The state of Utah is full of history, art, and great things to do both indoors and outdoors. And one of the best ways to experience all of these things is by visiting the many museums in Utah.
Spread all over the state you’ll find them everywhere from southern Utah to numerous Salt Lake City museums. Check out this list of the top ten to see which ones pique your interest!
1. Natural History Museum of Utah
Since 1969, the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City has captured the attention of visitors from all over the world. Topping the list of the most popular museums in Utah, you will find a wide variety of permanent exhibits about everything from weather and astronomy to ancient tribes, gems, and even history concerning the Great Salt Lake.
View this post on Instagram
And if you are absolutely fascinated by everything prehistoric, this place is also one of the most captivating dinosaur museums in Utah. Featuring dozens of full-size skeletal reconstructions and single fossils all over their Past Worlds exhibit, both child and adult dinosaur lovers alike will be in awe as they roam the halls.
- Website: https://nhmu.utah.edu/
- Location: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
2. Hill Aerospace Museum
Fans of planes, helicopters, and other aircraft are sure to love the Hill Aerospace Museum in Roy, UT. Opened to the public in 1987, the exhibits featured here attract more than 160,000 visitors per year. A walking tour of the facility will lead you to more than 90 different types of aerospace vehicles and military aircraft, along with many unique munitions used by these aircraft.
The museum frequently holds open events and activities as new exhibits come and go. It easily holds its place among the top free museums in Utah, though they do welcome monetary donations.
- Website: https://www.aerospaceutah.org/
- Location: 7961 Wardleigh Rd, Hill AFB, UT 84056
3. Church History Museum
Located west of Salt Lake City Temple Square and north of the Family History Library, you’ll find the Church History Museum. Because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has such a deep narrative within Utah’s past, it’s no surprise to see a museum dedicated to its history. A visit will lead you through discussions about the Mormon Trails, the Church’s beliefs, and even details about past Presidents of the Church.
View this post on Instagram
While there are a few permanent exhibits, many of them are temporary as both local and international artists feature there work within the building. It is one of the most intriguing history and art museums in Utah and offers free admission.
- Website: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/section/museum
- Location: 45 N West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
4. Clark Planetarium
Are you one of those people who always has their head in the clouds? Well, the Clark Planetarium can get you even higher with its incredible exhibits. Among the most engaging Salt Lake City museums, visitors can watch movies in the IMAX Theatre, move faster than light in the Hansen Dome Theatre, or watch one of the cosmic light shows.
Keep your feet on the groundfloor to learn about the earth, natural disasters like tornados, and meteor craters. Or look up to gain insight into the planets of our solar system, space exploration, stars, and beyond.
- Website: https://slco.org/clark-planetarium/
- Location: 110 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
5. Park City Museum
Park City is most often recognized for its great shopping centers, its place among Silicon Slopes cities, and its great ski resorts. But did you know it is also home to one of the best museums in Utah? The Park City Museum can be found in an old red-brick building along Main Street and features exhibits regarding local history, the mining industry, and the city’s historic dungeon-style jail.
View this post on Instagram
You can experience the museum via a guided tour or attend any of their seasonal events as they change from year to year. Kids can become fully engaged in the exhibits as they complete the “Park City History Detectives” activity that takes them through each stage of the museum.
- Website: http://parkcityhistory.org/
- Location: 528 Main St, Park City, UT 84060
6. Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
If you live around Brigham Young University or you’ll be visiting Provo anytime soon, make sure you take some time to stop by the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum. You’ll find diversity in every room you visit from the annual photography shows and concepts of evolution to displays of endangered species and the living planet atrium.
Visitors to this enlivened Utah museum can also catch weekly live animal shows where you can get an up-close look at snakes, lizards, bearded dragons, turtles, frogs, tarantulas, and more.
- Website: https://mlbean.byu.edu/
- Location: MLBM, Provo, UT 84602
7. Treehouse Children’s Museum
Placing a special emphasis on the importance of reading and writing, the Treehouse Children’s Museum focuses on hands-on exhibits your kids will love. They’ll be able to do everything from climb the giant Treehouse Tree at the center of the Museum and play in the “Science Circus” area to riding on the Treehouse Train.
View this post on Instagram
This is one of the best museums in Utah for kids where they can attend family-friendly events all year long. Unique activities are coordinated every day, so they will always have something new to do. Enjoy arts and crafts, huge play areas, and much more.
- Website: https://www.treehousemuseum.org/
- Location: 347 22nd St, Ogden, UT 84401
8. Museum of Art at Brigham Young University
Trying to find the best art museums in Utah? Look no further than the breathtaking sights at the Museum of Art at Brigham Young University. Open since October 1993, thousands of artists have had their work featured throughout the many open spaces spanning this large building.
On the outside, you’ll find a truly beautiful sculpture garden with abstract shapes, bronze statues, and other art. While on the inside, you’ll experience an ever-changing array of paintings, contemporary designs, and smaller sculptures. Once you’ve had the chance to see everything, make sure to stop by the MOA Café for a bite to eat.
- Website: http://moa.byu.edu/
- Location: Campus Dr, Provo, UT 84602
9. Joseph Smith Memorial Building
While the Joseph Smith Memorial Building may not have the precise designation of being a Salt Lake City museum, one step inside will have your jaw dropping to the floor. The amazing architecture and sparkling chandeliers will make it hard to look away long enough to see everything else the building has to offer.
View this post on Instagram
Once known as the Hotel Utah, it was renovated as a social center in 1993. It now houses multiple restaurants including the Roof Restaurant, Garden Restaurant, and Nauvoo Café as well as the Legacy Theater auditorium.
- Website: https://www.templesquare.com/explore/jsmb/
- Location: 15 E S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
10. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
Another one of the top museums in Utah for children is the Discovery Gateway in Salt Lake City. Featuring some of the most engaging and interactive hands-on activities in town, kids will be able to experience Water Play, the Honey Climber, an automobile service exhibit, the sensory room, and so much more.
The space is open to reserve for birthday parties and other events and also offers summer camps to keep your kids’ minds active while they’re out of school. Don’t miss out on their fun and innovative programs.
- Website: https://www.discoverygateway.org/
- Location: 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Plenty of Utah Museums to Visit
Now that you know where to find the best museums in Utah, which one will you go to first? From art and history to hands-on activities and crafts, you’re sure to find fun things to do near you. Visit any of these great museums either on your own or with your family.
Are you looking up museums in Utah because you’re moving to one of these cities? Let Wasatch Moving Company help with your transition! Give us a call today at (801) 335-5603 or complete the Request a Quote form to get a free moving estimate.
