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Nature|Parks & Gardens

This Underrated Spot In The Middle Of A Park Is The Perfect Utah Family Destination

Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City offers a unique experience with diverse bird species, educational programs, and family-friendly events.

Published Sep 16, 2016

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

Are you looking for a new spot to take the family next weekend? You've probably already been to Hogle Zoo...but how about Tracy Aviary? This pretty little bird sanctuary houses many species of birds and offers both education and entertainment. Take in a bird show, chat with a docent and say hello. This place is literally for the birds!

Tracy Aviary is tucked away on the west side of Liberty Park in Salt Lake City.

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Let's take a walk through Tracy Aviary...

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Tracy Aviary/Facebook

You'll find some beautiful spots here.

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The pond is always lovely, and often full of feathered friends.

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If you're looking for a quiet spot to sit and relax, you'll find that too.

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The flamingo pool is always buzzing with activity...

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...and sometimes the star of the show is a baby flamingo chick or two.

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Of course, you'll want to meet the King of the Andes.

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This is Andy N. Condor. He's a a 57-year-old Andean Condor with an impressive wing span.

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Andy even has his very own Facebook page. No kidding.

Seriously. Look at that wing span.

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Andy N. Condor/Facebook

On his Facebook page, Andy's list of personal interests includes sunbathing, frolicking in the flowerbeds and going for walks.

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The peacocks at Tracy Aviary are also pretty impressive.

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Pelicans are another aviary favorite.

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Get up close and personal with DaVinci, a great green mackaw (and his aviary handler).

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Say hello to a golden eagle.

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The bald eagles are a bit more standoffish.

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Sun conures are friendly, colorful little birds.

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Take a stroll through the Owl Forest, where you'll see...

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great grey owls...

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barred owls...

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and a gorgeous great horned owl - just to name a few.

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Tracy Aviary is the perfect place to work on your Boy Scout Bird Study Merit Badge.

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And Girl Scouts can get their Junior Animal Habitats Badge, too.

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Join Tracy Aviary for Halloween Hoot on Saturday, October 29th.

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The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes a Halloween bird show, crafts for the kids, face painting, story time and more.

Tracy Aviary is open every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's located at 589 E. 1300 S., on the west side of Liberty Park, in Salt Lake City.

Admission is $9.95 for ages 13 and older; $7.95 for students with ID, members of the military and seniors; $5.95 for kids 3-12 years old; free for toddlers and babies 2 years old or less.

If you love the Aviary and want to visit often, you'll save with an annual membership.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

With A Covered Playground And Walking Path, This Family-Friendly Park In Utah Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 19, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

St. George is home to some of my favorite city parks in Utah. This southern Utah paradise is where you can find the incredible Thunder Junction All Abilities Park and Pioneer Park. It is also where you can find Cottonwood Cove, one of the best family-friendly summer day trip destinations. This park has something for everyone from the ultimate playground to a walking path, climbing wall, swinging benches, and so much more. It’s the type of place that everyone will squeal for joy to visit.

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Cottonwood Cove Park is a local favorite in St. George. This beautiful community park is 24.8 acres and is located at 1027 South Dixie Drive.

A park scene featuring a playground, picnic area, and a mountain backdrop under a clear blue sky.
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Here, you’ll find many traditional park amenities like a covered pavilion, picnic tables, and lots of grassy areas.

A grassy park area with sparse trees and shrubs, set against a backdrop of hills and a blue sky with clouds.
Kathryn Featherstone/Google

I particularly love the swinging benches that look right over the playground. This is where I love to relax while my kids unleash their energy.

A swing hangs from a wooden pergola in a sunny park, surrounded by greenery and tall grasses.
Lydia Kluge/Google

And the playground at Cottonwood Cove Park is the perfect place for running and playing. This large playground has activities for all ages and even better, a large portion is shaded, protecting your young ones from the hot southern Utah sun.

A playground with a shade structure, swings, and a climbing structure, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background.
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There is also a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pit if your family wants to unleash their competitive side.

A sandy volleyball court with a net, surrounded by grass and trees under a clear blue sky.
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You can also build some strength and have some fun on the two climbing walls in the park.

Two children climbing a textured rock wall at a playground, with trees and a play structure in the background.
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Just make sure you give yourself some time to walk along the Santa Clara River Trail that runs through the park. This is a great place to walk or run.

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A winding path beside a wall, lined with vibrant pink flowers and tall grasses, set against a mountainous backdrop.
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And despite being in the city, this park has elements of nature running through. It’s truly a little escape on a summer day.

For more information on Cottonwood Cove Park, visit the City of St. George website.

What are your favorite city parks in the Beehive State? What is your favorite summer day trip in Utah? Let us know in the comments. We are always looking for new destinations to visit.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Perfect Afternoon Is Spent At Nielsen’s Grove Park, The Oldest City Park In Utah

Published Jun 19, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Orem is a fabulous place to explore in Utah. This city is not only home to delicious restaurants, but also the Hale Center Theater, Hang Time Adventure Park, and more. Here, you will also find Nielsen’s Grove Park, the oldest city park in Utah. This destination is where you can spend an entire day walking around the gorgeous grounds, visiting the historic structures, enjoying a picnic, and more. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon outdoors in Utah County.

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I love visiting parks throughout Utah. While the Salt Lake Valley has several bucket-list-worthy parks to explore, one that should not be overlooked is Nielsen’s Grove Park in Utah County.

Sign for Nielsen's Grove in Orem, featuring decorative roses and information about the park's history and features.
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This park dates back to 1880 when it was first established by a Danish immigrant named Jorgen Nielsen. Today, it is 21 acres with several features for a beautiful day outdoors.

A scenic garden with neatly trimmed hedges and mountains in the background under a colorful sky at dusk.
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There are many traditional park amenities here including a playground, restrooms, and large grassy spaces.

A playground with slides and climbing structures, surrounded by gravel and grass, under a partly cloudy sky.
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You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some time outside in one of the small pavilions with tables. There are 11 small pavilions in this park (each pavilion seats eight individuals) and one large pavilion that seats 120 individuals.

A sunny park scene with green grass, tall trees, and a gazebo under a clear blue sky.
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I particularly love the beauty that is found in this park. As you walk around, you’ll find a large pond where you might spot some wildlife …

A serene pond surrounded by rocks and greenery, featuring a fountain and trees under a cloudy sky.
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… and even a large fountain where you can just sit back and listen to the sound of falling water.

A fountain in a park surrounded by tall trees and a clear blue sky, with mountains in the background.
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The garden area is easily one of the best spaces to explore. In the spring, more than 24,000 tulips bloom, creating a sea of color that is enchanting in every way.

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A vibrant garden filled with colorful flowers and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
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Preserved historic structures are also found in Nielsen’s Grove Park in Orem with signs that tell you about each one's earlier life.

A modern wooden greenhouse with solar panels, surrounded by grass and trees, set against a mountain backdrop.
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Adults and children alike will also love visiting the large carousel swing or walking on the path that takes you around the park.

A playground swing set with a large sign titled "The Swing" in a park surrounded by trees and gravel.
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The entire family will find something delightful to love at Nielsen’s Grove Park — it’s the perfect place for an afternoon adventure.

A serene park scene with tall trees, a curved pathway, and a pond reflecting the clear blue sky.
Matt Graham/Google

For more information on the oldest city park in Utah, visit the City of Orem website.

Have you spent time at Nielsen Grove Park? What did you love most about this destination? What is your favorite city park in Utah? Let us know in the comments.

If you need the perfect travel bag to carry all of your items for a day at the park, check out the Foldie. This is one of our favorite travel accessories.

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