Historical Museum Guide for Utah

Utah History Museums

The historic courthouse was completed in 1882 and served the Utah Territory.  Today, the well preserved historic structure is a museum focused on the history of Beaver County and the early judicial system.  Located on the Southwest corner of Center Street and First East in Beaver City, UT.

The 3,300-square-foot museum has a rotating gallery and a
history section. The gallery features about two national traveling shows a
year and exhibits by Utah artists, while the history section showcases two
rooms circa 1875 as well as artifacts from the museum's and the Daughters of
the Utah Pioneers' extensive collections. There are also two interactive
areas for families - Eliza's Attic and The Homestead, where young people
have the opportunity to use pioneer tools. Located at 24 North 300 West in Brigham City, UT.

Box Elder Museum of Natural History

Located at 641 E. 200 North in Brigham City, UT.

American West Heritage Center

Take a step back in time with a visit to the old west.  This frontier settlement comes alive with folk life and historical presentations.  Complete with a log house, it is a living history farm in Wellsville, Utah.

Hyrum Museum has closed

Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry   [Additional Information]

More than 30 complete dinosaur skeletons have been removed from this quarry along with several dinosaur eggs and many other dinosaur bones.  The site has been declared a National Natural Landmark.  Renovations are currently being performed to make the Visitor Center a better experience for visitors to the site.

College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum

Visitors will see huge exhibits of dinosaurs and learn about the prehistoric times.  Archaeological digs are still taking place in the area and there are new discoveries to be made.  Located at 155 E. Main Street in Price, UT.

Western Mining and Railroad Museum   [Tour]

Housed inside the 1913 Helper Hotel building, the museum features coal mining exhibits, early photographs of mining camps, artifacts related to the history of early immigrants, and many exhibits of railroad memorabilia.  Located at 296 S. Main in Helper, UT.

Daggett County Centennial Museum

Housed inside what was originally the 1940 Clay Basin School, the museum is part of a complex of historic buildings including the old Daggett County Jail and the School Marm's Cabin.  The museum holds historic artifacts, documents and items related to the history of Daggett County.  Located behind the Daggett County Courthouse located at 95 North 100 West in Manila, UT.

[Historical Homes in Bountiful]

Focused on the early pioneer history of Bountiful, Utah.  845 S. Main Street in Bountiful, UT.

Lagoon Amusement Park and Pioneer Village

This large amusement park has over 50 rides to thrill visitors but also features a Pioneer Village with over 40 buildings which have been reconstructed and fitted with historic artifacts and items from the late 1800s time period.  Located at 375 N. Lagoon Drive in Farmington, UT.

Layton City Heritage Museum  

[Digital Exhibit Hall]  [Pioneer Histories]  [History of Layton]

The Layton City museum preserves and displays exhibits related to the history of North Davis County.  Located at 403 North Wasatch Drive in Layton, UT.

Hill Aerospace Museum

The Hill Aerospace Museum displays over 80 historic military aircraft, missiles and aerospace vehicles with other exhibits including military vehicles, uniforms and other Air Force related items.  Located at 75th ABW/MU at 7961 Wardleigh Road, Building 1955 on Hill Air Force Base near Roy, UT.

Kaysville Historic Tour

S & S Shortline Railroad Park and Museum

Visitors can view and ride on various trains.  Featuring over 90 train engines and cars, the museum offers a 1920s replica of a freight station which houses the museum.  Located at 575 N. 1525 W., Farmington, UT.

Syracuse Museum and Cultural Center

The museum features beautiful murals depicting the history timeline of Syracuse from 1862 to the 1940s.  Next door is The Farm & Home Museum where children can learn about where their food comes from and and historical facts about Syracuse.  Located at 1891 West 1700 South in Syracuse, UT.

Goblin Valley State Park

Fantastic rock formations and coves have been carved by wind and water.  Enter another world.  A phenomenal picture snapping place!  Located between Green River and Hanksville.

John Wesley Powell River History Museum

[Green River Archives]

The museum relates the story of explorer John Wesley Powell, who surveyed the last unknown area of the United States between 1869 and 1872.  Located at 1765 East main Street in Green River, UT.

The museum includes a wide display of collections from prehistoric exhibits to Native American artifacts, there is something for everyone to see and do.  Located at 100 East in Castle Dale, UT.

Anasazi State Park Museum   [Anasazi History]

Visit the site of the prehistoric Indian village at Anasazi State Park and learn of the large Puebloan community of Indians who lived here ca AD 1160 to 1235.  Many artifacts have been unearthed and are on display in the museum. 

