Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Utah County, UT

  • Published 2023/04/16

Utah doesn’t run out of fascinating destinations to explore.

For example, you can visit Utah County, 35 minutes south of Salt Lake City.

It is one of the most populous counties in Utah.

Provo, its county seat, is the state’s fourth-largest city, with over 666,000 residents.

Utah County offers everyone a new world of attractions and exciting activities you won’t expect in this part of the state.

Its cities and towns have plenty of unique attractions for a one-of-a-kind experience, with most involving outdoor activities.

Outdoor activities are the most popular things you’ll enjoy when visiting Utah County.

It has gorgeous topography featuring unspoiled natural areas.

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Utah County, Utah.

Go on an Outdoor Adventure at the Timpanogos Cave National Monument

A hiker at Timpanogos Cave National Monument

IrinaK / Shutterstock.com

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a great place to start your Utah County travel adventure.

You can visit this place along Alpine Loop Road in American Fork.

Its name was derived from the Paiute Indian word, which means “Reclining Woman” because of its fascinating shape.

It was discovered by a local settler Martin Hansen in 1887.

Interior of a cave at Timpanogos Cave National Monument

IrinaK / Shutterstock.com

Meanwhile, another group of explorers discovered the rest of its natural features in the early 1900s.

This national monument lets you experience many outdoor activities like hiking, cave tours, and wildlife viewing.

You can also explore its vast natural area teeming with wildlife such as mammals, birds, fishes, and reptiles.

So, head to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument for a fantastic time with nature.

Signage of Timpanogos Cave National Monument

EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

Climb Mount Timpanogos

Scenic view of Mount Timpanogos

Emily Adele / Shutterstock.com

Mount Timpanogos is one of the most famous mountains in Utah.

You can climb this mountain by setting up camp at the Timpooneke Campground in American Fork Canyon.

This mountain stands at 11,749 feet which is Wasatch Mountains’ second highest summit next to Mount Nebo.

It’s highly popular with outdoor enthusiasts mainly for its hiking trails which take them to the mountain summit.

There are two trails that hikers traverse to reach this mountain’s summit.

Trail at Mount Timpanogos

Jason Finn / Shutterstock.com

One is Aspen Grove Trail, which spans 8.3 miles.

Meanwhile, the second trail is the Timpooneke Trail which spans 7.5 miles.

While hiking, you can’t help but be amazed by the spectacular natural sceneries and the vibrant flora and fauna along the trails.

When you reach Mount Timpanogos’ summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the area.

The summit of Mount Timpanogos

Jason Finn / Shutterstock.com

Explore the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life

The Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life is a beautiful place to learn more about Utah’s prehistoric life.

You can visit this excellent museum along N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi.

It’s home to over 60 complete dinosaur skeletons dating back over 65 million years.

At the same time, it’s the world’s most extensive display of mounted dinosaurs.

It’s also home to more than 50 hands-on exhibits.

It includes the Quarry Dig and Erosion Table, making it an exciting place for interactive historical activities.

You and your loved ones can also check out the 150-million-year-old Barosaurus that paleontologists unearthed in this museum.

So, remember to include the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life in your itinerary for a great museum experience.

Have Fun at Thanksgiving Point

Museum at Thanksgiving Point

Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock.com

Thanksgiving Point is probably one of Utah County’s most famous recreational and leisure destinations.

You can visit this place along Thanksgiving Way in Lehi.

This place is home to dozens of establishments, including a museum, botanical garden, family arcade, shops, and restaurants.

Windmill at Thanksgiving Point's garden

Matthew Thomas Allen / Shutterstock.com

You can visit the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Butterfly Biosphere, and Farm Country and enjoy countless exciting activities.

At the same time, it’s also where most of Utah County’s famous events, such as the Tulip Festival, Summer Day Camps, and the Four Seasons Slam, happen.

Spend your day at Thanksgiving Point with your loved ones for the ultimate leisure and outdoor experience.

