12 Legitimately Fun Things You Can Do In Utah Without Spending A Dime
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Remember when you whined about being bored and your mom told you that, “Only boring people are boring?” Well, Mom was right. Look around! There are tons of cool things to do in Utah…without spending a dime (of course, you’ll probably need some gas in your car to get there, but once you arrive, this stuff is free).
Utah has a bunch of really cool ghost towns (this photo was taken in Cisco). Grab your camera, hop in the car and spend the afternoon wandering through some cool, old buildings. We can't guarantee that you'll see a ghost - that's highly unlikely, actually - but you'll definitely get some unforgettable pics. For some ideas, take this Southern Utah road trip.
Visit Spiral Jetty to see Robert Smithson's incredible, 1,500-foot long work of art. He created it in 1970 from basalt rocks. In the past, this sculpture was hidden by water; in recent years the lake has receded enough that you can walk right up to it.
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If the cold weather's got you down and the kids are climbing the walls, take a trip to your local library. You'll find thousands of books there, of course, but you might also be surprised at what else your library has to offer. Ask the librarian for an events calendar, and check out everything from puppet shows to guest lectures. You can also check out DVDs, music and other media to take home and entertain yourself there.
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These springs are on private property, but the owner generously makes them available to the public. Grab a towel and your swimsuit (no nudity, please!) and spend the afternoon splashing or soaking. Check out this article
for more details.
Utah has so many hiking trails, and many are easily accessible from your house, no matter where you live. Take along some weather-appropriate clothing and snacks, and enjoy the day in Utah's wilderness. This is Silver Lake, an easy hike that almost every Utahn can enjoy. For more easy hiking ideas, click here.
Winter is almost here! When you can't hike, you can always snowshoe. It's free - and it's great winter exercise.
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Tour the grounds to see canons, tanks and helicopters, then go inside the museum for even more history. Talk to one of the docents - they're passionate about this place's history and you'll learn a lot! You'll find Fort Douglas on the University of Utah campus at 32 Potter Street, Salt Lake City.
In just a few short weeks, Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City will become a holiday wonderland. Thousands of twinkle lights grace this iconic Utah place. Bundle up the family and wander through the grounds for a magical evening.
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Just a few blocks from Temple Square, you'll find the stunning Cathedral of the Madeleine. Take a tour, or enjoy one of the free concerts in this beautiful place of worship. Visit the cathedral's website for dates and times.
This historic fort was built in 1867, and provided a place for travelers to rest and resupply before continuing their journeys. See what life was like back then, and chat with the docents who can tell you more. Cove Fort is located near Beaver.
You'll find this sculpture garden both strange and enchanting, and it's bound to spark some conversation. Visit it at 749 E. 500 S. in Salt Lake City. To learn more about the garden, read this article.
Learn about ancient cultures and some of Utah's more recent history. This museum on the campus of BYU is free to the public! 2201 N. Canyon Road, Provo.
Do you have a favorite activity in Utah that’s free? Share it with us! Utahns certainly aren’t bored! We’re some of the happiest people in the country! Read this article for proof.
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