Butterfield Canyon

I took the kids for an adventure up Butterfield Canyon today. It was SO gorgeous and peaceful, we almost didn't want to come down off the mountain! We started out in Herriman, drove all the way to the top and looked down on Kennecott Copper Pit and the entire Salt Lake Valley, and Tooele on the other side, and then drove down the other side of the mountain into Tooele. We saw a deer right next to the road eating leaves, a few mountain bikers and motorcyclists, and a few other vehicles. I loved that there were many places to stop for a picnic, let the kids play in the very shallow stream, and just enjoy the cool shade! I liked the Tooele side of the mountain much better for stopping, picnicing, camping, etc.

DIRECTIONS: There are two different ways to get to the top of Butterfield Canyon:

FROM SALT LAKE: (If you are scared of heights, or not used to driving up steep mountains, this route is NOT for you! Instead, read below the directions from Tooele.) Take the Bacchus Highway (about 8400 West) all the way Southbound out to the Kennecott Copper Pit in Herriman. Keep going until you see a wild horse ranch sign. Turn up that road (heading Westbound). This is Butterfield Canyon Road. This road will take you to the top. Drive very slowly around the sharp turns, and watch out for bikers and other vehicles! When you reach the top, you will see a road to your right going up higher, some hiking trails to your left, and in front of you a road that leads down. Take the road to your right to go up even more. Drive on that road for a while until it dead ends, and you've reached the top. You will be able to see over Kennecott Copper Pit and the entire valley. When finished, head back down to the road that leads down, and you will take that road all the way to Tooele, and come out on Vine Street. In Tooele on Vine Street you will find many museums on your right hand side.

FROM TOOELE: Take the main road in Tooele to Vine Street, and turn Eastbound. This road will lead you all the way to the top. When you reach the top, you will see a road to your left going up higher, some hiking trails to your right, and in front of you a road that leads down the other side of the mountain. Take the road to your left to go up even more. Drive on that road for a while until it dead ends, and you've reached the top. You will be able to see over Kennecott Copper Pit and the entire valley. When finished, head back down to the road that leads down, and you will take that road all the way to Herriman, and come out on the Bacchus Highway.

Golden Spike National Historic Site

The Golden Spike Historic Site is where the transcontinental railway was completed in 1869. This is a GREAT place for kids of all ages! Click Here to visit the website and learn tips when planning your trip. Locaeted in Northern Utah in Brigham City, this is a great place to spend the day!

Reenactments of the Last Spike Ceremony which took place on May 10, 1869 can be seen during the summer season. Volunteers portray the dignitaries who were here on that day in 1869. Come and be a part of history Saturdays and holidays from May 10 through Labor Day at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Steam Demonstrations are when the Jupiter and No. 119 locomotives move on the tracks. These demonstrations take place every day during the summer season (May 1 - Labor Day).

They also have "fee free" days! Click Here to view the dates.

Thanks to Bev JbAilat for this great family activity idea!

Wild West Wednesdays: This Is The Place Monument

Enjoy only $2 admissions on Wednesdays from now until September 1st. For more updates, find them on Facebook by clicking here.

This Is The Place Monument is a great place for the family, and kids of all ages! We will post pictures when we visit, but for now you can view the fan photos on their facebook page.

They also have a TON of events going on for Pioneer Day. CLICK HERE to be taken to their official site for more information and a list of all their events.

Fire Station Tour

Scheduling a tour at any Utah fire station is SUPER easy.....just call them and ask!! We chose the Stansbury Park Fire Department, because my parents had a barn fire at their house a few months ago, and these were the firefighters that were there. The kids wanted to go see those specific firefighters!

They were SOO good with the kids.....the stop dropped and rolled on the ground WITH the kids, crawled around on the floor "below the smoke" and felt doors with them, etc. The kids had a BLAST!

COST: FREE!

Millcreek Canyon

We spent a WONDERFUL afternoon up Millcreek Canyon today! It was $3 per vehicle to get in (make SURE you bring the exact change....they didn't have change for a $20 so it took me a minute to scrape up $3 in quarters and dimes from my ashtray haha!), and you pay as you leave. Also, make sure to bring your own garbage bags, as there are no garbage cans in the canyon. You have to pack out all your own garbage. Make sure your dog, if you bring one, is on a leash, and you bring sacks or whatever to clean up their "mess"! This is such a beautiful canyon, and we want to keep it that way!

There are many hiking trails for ALL ages! They would even be appropriate for a 1 year old! The stream is very shallow, but as my kids said, there are a few "loud" places. There are many places to wade and cool off. There are MANY picnic spots, bathrooms, and trails. It was really nice to be able to play next to a stream and not worry about my kids falling in the river and being swept away!

The pictures posted here are just across the road from the Millcreek Inn, where they host company events, weddings, etc. Log Haven is also located a little bit further up the canyon.