Located at 420 N. Highway 12 in Boulder, UT.

Bryce Natural History Museum

The museum features wildlife exhibits, and historic artifacts from ancient Indians of the area.  Located near Bryce Canyon National Park on Byway 12.

Arches National Park

[History & Culture]  [Photo Gallery]  [Directions]

Located 5 miles north of Moab.

Canyonlands National Park

History & Culture]  [Photo Gallery]  [Directions]

Explore the canyons, beautiful formations and see what was left behind by ancient peoples.  There are two paved entrances into Canyonlands National Park.  Begin your visit at the Visitor Center.

Dan O'Laurie Museum of Moab

The museum features exhibits about geology, paleontology, archaeology, mining and pioneer history of the region of Moab, Utah.  Located at 118 E. Center Street in Moab, UT.

Located at the Southern Utah University at 351 W. University Blvd. in Cedar City, UT.

Frontier Homestead State Park Museum

[Park Brochure]

The museum depicts the history of Iron County from the 1850s when Brigham Young sent Mormon missionaries there to mine and process iron.  Exhibits include pioneer artifacts, antique agricultural implements, early horse-drawn vehicles, several historic log cabins,  and iron industry exhibits.  Originally known as Iron Mission State Park Museum.  Located at 635 North Main Street in Cedar City, UT.

Jesse N. Smith House

Constructed 1857-1858, the house was built of native red adobe brick by Jesse N. Smith.  It has been restored and holds a museum.  Located across the street from the Parowan Rock Church at 35 West 100 South in Parowan, UT.

Parowan Rock Church

Built between 1863 and 1867, the beautiful old rock Church was designed after the Salt Lake City Tabernacle.  The Rock Church has been restored.  Located on the Town Square between Center and 100 South on Main Street in Parowan, UT.

Priddy Meeks Cabin

The historical pioneer log cabin was home to Dr. Meeks, the first doctor in Southern Utah.  Located North of Center Street on 400 West in Parowan, UT.

Housed inside the historic 1884 Juab County Courthouse and operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the museum features artifacts, displays and memorabilia related to the history of the first settlers in the Juab Valley.  Located at 4 South Main Street in Eureka, UT.

Pony Express National Historic Trail

Tintic Mining Museum

Featuring historic mining artifacts and relics of Eureka's history dating back to the 1800s, the museum is located on Main Street in Eureka, UT.

Kanab Heritage House Museum

Built in 1894 by John Rider for Henry Bowman, a school teacher and early pioneer of Kanab. In 1896, the house was sold to Thomas Chamberlain.  Today the house has been restored and is being used as a museum featuring historic relics and exhibits about the people who have inhabited Kanab.  Located at the corner of Main and 100 East in Kanab, UT.

Kanab Heritage Museum & Juniper Gallery

Housed inside the old Kanab City Library building, the museum features exhibits related to the history of the Kanab area.  The Juniper Gallery of art is located in the basement of the Kanab Heritage Museum.  Located at 13 South 100 E. in Kanab, UT.

Maynard Dixon Living History Museum

Operated by the Thunderbird Foundation, the museum is housed inside the 1938 home of artist Maynard Dixon.  Docent guided tours by appointment.  Located at 2200 South State Street in Mt. Carmel, UT.

Walking Tour of Historic Kanab

1867 Fort built by Ira Hinckley, commissioned by Mormon President Brigham Young as a way station for weary travelers.  Located at the junction of Highway I-70 and I-15 in the southeast corner of Millard County, UT.

Great Basin Museum

The museum features exhibits about the history of West Millard and includes historical artifacts, pioneer implements, old photos and documents.  Located at 328 West 100 North in Delta, UT.

Territorial State House Museum

Built in 1855 for the first Utah state capital, the State House was to be part of a complex of buildings in the shape of a Roman cross.  However, the state capital was moved to Salt Lake City in 1858.  The building was restored by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and opened as a museum in 1930.  The museum features pioneer artifacts from the Utah Territory time period 1850-1896 along with two pioneer cabins and an 1867 schoolhouse.  Located at 50 West Capitol in Fillmore, UT.

Morgan County Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum

Housed in the original Morgan Stake Tabernacle the museum is focused on the religious history of Morgan County, Utah.  Located at 22 North State Street in Morgan, UT.

Benson Grist Mill

[Mill History]  [Photo Gallery]

In 1854, Ezra Taft Benson built the historic grist mill under the orders of Brigham Young.  The mill operated until 1940.  Sitting unused for over 40 years, restoration of the historic structure was begun in 1983.  The mill is open for special events.  Located at 325 State Road 138 in Stansbury Park, UT.