Vibrant tulips at Thanksgiving Point

Matthew Thomas Allen / Shutterstock.com

Marvel at the Utah Lake State Park

The waters of Utah Lake State Park

Andy Konieczny / Shutterstock.com

The Utah Lake State Park sits on a massive freshwater lake, a popular outdoor destination.

You can visit this state park along W. Center Street in Provo.

The entire lake spans a whopping 384.5 square kilometers with a length of 39 kilometers.

It serves as one of Great Salt Lake’s tributaries.

Visiting the state park lets you explore this massive lake and admire its natural beauty.

Don’t miss out on outdoor activities such as jet skiing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

The state park has picnic areas and campsites for you to stay when you’re planning to stay there for a couple of days.

Remember to spend a day or two at the Utah Lake State Park for a memorable and fun outdoor experience.

Catch an Entertaining Show at the Angelus Theatre

Angelus Theatre is one of Utah County’s premier venues for various shows.

You can visit this theater along N. Main Street in Spanish Fork.

This theatre, constructed in 1912 by Joseph Hanson, is a place for a rich history and highly entertaining shows.

It regularly hosts concerts, stage plays, seminars, and private events.

At the same time, it’s also an excellent place to explore history.

Angelus Theatre is the only movie theatre in Spanish Fork.

In 1948, a fire destroyed the theatre, but it was rebuilt and reopened only two years later.

Whether you want to catch a concert or learn history, the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork has something waiting for you.

Hike up Bridal Veil Falls

Scenic view of Bridal Veil Falls

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Bridal Veil Falls is a popular natural attraction in Provo Canyon’s south-end portion.

It features a 607-foot-tall double cataract waterfall that many visitors love for its gorgeous scenery.

You can visit this waterfall by hiking through an accessible trail which starts at a parking lot on the roadside along Highway 189.

The waters of Bridal Veil Falls

Katie Gee / Shutterstock.com

Visiting this waterfall lets you bask in its beautiful cascading waters that resemble a bridal veil, hence its name.

You can stay longer with your loved ones at the waterfall since it has picnic tables next to it with barbeque grills.

You can also explore the surrounding areas of the Bridal Veil Falls to complete your visit there.

Hikers at Bridal Veil Falls

Reina Lavulavu / Shutterstock.com

Feel the Tranquility of Ashton Gardens

Vibrant tulips at Ashton Gardens

Matthew Thomas Allen / Shutterstock.com

Ashton Gardens is one of the main attractions of Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.

This gorgeous botanical garden spans over 50 acres of intricately landscaped gardens,

Also, it’s the home to the nation’s largest artificial waterfall, which is its focal point.

Colorful lanterns at Ashton Gardens

Matthew Thomas Allen / Shutterstock.com

The garden has numerous sections which feature various flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plant species in different themed spaces.

Visiting this famous garden lets you rejuvenate, reflect, and meditate to free stress amidst its tranquil and beautiful atmosphere.

Drop by Ashton Gardens to experience its astonishing beauty when you’re in Thanksgiving Point.

The grounds of Ashton Gardens

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Beat the Heat with Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream

Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream is a unique ice cream shop in Provo that gives customers a fascinating history lesson.

This ice cream shop that opened in 2018 is known for its fusion of homemade ice cream that comes with some American history.

Enjoying a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor at its shop lets you experience the passion and spirit of the American Revolution.

Its owner, a former military serviceman, is passionate about American history and ice cream.

Dressed as a character from the American Revolution, the owner serves ice creams to customers while giving them some fascinating early American history trivia.

Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream is a beautiful place to enjoy a scoop of ice cream and valuable history lessons.

Hike through the Battle Creek Trail

People along Battle Creek Trail

Bobjgalindo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Battle Creek Trail is situated in Mount Timpanogos’ foothills.

This scenic trail is a moderate trail ideal for seasoned and recreational hikers.

The trailhead is situated in Pleasant Grove’s Kiwanis Park and spans about 2.5 kilometers or 1.6 miles round trip.