DIRECTIONS: On the eastside belt of I-215, take the 3300 South / 3900 South exit. Follow Wasatch Drive to 3800 South, where there is a redlight. Turn towards the mountains, which is Eastbound, and you will head straight up the canyon. To drive from the bottom of the canyon to the end of the canyon (where the motorized road ends) is about 20 minutes maximum, if the gate at the top is closed. If it's open, and you are able to drive all the way through, it will take about 35 minutes. It's a great canyon for taking a quiet drive! Watch out for bicycles and hikers!

INFORMATION: For information on reserving picnic spots, and camping, click here.

You Can't Beat The Beetles (A Musical)

The Copperview Theatre Arts youth Program
You Can't Beat The Beetles

THURSDAY, JUNE 24TH @ 7:30 Pm
FRIDAY, June 25TH @ 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 26TH@ 7:30PM

Admission is FREE!!

Performances held at:Wheeler Historical Farm6351S 900 E, Murray

Family Friendly Hikes

I saw this segment on Studio 5 a few weeks ago. There are many resources of family-friendly, and KID-friendly, hikes! I can't wait to try them all! (I vote we extend Summer by two more months.....there is not enough time to do everything I want to!)

Click Here to go to the segment on Studio 5.

Click Here to be taken to the blog of Sheryl McGlochlin , the person who knows about all of these amazing hikes!

UTAH COUNTY: Things to see and do!

We have been asked "What is there to do in Utah County?!" Well, we heard you, and we've answered your question! We found this link that has many ideas of things to see and do in Utah County. I am putting many of these on my "to see and do" list, and will post pictures as we visit them. Thanks for asking your question! :)

Click Here to go to the site.

Click Here to see Historic Places and Museums in Utah County. (This is what interests me!)

PICTURE: If you've ever seen the movie Footloose, you'll recognize the Lehi Roller Mills as the place where Footloose was filmed!

RESOURCE: Utah's Historical Places and Outdoor Activities

I came across this site that has a lot of Utah's historical places and outdoor activities ideas. I hope it can give you some fun ideas of things to do!

Click Here to go to the historical places site.

Click Here to view the main Utah Outdoor Activities page.

Tooele County: Historical Sites and Attractions

Did you know there are MANY historical sites and attractions in Tooele County? Click Here to go to the website and view them all. I was surprised at how many there were!

WestFest!

June 24th - 27th
Centennial Park
5415 West 3100 South
West Valley City

FREE Admission! Rides and games may have a separate fee.

This is a fun annual event for the whole family, and for everybody of all ages!

For more information, visit the official website by clicking here.

Jones' Dairy / Taylorsville Bennion Heritage Center

This was a very fun tour! Jones Dairy has been made into the Taylorsville Bennion Heritage Center. It was very fun that the granddaughter of the guy who ran Jones Dairy was the one that gave us the tour. She had many great stories of her time spent there as a child visiing her grandparents.

COST: FREE, but they will gladly accept donations. Make sure to sign their guestbook, as this is how their funding is determined.
ADDRESS: 1488 W 4800 S in Taylorsville, UT. Take Redwood Road to 4800 South, then head Eastbound. It will be on your left hand side. You can't miss it!

Logan Summerfest June 17-19

The 27th Annual Summerfest Arts Faire is a juried art festival that features live music, good food, and more than a hundred fine artists whose mediums include oil and watercolor painting, fiber art, photography, acrylics, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more. Summerfest festivities include a children's art yard where youngsters can create a variety of arts projects themselves.

Historic Downtown Logan Utah
June 17th - 19th
10:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m. daily

Cost: Varies by activity. Children's Art Yard is $3 per child.

Historical Pageants This Summer

To visit any of the Mormon Pageants like the Manti one posted below, click here.

Free Historical Drama: Mormon Miracle Pageant

Dates: June 17-19, June 22-26 2010
Time: 9:30-11:30pm.
Cost: Free
Facilities: A BBQ turkey dinner can be purchased before the show. Pancake breakfast can be purchased in the morning. 
For pictures & information about the show visit www.mormonmiracle.org

To get there: The Mormon Miracle Pageant takes place at the foot of the Manti temple in the central Utah town of Manti. The best mode of transportation is by charter bus or car, which requires an approximate driving time of 2 hours from Salt Lake City in northern Utah or just under 2 1/2 hours from Cedar City in southern Utah.

Northern Directions
There are two separate routes to take coming from northern Utah.

1- The first is as follows: I-15 south to U.S. highway 6 in Spanish Fork (I-15 Exit 261). Take highway 6 east to U.S. highway 89. Turn south on highway 89 which takes you directly to Manti.

2- The other route from the north would follow I-15 south to U.S. highway 132 in Nephi (I-15 Exit 225). Take highway 132 east to U.S. highway 89. Turn south on highway 89 which takes you directly to Manti.

Southern Directions
The best route from southern Utah would be I-15 north to I-70. Take I-70 east to U.S. highway 89 in Salina (I-70 Exit 56). Turn north on highway 89 which takes you directly to Manti. Click on the map for larger view.