Chase Museum of Utah Folk Arts

The Isaac Chase home houses the museum inside Liberty Park.  The park itself is steeped in history as it was the farm owned by Isaac Chase and Brigham Young.  The Brigham Young flourmill is also located inside the park.  The museum is devoted to the early folk arts and visitors will find woodcarvings, handmade rugs, Native American crafts, Japanese arts, and Polynesian crafts along with seasonal free musical concerts.  Location is inside Liberty Park in Salt Lake City.

Church History Museum

Visitors will learn about the history of the LDS (Latter Day Saints) Church.  Located at 45 North West Temple Street in Salt Lake City, UT.

Classic Cars International Museum

The museum features over 200 vehicles built between 1913 and the early 1980s.  Cars include a 1957 Rolls Royce convertible, a 1959 Edsel station wagon, a Model A Ford, a Delorean and others.  Located at 355 West 700 South in Salt Lake City, UT.

Fort Douglas Military Museum

{Virtual Tour]  [History Tour]

Fort Douglas features over 100 historic structures built between 1863 and WWII.  The buildings are being preserved by the University of Utah, the US Army Reserve and the Fort Douglas Museum.  Located on the upper campus of the University of Utah at 32 Potter Street in Salt Lake City, UT.

Hellenic Cultural Museum

[Greek American History in Salt Lake City, Utah]

Focused on the history of Greek immigrants whose presence in Utah dates back to 1870.  Learn about their history through historic artifacts, old photographs, costumes and personal histories.  Located at 279 South 300 West in Salt Lake City, UT.

Kennecott Utah Copper Visitor's Center

Known as the world's largest manmade excavation, the copper mine is still being mined.  The visitor's center provides information on how the copper is mined.  Located at 12800 South State Hwy 111 in Bingham Canyon, UT.

Murray City History Museum

Focused on the pioneer movement and history of Murray City, Utah.  Exhibits feature how the farming town became a smelter town.  Located at 5025 South State Street in Murray, UT.

Pioneer Memorial Museum

This collection is considered to be the world's largest collection of artifacts about one particular subject.  Featured are artifacts and memorabilia related to the settlement of the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.  Step back in time to the beginnings of the pioneers who traveled over 2000 miles to settle in Salt Lake City.  Operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the museum is located at 300 North Main Street in Salt Lake City, UT.

Temple Square

[Virtual Tours]

Historic Temple Square in Downtown Salt Lake City is one of Utah's top tourist attractions and the world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Temple Square covers 35 acres and guided tours are available to guide visitors and help them learn about the pioneer heritage of the Mormon culture.  There is a LOT to see here so plan for plenty of time.  If you get the chance, you should hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Of course those of you who are interested in genealogy research, this is where you will find the largest genealogy library in the world.

This is the Place Heritage Park

The 430-acre park marks the place where the first Mormon pioneers made their entry into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.  The "Heritage Village" features over 40 village homes, shops and outbuildings, many of which are original.  Docent guides and interpreters provide demonstrations of crafts, trades and skills of early frontier life in Salt Lake City.  Many children and youth activities are offered including a petting corral, pony rides and crafts.  Located at 2601 Sunnyside Avenue in Salt Lake City, UT.

Wheeler Historic Farm

[History]

The Wheeler Historic Farm has been in existence as a farm since 1853.  The farm today, is being operated as an agricultural living history museum.  The farm features tours of the historic farm house, an 1896 Victorian house filled with antiques and historical artifacts.  Activities include wagon rides, feeding the animals, milking a cow, and many special events throughout the year.  Located at 6351 South 900 East in Salt Lake City, UT.

Once the site of a pre-Columbian Pueblo Indian Ruin, the museum contains the artifacts uncovered during the archaeological digs.   Visitors will also find exhibits about the Navajo and Utah Indians and a great collection of Anasazi pottery.  Located at 660 W. 400 North in Blanding, UT.

Bishop Seely House / Relic Museum

The adobe house was built in 1869 and was home to Bishop William Seely, a Mt. Pleasant Mayor.  Today the historic house serves as a museum filled with old photographs and artifacts which tell the story of the pioneers who settled here.  Considered to be one of Sanpete's most historic sites.  There is a log hut used as a blacksmith shop for demonstrations.  Located at 156 South State in Mt. Pleasant, UT.

