Golden Spike National Historic Site

As far back as 1869 Utahns were operating on "Mormon Standard Time"...



What, you think I'm exaggerating?
 One visit to today's historic site will prove that I know exactly what I'm talking about.

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Connecting the east and west lines of the Transcontinental Railroad, the driving of the golden spike was an enormous celebration....when it finally happened.  A combination of rainy weather and labor problems pushed the arrival date of both trains back by two whole days.  Even with the national eye focused directly on Utah, we were insisting on doing it in our own time.

The adventure in visiting the Golden Spike begins in just trying to get there.  You would think the location for the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad would occur close to civilization.  Even in 1869, I'm seriously doubting Promontory, Utah, was a thriving metropolis.  Be assured that when the riders in your car insist you're lost, you're heading in the right direction and will eventually get there.

The visitor's center plays five different movies that can entertain you for over an hour.  Don't, however, drive all the way out there to see the movies.  The highlights of this historic site are the operating steam train replicas and "driving of the golden spike" re-enactment.  The trains are amazing.  The volunteer actors, less than amazing, but at least entertaining.  Even with a year passed from my last visit there, I still have chills down my spine hearing the telegraph operator announce the completion of this major feat in American transportation history.

Directions and Information:
I can't stress enough to check the National Park Service website for directions and train operating hours before leaving home...they seem to be changing all the time.  Then, traveling northbound, take I-15 exit 365, turn right, and follow the signs (approximately 35 miles).

While you're here:  Don't drive all the way out here and miss out on what else the area has to offer.  Check out the ATK Rocket Garden by continuing past the turnoff for the Golden Spike or the Spiral Jetty by continuing straight past the Golden Spike Visitor's Center.

Historic Kennecott Mining Site (Alaska)

While my mind is on Alaska, I want to share with you one other amazing national park site from there.  Nestled within the borders of America's largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias, the historic Kennecott mining site is an astounding relic of industry and ingenuity deep within the wilderness...

Historic Kennecott Mining Site

In case you doubt the validity of saying Kennecott is in the wilderness, this glacier is it's next door neighbor...

These mine buildings are considered to be "the best remaining example of early 20th century copper mining"

The park service has begun a slow and intensive process to decide which buildings they can stabilize and preserve.  It's quite the labor of love for an operation that has always been off the beaten path and continues to be so today.

Notice the rusting bullet holes in the lamp post

More Information:

Getting to Kennecott is an adventure.  

Located 315 miles east of Anchorage

and the last 62 miles are on the McCarthy Road, 

 35mph and gravel.  

Definitely heed the warnings and be prepared for flat tires.

The village of McCarthy is the stopping point for your drive.

McCarthy is as small and rough as you'd expect a wilderness hangout to be.

Don't expect a lot and you'll be blown away by this step back in time.

A shuttle will take you the last 5 miles to the mine.  

Want a truly historic experience?

Stay at the historic Kennecott Glacier Lodge.

You'll sleep in the shadows of all there is to see.

This Is The Place: A Utah Heritage Park

This post sponsored via US Family Guide.

I received product in exchange for an honest review.

How have I lived in Utah 13 years and not been to one of the most historically educational sites in Salt Lake City?  My family finally took the time to visit This Is the Place Heritage Park  and I'm going to plead with you not to make it such a long time before you take your family to see and do the same thing.

The park is divided into two portions.  Along the drive and looking out over the Salt Lake Valley are monuments dedicated to the memories of the Mormon Battalion and also the day Brigham Young's party first arrived and, while quite ill, announced, "This is the place." This portion of the park is free of charge and a quiet place to reflect on the pioneers who journeyed here in many different ways all those years ago. 

The second portion is Heritage Village.  The entrance fee for the village gives you access to dozens of historical buildings which have either been relocated and restored or replicated.  

Deseret Hospital
Brigham Young felt strongly that women should be able to be attended to by women doctors
and encouraged women to become midwives as a way of serving.

An example of original tongue and groove construction.
This building was so well built that it was moved intact to it's park location.

 The entrance fee also includes activities for the kids.  It wasn't explained very well to us right away, but we finally figured out that each kid can do 3 activities, and they are marked off in a box on the wristbands.  Our boys did scratch art in the old halfway house, took a pony ride, got a taste of apprenticing at the saddlery, and made Native American jewelry.

In addition, many of the buildings have volunteers dressed in pioneer clothing who can answer your questions and give a little history of what the buildings purpose was.  My favorite was the cabin where they taught B how to beat the rugs...that seems like it could come in handy for me one day...

I could not get enough of this little baby who's mother was volunteering that day and had placed him right where he obviously belonged...