Lehi Round Up June 19-26

The City of Lehi hosts Round Up Week each summer with lots to do for families, some of it is free or with special low rates for the celebration. Here is the calendar of events, or click on the title to go directly to the Lehi Round Up Website.

DATE	TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
Wednesaday, June 9	5 pm - 10 pm	Lehi's Got Talent Auditions	Arts Center
Saturday, June 19	8 am	Tennis Tournament (Sponsored by Legacy Center)	Lehi High School
Saturday, June 19	9 am	One Pitch Softball Tournament (to benefit Special Olympics Utah) (Sponsored by Lehi Police Deparment, Lehi Round-Up Celebration Committee, & Lehi Round-Up Rodeo/CIA)	Sports Complex
Monday, June 21	11 am - 6 pm	Half Price Day @ Outdoor Swimming Pool	Outdoor Swimming Pool
Monday, June 21	1 pm - 6 pm	Half Price Day @ Legacy Center	Legacy Center
Monday, June 21	6:30 pm - 8:30 pm	Family Picnic in the Park & "Lehi's Got Talent"	Wines Park
Monday, June 21	9 pm - 11 pm	Free Outdoor Movie (Sponsored by The UPS Store of Lehi)	Vets Ball Park
Tuesday, June 22	10 am - 4 pm	Baby Contest (Sponsored by Lehi Police Department)	Legacy Center
Tuesday, June 22	9 pm - 11 pm	Free Outdoor Movie (Sponsored by The Journey)	Vets Ball Park
Wednesday, June 23	10 am - 1 pm	3rd Annual Sidewalk Party	Pioneer Party Gift & Copy
Wednesday, June 23	12 pm - 7 pm	Boutique	Wines Park
Wednesday, June 23	4:30 pm - 7 pm	Western Family BBQ (Sponsored by Metal Mart)	Wines Park
Wednesday, June 23	7:30 pm	Cowboy Poetry	Lehi High School
Thursday, June 24	9:30 am - 6 pm	Boutique	Wines Park
Thursday, June 24	6 pm - 7 pm	All Horse Parade	Wines Park to Rodeo Grounds
Thursday, June 24	8 pm - 11 pm	PRCA Rodeo & "Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night"	Rodeo Grounds
Friday, June 25	8 am	Golf Tournament (Sponsored by Lehi Area Chamber)	Fox Hollow Golf Course
Friday, June 25	6 pm - 7 pm	Miniature Float Parade	Wines Park to High School
Friday, June 25	8 pm - 11 pm	PRCA Rodeo	Rodeo Grounds
Saturday, June 26	7 am	10K/5K Run/Walk (Sponsored by Stonehaven Dental)	Start & End @ Stonehaven Dental
Saturday, June 26	7 am - 10 am	Chuckwagon Breakfast (Sponsored by Lehi High School Booster Club)	Wines Park
Saturday, June 26	10 am - 12 pm	Grand Parade	Wines Park to High School
Saturday, June 26	11 am - 5 pm	Family Fun Day, Boutique, & Entertainment (Sponsored by Cascade Colllision)	Wines Park
Saturday, June 26	1 pm - 5 pm	Horseshoe Tournament (Sponsored by Legacy Center)	Sports Complex
Saturday, June 26	8 pm - 11 pm	PRCA Rodeo	Rodeo Grounds

FREE Summer Movies!!!

The movie 5 Star theater in Magna, UT is doing FREE kids movies all summer long, three times a week, twice a day! You don't have to sign up or anything....just show up, and it's free!

They are located at 8325 W 3500 S in Magna.
For more information, visit their Facebook Page!

Tooele Pioneer Museum and Pioneer Jubilee

We finally went out to the Tooele Pioneer Museum which is adjoined to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum which is inside the old courthouse and jail.  Both though small, were great.  We found pictures and were able to print a history of my husband's ancestors who were the first people to settle this valley.  We didn't even know we had roots here when we came.


 

They are gearing up for their Pioneer Jubilee later in the month:

PIONEER JUBILEE!

Saturday, June 12

10 am to 2 pm

Tours begin at 10 am

Program begins at

11:30 am

Food, games, Pioneer

activities, entertainment

and tours!

47 E. Vine St.

How to get there: Just East of Main street on Vine in downtown Tooele
Cost: Free, but donations are accepted.  Be sure to sign all the guest books, as the museum is grant funded.
When to go:
Monday: 6:00 - 8:00 pm. (by appointment)
Tuesday: 10:00 - 4:00 pm. ( by appointment)
Friday: 10:00 - 4:00 pm. ( 1 May - 30 Sept.)
Saturday: 10:00 - 4:00 pm. (Year Round)
SPECIAL DATES (10:00 - 4:00 pm.)
Memorial Day
4th of July
24th of July
Labor Day
BY APPOINTMENT YEAR AROUND
Call James Bevan (435)882-1092