Fairview Museum of History and Art

The museum features historical data, artifacts, photos and artwork and a Columbian mammoth which was unearthed in 1988  on Wasatch Plateau.  Located at 85 North 100 East in Fairview, UT.

John Patten DUP Museum

Housed inside the historic 1854 house built by John Patten, the museum is maintained by the Manti Daughters of Utah Pioneers.  Located at 300 North 100 West in Manti, UT.

Manti Historic City Hall

The historic building has been restored and is available for rental for special events.  Located at 50 South Main in Manti, UT.

Spring City Old City Hall & DUP Museum

The Old City Hall was built in 1893 of oolitic limestone and served as a schoolhouse until 1900.  The building served as the City Hall of Spring until 1988.  Today it serves as a museum operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.  Located at 46 North Main in Spring City, UT.

Fremont Indian State Park and Museum 

[Fremont People]

Fremont Indian Village was accidentally discovered during the construction of U.S. Interstate 70 and presents visitors with Indian artifacts, petro glyphs and pictographs.  The museum features preserved artifacts and treasures of the Fremont People who inhabited the area in years gone by.  Located on Interstate 70 about 21 miles SW of Richfield, UT.

Located at the Utah Olympic Park, features include the history of skiing in the Wasatch, the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Gallery, the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame, and an interactive virtual reality ski theater.

Park City Museum and Territorial Jail 

[Exhibits]   [Park City History Timeline]

The museum explores and preserves the heritage of Park City, Utah.  Exhibits include historical silver mining in the Silver King mine, winter sports, the old 1885 Territorial Jail and even an old stagecoach.

Summit County Historical Museum   [Summit County History]

Located in the basement of the county courthouse at Coalville, you will find a legacy of history left behind by Summit County ancestors.  Located at 60 N. Main Street in Coalville, UT.

Donner Reed Museum  

[View Collection]

The museum features exhibits of artifacts related to the story of the Donner-Reed Party who crossed the salt desert to reach the Tooele Valley.  Operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the museum is open by appointment.  Call 435-884-0824 or 435-884-3411.  Located at 90 North Cooley in Grantsville, UT.

Tooele Pioneer Museum

[Photo Inside the Museum]

Dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of pioneer memorabilia, the museum strives to provide visitors insight into the history of pioneers in Tooele, Utah.  Operated by the Tooele Chapter of The Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the museum holds many materials of historic value including: photographs, written histories, artifacts and memorabilia.  An historic log cabin which is said to be one of the first log cabins in Tooele, has been moved to the grounds of this museum.   Located at 39 E. Vine Street in Tooele, UT.

Tooele Valley Railroad Museum

The museum is focused on the the history of railroading, smelting and mining in the Tooele Valley of Utah.  Located at 35 N. Broadway in Tooele, UT.

Utah Museum of Fire Service History and Firefighter Memorial

[Photo Gallery]

The museum features over 50 restored antique fire trucks and a memorial to Utah firefighters who died in the line of duty.  Located at the Deseret Peak Complex at 2930 W Highway 112 in Tooele, UT.

Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum at Vernal

Housed inside the historic 1887 rock building, used as a tithing office, the museum is operated by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.  The museum offers displays of artifacts, photos and histories of the area from the mid 1800s.  Located at 186 South 500 West in Vernal, UT.

Western Heritage Museum

The museum features exhibits, historical artifacts and displays related to the early pioneer settlers, Fremont & Ute Native American Indians, miners, soldiers, women, lawmen and outlaws who were key in the history of the Uinta Basin of Utah.  Located at 328 East 200 South in Vernal, UT.

BYU Museum of Paleontology

The museum houses the rock and dinosaur fossils collected by Dr. James A. Jenson from locations in Utah, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming over several decades.  Located at 1683 N. Canyon Road in Provo, UT.

Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum

[Virtual Tour]

Built originally by the United States because it was thought the Mormons were rebelling against US laws, over 3500 U.S. Army troops were sent to the area.  There was never a Mormon rebellion.  Today, all that survives are a cemetery and the Commissary Building.  The Camp Floyd Commissary Building serves as a museum.  Across the street is the Stagecoach Inn built in 1858 by John Carson.  The Stagecoach Inn was used as a stop on both the Overland State Route and the Pony Express Routes.  The Stagecoach Inn has been restored and contains period furnishings.  The Camp Floyd Cemetery was in use from 1858 to 1861.  All records of soldiers and grave locations have been lost.  The Fairfield District one-room-schoolhouse is available for school groups to enjoy.  Located at 18035 W 1540 N in Fairfield, UT.