Many hikers love this trail because of the scenic view of Mount Timpanogos.

At the same time, it takes them to a nearby waterfall and foothills, which offer gorgeous natural views of the area.

It was named Battle Creek Trail for its historical past.

It’s where the 1849 Battle Creek Massacre happened between Ute Indians and the pioneer settlers.

So, hike through the Battle Creek Trail for some relaxing outdoor activity and some tidbits of history.

See Magnificent Artworks at the Brigham Young University Museum of Art

Exterior of the Brigham Young University Museum of Art

Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Brigham Young University Museum of Art is an incredible place to witness rare artworks collected worldwide.

You can visit this art museum in Provo.

This 10,000-square-foot museum houses over 10,000 artworks from Mahonri Young’s lavish art collection.

The museum exhibits a magnificent display of paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photography, video, and installations.

It also houses permanent collections from renowned artists.

It includes famous artists such as Maynard Dixon, Norman Rockwell, Carl Bloch, and Minerva Teichert.

Whether an avid art fan or a simple visitor, you’re guaranteed a fantastic time at the Brigham Young University Museum of Art.

Reach the Top of Y Mountain

Y Mountain is a uniquely shaped mountain east of Provo.

This mountain stands at 2,613 meters with an elevation gain of 1,074 feet.

Besides its unique geographical features, this mountain is a famous hiking trail.

It’s also where you’ll find the famous Slide Canyon, or what many call the Y Mountain Trail.

It leads hikers to a huge Y block separating the mountain’s base and parking area.

From the Y area, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the City of Provo below and the Utah Lake from a distance.

Many hikers, particularly college students from Brigham Young University, love to climb Y Mountain to see the breathtaking view from below.

Score a Hole-in-One at the Fox Hollow Golf Course

Scenic views from Fox Hollow Golf Course

K. Bradley Washburn / Shutterstock.com

Fox Hollow Golf Course is in East American Fork.

Many golfers are intimidated to play at this course since it’s considered one of the most challenging courses in Utah.

However, it also boasts one of the state’s most gorgeous landscapes and sceneries.

It features an old-style course with an 18-hole championship layout.

The course includes water on five holes, while its premium is on its tee shot on most holes.

It spans over 7,000 yards with par 72 and a 73 rating.

This golf course has been operating for over 50 years and has become one of the iconic courses in Utah County.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or not, Fox Hollow Golf Course is a must-play course for its beautiful landscape and technicality.

Watch a Hockey Game at the Peaks Ice Arena

Exterior of Peaks Ice Arena

Ben P L, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Peaks Ice Arena in Provo is a vast ice-skating rink in Provo, Utah.

It was one of the venues for the 2002 Winter Olympics, featuring two Olympic-sized ice sheets.

This arena can accommodate as many as 2,300 hockey and figure skating spectators.

Interior of Peaks Ice Arena

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s one of Provo’s best sports attractions, regularly hosting local and even high-stakes ice hockey tournaments.

At the same time, it’s also a great place to enjoy ice skating, figure skating, and indoor soccer.

Whether you’re a big hockey fan or want to enjoy skating on ice, Peaks Ice Arena is an exciting place.

Have an Awesome Time at Provo Beach

Provo Beach is a famous family fun center in the city of Provo.

You can visit this vast indoor arcade/theme park along N. University Avenue.

It has all the fun games and rides you can think of, including an indoor surf area they call the Flow Rider.

Also, it has rope and obstacle courses, a bowling alley, a laser tag arena, a carousel, playgrounds for children, and a miniature croquet.

It also has a massive arcade game arena to play nostalgic video games.

After enjoying its attractions and features, head to its retro-style ice cream parlor for some cold treats.

When visiting Utah County, Provo Beach is your go-to place for top-notch family entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Utah County is an incredible travel destination.

Its pristine and unspoiled natural attractions make this region in Utah a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Enjoy the best things to do in Utah County, Utah!

© All rights reserved.