especially cool since it takes you on a driving adventure through different corners of the park you might otherwise miss. Near the campground, there’s an 18-hole disc golf course (currently being upgraded), and in the fall, Huber Grove’s historic orchard comes alive with apple picking by reservation. This is a park you’ll want to give yourself a few days to explore.
4. Soak in the Sights at Cascade Springs
Cascade Scenic Dr, Provo, UT 84604
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/recreation/cascade-springs
Cascade Springs, managed by the Forest Service, was easily one of the prettiest spots we visited in northern Utah. A short network of boardwalks and trails winds around crystal-clear springs, lush greenery, and little waterfalls that look like something out of a fairytale. The hike itself is easy and family-friendly, but you’ll definitely want your camera ready- it’s stunning from every angle.
5. Explore Downtown Midway
Midway is a charming Swiss-themed town in the Heber Valley, full of alpine-style architecture, fun shops, and unique restaurants. We especially loved wandering into the Christmas store, it felt magical no matter the season, and tasting our way around town. Some of our favorite eats were Pizza Yard, Dandelion Gelato, Lola’s Street Kitchen, and Café Galleria. Just outside of downtown, Heber Valley Cheese is a must-stop; not only can you stock up on their local cheeses, but their grilled cheese sandwiches are worth the trip all on their own.
6. Take a Stroll through Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
https://redbuttegarden.org/
Hours Vary Seasonally
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum in Salt Lake City is a huge botanical garden showcasing plants from all kinds of climates and landscapes. We enjoyed wandering through the different themed areas, each with its own unique feel, from desert plants to lush flower gardens. One of the best parts was that our visit was free thanks to the American Horticultural Society’s reciprocal membership program, so definitely check if your membership gets you in too.
Learn more in our full review & guide: Discovering Red Butte Garden: Utah’s Most Beautiful Botanical Oasis
7. Drive out to Antelope Island
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/
Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and such a unique place to explore. We visited the historic Fielding Garr Ranch to get a glimpse of pioneer life, then drove around the island spotting wildlife- including plenty of bison and a lone pronghorn antelope. The mix of wide-open views, history, and wildlife makes this park feel completely different from anywhere else in Utah.
8. Take a Photo at Silver Lake
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/regions/intermountain/SilverLake/index.shtml
Silver Lake, up by Brighton Ski Resort, is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by evergreens and mountain peaks. A short, easy trail loops around the shoreline, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk with plenty of photo ops. It’s an especially nice stop if you’re already exploring Big Cottonwood Canyon and want a quick dose of mountain scenery without a strenuous hike.
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9. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad
450 S 6th W, Heber City, UT 84032
https://www.hebertrain.com/
The Heber Valley Railroad is a historic train that offers a nostalgic way to see the scenery around Heber Valley. We took the ride out to Deer Creek Reservoir and back, enjoying live music and fun facts about the area along the way. It’s not just about the views- the on-train entertainment makes the whole experience feel lively and unique, whether you’re a train buff or just looking for a fun outing.
10. Visit the Hill Aerospace Museum
7961 Cottonwood St Building 1955, Hill AFB, UT 84056
https://www.aerospaceutah.org/
Hours: Tues-Sat 9am-4pm
Hill Aerospace Museum, located just outside Hill Air Force Base, is one of the best free attractions in northern Utah. The collection includes planes displayed outside plus multiple massive hangars filled with everything from early military aircraft to modern jets. We’ve been to a lot of air and space museums, and this one still impressed us with both the size and variety of its exhibits. It’s an easy stop right off the interstate and well worth a couple of hours if you’re in the area.
11. Roar with Delight at Eccles Dinosaur Park
1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
https://dinosaurpark.org/
Ogden’s Eccles Dinosaur Park turned out to be way more fun than we expected- even as adults. The visit starts with a small paleontology museum, then opens up into outdoor trails lined with dozens of life-sized dinosaur statues. Walking among them feels like stepping into a prehistoric park, and it’s the kind of place that’s equally entertaining for kids and dino-loving grown-ups.
12. Visit Jordanelle State Park
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/jordanelle/
Jordanelle State Park is centered around a big reservoir that’s popular for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and just about any water activity you can think of. We stopped by the nature center, where Josh used to work, which made it a fun personal connection, and we were impressed by how new and well-kept the campground is. It’s a great spot to stay if you want lake time with easy access to Park City and the surrounding mountains.
13. Hike Round Valley Open Space
https://parkcitytrails.org/pct-area/round-valley/
Round Valley Open Space in Park City is a huge network of trails that’s perfect for hiking, trail running, or mountain biking. With loops of all different lengths and difficulty levels, you can make your adventure as quick or as long as you want, and many of the trails connect into bigger routes around town. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and get wide-open views without having to drive far from downtown Park City.
14. Grab Drinks at 2 Row Brewing
73 W 7200 S, Midvale, UT 84047
https://www.2rowbrewing.com/
2 Row Brewing was our first Utah brewery experience, and it gave us a taste of how quirky the state’s brewery rules can be- you have to show ID to get in, even though they serve a full food menu, since it’s treated like a bar. Once inside though, we found good food, great drinks, and super friendly staff. I ordered the Sunnydale Burger, which felt extra perfect since we were in the middle of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer rewatch, but even without the fandom tie-in it was just a really solid garlic burger.
15. Attend Midway’s Swiss Days
https://www.midwayswissdays.org/
Midway’s Swiss Days festival was one of the busiest events we went to, but it was also a lot of fun. The parade was a highlight- we scored cheese curds, bakery cookies, and buckets of candy tossed out along the route. While locals told us the vendor booths aren’t anything special by Utah standards, they felt really different from what we were used to in Illinois, so we enjoyed browsing. Just be prepared for crowds; on the way back to parking we ended up walking about a mile rather than waiting in the long shuttle line.
