There are some experiences you can truly find only in Utah. If you're looking for an incredible winter activity that's thrilling beyond belief, check this out!
The Utah Olympic Park is a one-of-a-kind venue where Olympians train and Utahns get to experience a tiny taste of the Olympic experience.
The Olympic Sliding Track was the site of the 2002 Winter Olympic luge, skeleton and bobsled events. It's still used for events such as the IBSF Bobsled & Skeleton North American Cup, which was held in November.
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The track is also available for the Winter Bobsled Experience, which is open to the public. Climb aboard the bobsled to see what it feels like to race down the track like an Olympian!
You'll be all set up with safety gear and basic instructions, and you'll have a professional pilot who will take you for the ride.
During your thrilling ride, you'll reach speeds up to 70 mph and experience four to five times the force of gravity.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime activity, but one that most people in the country don't have the opportunity to try.
The Utah Olympic Park is located at 3419 Olympic Parkway in Park City. The Winter Bobsled Experience is available December 1st to April 2nd.
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You'll need to make reservations in advance. For tickets, click here.
Have you ever ridden the bobsled at Utah Olympic Park? We'd love to hear about your experience!
On September 11, 1857, one of the most horrific massacres in U.S. history occurred in Southern Utah. It played a tragic piece in Utah history that many still reflect upon today. While the story is heartbreaking and awful, it is creepy and spooky as well. In fact, today, the Mountain Meadows Massacre site is said to be the most haunted place in Utah.
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The Baker-Fancher wagon train was made up of men, women, and children from Arkansas who were traveling through Utah to California. The wagon train was attacked by a group of Mormon Militia on September 11, 1857.
During the attack, between 120 and 140 men, women, and children were slaughtered. The Mormon militia fabricated a story, blaming the Paiute for the massacre. They hastily buried the bodies in shallow graves, which were promptly dug up by coyotes and other wild animals. Within a few days of the massacre, bodies and body parts were scattered over two miles, left to rot in the sun.
The youngest members of the party were spared, and the 17 surviving children (all of whom were under the age of seven) were "adopted" by local Mormon families. When the children's relatives from Arkansas attempted to take the children back home, they were refused. It took two years, and intervention from the U.S. Army, for the children to be returned.
News of the massacre made national headlines and people all over the country were horrified.
This ink drawing of the victims' bodies was placed on the cover of Harpers Weekly. After the initial outrage, nearby settlers collected the most obvious body parts and buried them, mostly in two mass graves.
Throughout the years since the massacre, many visitors to this area report that it's haunted.
Mostly, people report an eerie feeling of being watched. But, some say that they hear the cries of children, women screaming, and men shouting. Since the dead weren't properly buried, it would make sense that the pioneers who were butchered so violently would not be at rest.
A few visitors have reported seeing a woman walking across the meadow, acting as though she's searching for something — perhaps her children? Others report seeing school-aged children running through the fields, laughing.
These aren't the only reports of paranormal activity at this historic site.
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There are a few accounts of an older man, seen in broad daylight at the memorial, sobbing. He's wearing clothing from the 1800s and is thought to be the ghost of John D. Lee, the man who was executed by firing squad for the massacre. Lee was the only man punished for the crimes, and historians believe he was a scapegoat to divert attention from other officials who knew about, ordered, and orchestrated the massacre of so many innocent people.
If you've never visited the Mountain Meadows Massacre, take time to stop by this memorial. It's located off U.S. Highway 18, near St. George.
If you sit quietly and listen, you just might hear the voices of the dead on the wind.
Do you think the Mountain Meadow Massacre site is the most haunted place in Utah? Have you visited the area? Did you see or hear anything creepy there? If so, let us know in the comments!
Despite this piece of tragic Utah history, the Mountain Meadow Massacre site is an excellent road trip stop. However, before you go, make sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list.
I am a mom of three children under the age of 11. I know how hard it can be to keep kids entertained and provide them with an indoor space where they can play, run, step away from screens, and unleash that built-up energy. That’s why Luv 2 Play in Sandy is the ultimate family-friendly destination. It’s home to an indoor playground in Utah, an arcade, and a café. It’s easy to spend hours here.
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Your children will squeal for joy when you tell them you are visiting Luv 2 Play. This indoor playground in Utah has something for every member of the family as young as one year old. You will find this destination on the second floor of the South Town Mall in Sandy.
Inside, your children will be drawn to the 10,000-square-foot indoor playground. They will be able to climb, crawl, slide, and even soar on all of the various features. The playground has three levels and includes multiple slides, a mini zipline, tubes, ball blasters, and more.
There’s even a play area for toddlers complete with a ball pit, mini slide, and sensory play panels.
For those under one, head to the baby area designed with features to improve motor skills and color recognition.
When your children need a break from the running and sliding, there’s nothing quite like the arcade. This area features a variety of games where you can win some cool prizes.
Plus, when hunger strikes, you and your family don’t have to leave. In fact, you can have a delicious meal right at the playground. Luv 2 Play is also home to a tasty café where you can order everything from quick snacks and drinks to full meals including hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, macaroni and cheese, and so much more.
There are meals for adults and kids alike. You can also just stop in and grab a cup of coffee, a cookie, candy bar, or ice cream. It’s a great way to fuel your body for another round of playing.
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Luv 2 Play in Sandy, Utah is more than just an indoor playground — it’s an exciting family-friendly destination. Come prepared for a day of fun no matter your age.
For more information, visit the Luv 2 Play website and the Luv 2 Play Facebook page.
Have you spent time at this indoor playground in Utah? What are some of your favorite family-friendly destinations in Utah? Let us know in the comments. For even more family adventures, check out Viator for ideas.