A few thoughts from our visit:

• Don't go on a school field trip day...they break up in groups and fill the buildings.  We had to skip quite a few because they were to full to get in to.
• Do buy Brigham's doughnuts.  They're hot and greasy and delicious!
• Don't get discouraged when your wristband boxes are full.  Under 3-yr-olds get to do the activities for free, and we were able to let our kids use the boxes on our wristbands when theirs were full.
• If you have visited historic sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints you will notice a difference in quality at this park.  While the park focuses primarily on the lives of the Mormon Pioneers, it is not run by the church.  This is a state park and while we were impressed with the facility, there were obvious differences in the quality of displays in the buildings, and especially in the interaction and information from the volunteer "pioneers" compared to official church historical sites.  Not a big deal, but something that did keep popping through my head while we were there.

Now, the real question is, could I have raised these 4 boys in a house this size...

Salt Lake Like the Pioneers Did It: This Is the Place Trail Rides

This is a sponsored post.

I received a product in exchange for an honest review.

Living in Utah, we talk a lot about the "pioneers."  It was their tenacity and faith that brought about the blooming of the Salt Lake & Utah Valleys.  During our recent visit to This Is the Place Heritage Park it was exciting to step back through time and see what the area would have been like when they were first here working and praying.  The park offers so many different hands-on activities that bring history to life and perhaps the most realistic of all is a trail ride in the park's outer hills.

Here is when I tell you that my niece, who came prepared for the day with pink cowboy hat, sparkly belt, and cowboy boots, decided at the last minute she did not want to go.  So, she and I had a nice time walking around Brigham's Forest Farmhouse while my husband and B went out on the trail. Since he went, and I didn't, I'm turning the reigns (Yep, terrible pun) over to him today as my first A Local Wander contributor...

The Joy of a Horse-riding Father

Growing up I had a horse. She was an ornery horse, spoiled, lazy, and slightly homicidal. She almost sent me to the spirit world seven different times and I'm sure she knew it.  We fought through a lot of stubbornness (on both our parts).  After breaking both our family saddles, she and I came to an agreement that I would ride bareback and she would accept me as her rider.

The horses at This is the Place Heritage Park are the exact opposite of my horse! It was refreshing to learn that horseback riding can be effortless and pleasant. The welcoming committee (a very friendly toddler) greeted us and welcomed us in to meet his Dad, the real McCoy of western cowboy fantasies. Our trail guide introduced 8-yr-old B to his horse and explained how to help her stop and go. Right from the start B was in charge of making sure Classy was walking and not always stopping to eat.

The ride wound through the park with incredible views of the Salt Lake valley and the historic pioneer buildings. It was amazing and rewarding to see my son commanding a beautiful horse and learning that even at the ripe age of 8 he was the one in control. We had a guide in front and a guide in back sharing information about the park and surrounding areas. The horses are so incredibly gentle and the guides are so confident in their abilities that any concerns I had of this ride being like those of my youth were quickly erased. I had expected them to take halter rope and lead him in a manner reflecting a circular pony ride, so when they gave him the reins and said, "Go," I was very impressed. It was a unique and relaxing way to spend some time with him..

I detest not being able to control my destiny, I like to drive my own ATV, I prefer to paddle my own boat, and I love to control my own horse.  I saw this in my son today. It was great to see the joy of accomplishment when we returned and he told his mom that he rode a horse!

The trail rides at This Is the Place Heritage Park are a great place for children and parents to take the ropes and experience the joy of riding a horse. It's a hands-on way for them to put themselves in the pioneer stories they've always been told.  This activity will enrich the great time families are already having at This is the Place Heritage Park.

Book your trail ride today at This is the Place Heritage Park!

This is My Utah: Great Salt Lake

Summer of Salt: An Exploration of Great Salt Lake
A Blog about Two Friends, One Lake, and a Summer of Salt.
Written by: Nicole Anderson

Antelope Island by R Jefre Hicks

If you have ever thought of Great Salt Lake as a dead sea, then this article is for you. Or, perhaps you know that the Lake is a haven for wildlife with millions of birds from all over the world stopping here to rest and dine on brine shrimp and brine flies, or raise their young before they migrate to warmer climates. The Lake is not just for the birds, bugs and brine shrimp, however.  It is an invaluable resource for people, too.

Birds in Bear River Bay

The Sun Tunnels 

The Team on Fremont Island

We are especially glad to have our support team:

•   Photographer Charles Uibel, proprietor of My Great Salt Lake, His beautiful pictures and technical expertise are proving invaluable on this journey.
•  And our dear friends Cindy Lund and Sarah Middleton who have offered to drive when they can, pack lunches and always be honest about our writing.

We want people to fall in love with the Lake as we have. Our goal is to educate the public and to dispel many of the negative myths that come to mind when thinking of Great Salt Lake.  It brings forth beauty, recreation, economic prosperity, and is rich in history; it contributes to the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” and is home to 5 to 8 million aquatic birds.  Great Salt Lake is one of the most magical places in the state of Utah.