Crandall Historical Printing Museum

Visitors to the Crandall Historical Printing Museum will learn about the history of printing and it's impact on world history.  From the first implements for writing to the printing today, visitors will learn all about the written words of writers past and present.  Located at 275 East Center Street in Provo, UT.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers Relic Hall - American Fork

Features pioneer history through antiques, historic photographs and items of descendants of the American Fork, Utah area.  Located at the site are historic cabins filled with historical artifacts and original furnishings.  Located at 50 S 100 East in American Fork, UT.

John Hutchings Museum of Natural History

Includes natural history along with pioneer heritage.  The museum is housed in the historic Veteran's Memorial Building located at 55 N. Center Street in Lehi, UT.

Mapleton Historical Museum

Housed inside the historical 1895 Roswell D. Bird house, the museum features old photographs and artifacts as well as a library filled with histories and journals of people who traveled through the area of Mapleton, Utah.  Located at 370 N 1600 W in Mapleton, UT..

Museum of Peoples and Cultures at Brigham Young University

Visitors will learn about various cultures around the world through folklore, folktales and stories about the children from other parts of the world.  Special programs are geared toward preschool and young children.  Located at 100 E 700 N in Provo, UT.

Museum of Ancient Life

Featuring exhibits of fossils and bones from dinosaurs and discoveries at nearby paleontology sites, the museum is located at 2929 North Thanksgiving Way in Lehi, UT.

Nielsen's Grove Museum

Housed inside a replica of the original home of Jorgen Nielsen, a Danish immigrant.  The museum holds historical artifacts and photos related to the history of the Nielsen family and the Kongens Have, the Danish gardens that inspired Jorgen Nielsen to create the beautiful gardens for the community.  Located at 1931 S. Sandhill Road in Orem, UT.

Orem Heritage Museum

Focused on relating the history of the city of Orem through historical artifacts and exhibits.  Collections include Indian petro glyphs and arrowheads, Geneva Street and SCERA memorabilia, military exhibits and historic household items.  Located at 745 South State Street, 2nd floor of the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem, UT.

Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center

The museum is housed inside a 1901 Victorian style building which once served as an the Peteetneet Elementary School.  The building was saved from demolition and has been preserved to it's original beauty.  The school / museum was named after the Ute Indian Chief Peteetneet who lived near Payson Creek and features exhibits and displays related to the history of the Payson, Utah area.  Located at 10 N 600 E in Payson, UT.

Springville Museum of Art

The museum exhibits a collection of over 2500 works of art related to Utah, Soviet Russia and American Art.  Located at 126 E 400 S in Springville, UT.

Woodbury Art Museum

Devoted to the collection, preservation and exhibition of art and and related materials.  Collections include Western and Native American art related to the history of Utah.  Located at   575 East University Parkway N250 on the southeast corner of the University Mall in Orem, UT. 

Ogden City History

Fort Buena Ventura

A reproduction of the 1845 Fort Buena Ventura has been built on the original site and features artifacts and displays related to the history of this historic site.  Located at 2450 A Avenue in Ogden, UT.

Hill Aerospace Museum

The museum features exhibits of more than 90 military aircraft, missiles and aerospace vehicles, military equipment, uniforms and thousands of other historical artifacts.  Located at the 75th ABWMU at 7961 Wardleigh Road, Building 1955 on Hill AFB, UT.

John M. Browning Firearms Museum

The museum features original models of firearms designed by John M. Browning including rifles, shotguns, pistols, machine guns and cannons.  Located on the second floor of Union Station at 2501 Wall Avenue in Ogden, UT.

North Ogden Historical Museum

Focus is on the history of North Ogden and it's early settlement.  Located at 332 E. Pleasant View Drive in North Ogden, UT on the second floor of the North Ogden Public Works Building.

Ogden Union Station Railroad and Museum

Housed in the old train depot, there are actually several museums at this location.  Eccles Rail Center, the Utah State Railroad Museum, the Browning-Kimball Car Museum, the Browning Firearms Museum and the Union Station Natural History Museum.  Located at 2501 Wall Street in Ogden, UT.

Pioneer Museum and the Miles Goodyear Cabin

The museum displays items from the Mormon pioneering days.  The Goodyear cabin was built ca 1845 and is located next to the Pioneer Museum.  Both can be found at 2148 Grant Avenue in downtown Ogden, UT.

Shooting Star Saloon

Shooting Star Saloon on Facebook

The oldest operating saloon in Utah.  Located at 4350 E 200 S in Huntsville, UT.

Museum Index for Other States

Utah Census Records