Utah
Experiences|Museums

Take An Adventure Through Time 1,000 Years Into The Past At Utah’s Anasazi State Park Museum

Anasazi State Park Museum in Boulder, Utah, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people through ruins, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Published Jun 25, 2020

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

More than a thousand years ago, Ancestral Pueblo people lived here in southern Utah. They were farmers, and they built villages, hunted local game, and gathered nuts, berries, and native plants. Archaeologists have long studied these people and their culture, and you can get a glimpse of it at the Anasazi State Park Museum. Take a look:

You'll find the Anasazi State Park Museum in the little town of Boulder. Step back in time to the year 1050, when Ancestral Pueblo People (aka Anasazi) lived here.

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Check out the Coombs Site Ruins, where the dwellings of these fascinating people have been uncovered. The majority of the excavations were made by the University of Utah in 1958 and 1959, with a few smaller-scale excavations in 1971 and 1991.

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The work of archaeologists uncovered 97 rooms and 10 pit houses that provide clues about how the Anasazi lived. Hundreds of thousands of artifacts, from tools and weapons to pots and other household items were also discovered.

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While you're exploring the grounds of this state park, check out the replica pit building. You can descend the ladder to see what it's like in this underground structure.

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You'll also want to explore the replica, six-room pueblo. Walk right inside and imagine what life was like here 1,000 years ago.

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Inside the museum, you'll find tons of interactive displays that will tell you more about these ancient people. Though it seems that they had plentiful food and an advanced society, life was still not easy. The average adult had a life span of less than 35 years.

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Check out some of the everyday items that were unearthed at the Coombs Site. You'll see pottery, arrowheads, jewelry, and more.

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The museum also has a replica building with even more information. Use your imagination a little, and you can envision a society that disappeared around 1175 A.D. The museum is open seven days a week, year-round. Check its website for seasonal hours.

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Learn more about the Anasazi State Park Museum on its website. Have you visited this intriguing place? We'd love to hear about your adventure in the comments!

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Experiences|Museums

This Unique Museum In Utah Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

Published Mar 6, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Here in Utah, we know a thing or two about fickle weather. It’s not uncommon to bundle up in snow gear in the morning and dress down in shorts and sandals by dinner time. Fortunately, there are many places in the Beehive State for you to explore no matter what the weather is outside. One of our favorites is the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum in Provo. This unique museum in Utah is perfect for the entire family and you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. You never know what incredible things you will see and learn here.

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Welcome to the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, also known as the Bean Museum. This natural history museum is located on the Brigham Young University campus in Provo.

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Visitor parking can be found north of the museum in the designated parking signs. You will need to register your license plate at the front desk when entering the museum.

As you walk around the Bean Museum, you will find all types of exhibits that teach you more about the planet we live on and make you develop a new appreciation for the many creatures found on it.

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You’ll find exhibits that teach you about freshwater and marine ecosystems, remarkable insects, and the critical role plants play on the earth.

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There are exhibits that look at the unique characteristics of earth, our stewardship to protect and care for the planet, and even threatened, endangered, and extinct life forms.

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There is so much to do and see at the Bean Museum that we suggest setting aside several hours to explore.

In addition to the many exhibits you will see, the Bean Museum regularly hosts events such as Family Nights, Trivia Night, and lectures.

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The Bean Museum in Provo is open six days a week (closed Sundays). It is free of charge, making it the perfect family day trip destination in Utah County.

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For more information on the Bean Museum in Provo, including dates and times for upcoming events, visit the Brigham Young University website.

Have you been to the Bean Museum in Provo? What is the most unique museum in Utah you’ve explored? What are some of your favorite year-round attractions in the Beehive State? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments. You can also fill out this form and nominate some of your favorites.

If you are looking for another unique museum in Utah to explore, check out the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum in Salt Lake City.

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Experiences|Museums

With 22 Buildings Full Of Antiques, This Small Town Museum In Utah Is A True Hidden Gem

Wallsburg, Utah is home to the Richard W. Erickson Foundation Antique and Classic Power Museum, featuring an extensive collection of vintage vehicles and machinery.

Published May 19, 2023

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Wallsburg, Utah is a small town in Wasatch County with a population of approximately 200 individuals. While small, it is certainly a beautiful place to visit and a destination I highly recommend. Plus, it is also home to one true hidden gem — the Richard W. Erickson Foundation Antique and Classic Power Museum. But, unlike the town, this museum in Utah is anything but small. Here, you’ll find 22 buildings filled with antiques, classic vehicles, and so much more.

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The Antique and Classic Power Museum in Wallsburg is actually one of the best displays of vintage vehicles and engines in Utah. Enthusiasts will love browsing this museum and even those who know little about these incredible machines will find something that captures their attention.

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This museum features 22 buildings that are each filled with incredible machines and antique items. Here, you’ll find a collection of more than 150 motorcycles, some dating back to the 1900s. Believe us, this collection is extremely impressive.

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There are all types of classic vehicles such as a Model T and Model A, vintage trucks, muscle cars, and more.

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You won’t want to miss the antique farm equipment on display at this museum either. With more than 120 tractors and other machinery, you will certainly feel like you've taken a step back in time.

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Richard Erickson Power Show And Museum/Facebook

There are also dozens of antiques and other items at this museum. Give yourself plenty of time to just explore and observe — you'll definitely need it.

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Richard Erickson Power Show And Museum/Facebook

One of our favorite attractions at this museum is the pioneer village where you will find log cabins, a shoe shop, stores, and even a historic church from the 1800s.

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And while the museum is always worthy of a visit, the Richard W. Erickson Foundation hosts several must-visit events throughout the summer months including the Antique and Power Show, TedFest, and the Wasatch Boomerfest.

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To visit the Richard W. Erickson Foundation Antique and Classic Power Museum, you will need to schedule a tour in advance by emailing [email protected]. You can also explore and enjoy all of the attractions during any of the museum's annual events.

Have you ever been to the Antique and Classic Power Museum in Wallsburg, Utah? What were some of your favorite attractions at this museum? Let us know in the comments! You can also learn more and purchase tickets to upcoming events on the official Richard W. Erickson Foundation Antique and Classic Power Museum website. Make sure to follow the museum’s Facebook page for event news and updates as well.

And, did you know that Wallsburg is considered one of the best small towns in Utah to enjoy some peace and quiet? Check out the other charming places in the Beehive State that made the list.

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