Foam blowing across the Lake

Misconceptions of a stinky place full of bugs have led to the rocky collision between man and nature. Yet, even still, with its bad reputation among many, its shorelines and saline flats welcome all who go there. Whether you seek solitude or adventure, a livelihood or an escape - the Lake has provided for the people on her shores for thousands of years - and is at your fingertips in our own backyard!

Join us as we explore both the nature and people of Great Salt Lake.

 Find us on Facebook at: Great Salt Lake 

Contact Nicole Anderson by e-mail nma9999@xmission.com 

Heidi Nedreberg at heidi.nedreberg@gmail.com

 Charles Uibel at cuibel@gmail.com

 or follow our adventures on Twitter @nedr3547.

Organizations listed or linked are for identification purposes only and no endorsement or other involvement by the organization is implied.

The "Salt Sisters" out at the Lake

All photos are property of My Great Salt Lake Photos and Charles Uibel 

as well as © by  mygreatsaltlake.com/summerofsalt  with permission to use them

 as part of this feature article for “This is My Utah.”

Want to share your story in an upcoming "This Is My Utah"? 

More information by clicking "Share Your Story" at the top of the page..

Days of '47 Parade

 I love summer holidays!  I especially love living in Utah where we get two major July holidays.  Here is a recap of a state holiday gone by to get you excited about my favorite Pioneer Day activity...

The Days of '47 Parade

Utah communities are no stranger to a summertime parade; you could be sitting curb-side catching candy nearly every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Even if you're feeling parade burn-out, I want to convince you not to miss this particular statehood celebration.

Utah's history and founding has deep religious undertones that nobody can deny.  Settled by Mormon Saints fleeing the persecution of their fellow American citizens, Utah's first mass of citizens were deeply religious.  And that is what makes this parade so great!  Not that you have to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to attend or enjoy, but that anyone who believes in religious freedom and free speech can participate in a public gathering while wearing religion on their sleeves. 

These are the reasons I LOVE the Days of '47 Parade:

• A member of The First Presidency of the LDS Church is one of the first sites riding though the parade 
• A parade theme which the majority of floats adhere to.
• The floats are large and technical and uber-creative.
• The Polynesian Marching Bands make you want to dance even after 14 very hot city blocks

I will be forthcoming and tell you there is one downside to the Days of '47 Parade.  At least in the past, this has been a candy-free parade.  Not a big problem, though.  Pack your pockets and randomly toss a piece out into the crowd.  It'll be your own little parade side-show!

Go to the Days of '47 Parade. 

 Have a fantastic Pioneer Day!

Directions and Information:

The parade starting in downtown Salt Lake City at 9AM. 

 It will be televised on KSL 5 (but come on, that's no fun!). 

 Parade Route Map here.

Fun Pre-parade activity: The Days of '47 Parade Float Preview Party 

Cove Fort

Every once in awhile it's nice to take a little drive.  You can stay close to home and enjoyed the beauty of your surroundings or you can hop on the interstate and head out..  I did that recently...2 hours south, in fact, until I pulled in at the historic attraction of...

Cove Fort

Cove Fort was commissioned to be built by the Governor of the Utah Territory, Brigham Young, in 1867.  At the time a stagecoach ride from Salt Lake City to St. George was at least a two-day ride and he recognized the need traveler's would have to eat, wash, and rest along the way.  In the heart of Kanosh Indian country, the enclosed fort-style building could have protected residents and travelers if the need should arise...the need never did arise...

Any fan of history will love and appreciate the restoration work at Cove Fort.  Each room is filled with period-authentic furniture and decor.  My favorites were 3-gallon porcelain bowls in the kitchen and a leather top-hat box in the room where Brigham Young stayed.  I also had fun showing my 4-year-old the chamber pot.  I could never mimic the look on his face when our tour guide told him his job would be to empty and clean it everyday.

A lot of improvements have been made to the Cove Fort property since I last visited 10 years ago.  The parking lot sits east of a beautiful shaded lawn and picnic area.  Right now there is an impressive vegetable garden growing around two walls of the fort and a blacksmith shop, ice house, and barn are also open for touring.

Do I want you to go and see what's to see at the Cove Fort Historical Site?  Definitely.  Do I recommend driving there, touring, and coming back all in the same day?  Probably not if you're coming from farther than Beaver or Fillmore.  But the next time you're on your way to or from St. George, plan a stop to rest, wash, and eat while taking in a part of Utah history.

Directions and Information: 

Take I-15 Exit 135, turn east to cross back over the interstate, and follow signs 1.5 miles to the Cove Fort site.  Parking lot and restrooms will be on the left when you arrive. 

Free tours at Cove Fort are provided by senior missionaries for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and last about 45 minutes.  Be prepared for them to greet you right at your car and then enjoy the vast historical stories and knowledge they are eager to share.  

More information available on the Cove Fort Historic Site Visitor Guide.