16. Take a Scenic Drive to Mirror Lake
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/recreation/mirror-lake
The drive up to Mirror Lake is beautiful on its own, winding through the Uintas with plenty of scenic pull-offs. When we got to the lake itself, it wasn’t exactly “mirror-like” with so many people out kayaking, fishing, and paddling, but it was still a lively and fun atmosphere. We hiked a little ways up Bald Mountain Trail, which has incredible views and would make a great full hike- we just didn’t have the time or energy to do the whole thing that day.
17. Float the Provo River
Our outfitter: https://highcountryadventure.com/
Public launch: Lower Provo River Park, 8950 Lower Deer Creek Rd, Heber City, UT 84032
Tubing the Provo River was easily one of the highlights of our time in northern Utah. We debated between the Provo and Weber Rivers and chose the Provo since it seemed prettier- and it definitely was. The float had just enough rapids to keep things exciting while still being relaxing, and the canyon scenery made it extra special. We went with High Country Adventure as our outfitter, and they made the whole experience simple and stress-free.
18. Go ATVing at Wasatch Excursions
918 Cascade Spgs Dr, Midway, UT 84049
https://wasatchexcursions.com/
We rented from Wasatch Excursions for a half-day of off-roading, and it was such a fun way to explore the mountains. Josh and I shared a side-by-side while his dad rode a single ATV, and together we explored a mix of state park and Forest Service trails. The routes gave us plenty of great views and a good mix of terrain- not overly difficult, but with just enough challenge to keep it exciting. It was a memorable way to see parts of the area you can’t reach by car.
19. Visit Timpanogos Cave National Monument
2038 E Alpine Lp Rd, American Fork, UT 84003
https://www.nps.gov/tica/index.htm
Timpanogos Cave National Monument combines a challenging hike with a fascinating underground tour. The only way to reach the cave system is by hiking a steep, paved 1.5-mile trail that climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation, so be prepared for a workout. Once at the top, we joined a 55-minute guided tour that winds through Hansen, Middle, and Timpanogos Caves, with incredible formations around every corner. It’s a tough climb, but the mix of views along the trail and the caves themselves makes it completely worth the effort.
20. Take a Tour of Utah Olympic Park
3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, UT 84098
https://utaholympiclegacy.org/location/utah-olympic-park/
Utah Olympic Park in Park City was one of the most unique stops of our trip- we actually visited twice! The first time was with Josh’s dad to see the Flying Aces freestyle ski show, which was so cool and honestly felt bucket-list worthy. On another day, Josh and I came back for the guided tour of the facility, which took us by shuttle up to the bobsled, luge, and skeleton track as well as the top of the massive Nordic jumps. We also loved wandering through the museum dedicated to the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. With the Games coming back here in 2032, it felt extra special to experience this piece of Olympic history.
21. Go to the Utah State Fair
155 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
https://www.utahstatefair.com/
The Utah State Fair had its share of nickel-and-dime moments, paying separately for parking, admission, alcohol wristbands, and then extra for arena shows, but overall we still had a good time. We enjoyed browsing the exhibits, checked out our very first butter sculpture, and ate our way through the Utah Food Court. We skipped the arena shows since they cost extra, but even without them, it scratched that “I love a fair” itch with all the classic sights, smells, and foods.
22. See Metaphor: The Tree of Utah
PCMW+7X, Barro, UT 84083
On the way out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, we pulled over to see Metaphor: The Tree of Utah, an 87-foot-tall sculpture rising out of the desolate Great Salt Lake Desert. Created in the 1980s by Swedish artist Karl Momen, it features a massive concrete trunk topped with six colorful spheres coated in Utah’s native rocks and minerals, with several hollow sphere segments scattered at its base. It feels a little surreal in the middle of nowhere, but that’s part of what makes it such a fun roadside stop.
23. Drive the Bonneville Salt Flats
Bonneville Speedway Road, Wendover, UT 84083
Visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats was a total bucket list experience. We thought we’d just stop to walk around and take in the surreal landscape, but Josh ended up doing two runs in our truck hitting 100 mph! The big racing event had wrapped up the weekend before, which would’ve been amazing to see, but it also meant the track was still in great shape for driving. If you visit, know there are two main areas: the rest stop, where you can only walk (and where the salt is thickest and crunchiest), and the BLM-managed section where the racing happens and vehicles are allowed out on the flats.
24. Do a Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting at Clear Water Distilling
564 W 700 S Suite 401, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
https://clearwaterdistilling.com/
Clear Water Distilling in Pleasant Grove gave us one of the most unique tasting experiences we’ve ever had. We booked through Groupon and didn’t realize it would end up being a private tasting, which made it feel extra special. While waiting for the other group to finish, we got a quick tour of the distillery, then settled into what was easily the fanciest tasting room we’ve ever been in. I’m not a big whiskey drinker, so pairing each pour with locally made Ritual Chocolate was the perfect balance, and honestly made me enjoy the whiskey more.
25. Summit Mount Timpanogos
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/recreation/mount-timpanogos-trailhead-aspen-grove
Mount Timpanogos is one of Utah’s most iconic hikes, but it’s also one of the most extreme. Josh tackled this one solo since it was a bit much for me- it’s about 14 miles round trip with nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain, topping out at 11,752 feet. He started before sunrise and still found plenty of company on the trail, making friends with other hikers along the way. It’s a serious challenge, but the views from the top are said to be some of the best in the Wasatch.
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