Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers got their first glimpse of the Salt Lake Valley at the site of this historic park. A tall granite and bronze sculpture was erected in 1947 to commemorate the centennial of their arrival. The park, which covers more than 1,600 acres, offers hiking along part of the trail used by the pioneers, with opportunities for cross-country skiing in winter. This is a good place for wildlife viewing and birding in winter and spring, with additional songbirds and raptors present in summer and fall. There's a picnic area, but no camping, and a visitor center contains exhibits depicting the Mormon pioneers' trek from Illinois to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Also in the park, Heritage Village is a pioneer village comprised of original buildings from across the state along with some reproductions. In summer and during special events it becomes a living-history museum of the period from 1847 to 1869, with costumed villagers and a variety of demonstrations and activities, including wagon rides. Allow 1 to 2 hours. For a week each December the village re-creates a pioneer Christmas celebration.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Utah, 7th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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