Provo UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Provo, Utah.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
MAJESTIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning 607-foot waterfall with easy-to-navigate trails and shaded paths for visitors to enjoy. The scenic waterfall offers picturesque views and riverside picnic spots for families wanting to relax in nature. Visitors can splash around in the basin at the foot of the falls while hiking along the scenic trails in the surrounding area.
2. Provo Canyon
SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN VALLEY
Provo Canyon is a vast valley nestled between Mount Timpanogos and Mount Cascade, offering colorful views of mossy mountains. The canyon provides numerous hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. Its picturesque landscape makes it a perfect destination for photography, picnics, and connecting with nature just outside the city.
3. Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
EDUCATIONAL WILDLIFE EXHIBITS
The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum houses an expansive collection of wildlife exhibits and educational displays that have been significantly expanded in recent years. The museum offers an engaging learning environment that's especially great for children interested in natural sciences. Visitors can explore various ecosystems and learn about diverse animal species through interactive and informative displays.
4. Provo City Center Temple
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Provo City Center Temple is an architecturally stunning religious building that serves as both a spiritual center and historical landmark in downtown Provo. Converted from the historic Provo Tabernacle after a fire, the temple features beautiful gardens and intricate detail work that attracts visitors regardless of religious affiliation. The temple grounds are open to the public and offer peaceful surroundings for reflection and appreciation of its architectural beauty.
5. BYU Museum of Paleontology
PREHISTORIC DINOSAUR DISPLAYS
The BYU Museum of Paleontology showcases fascinating dinosaur fossils and prehistoric exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages. The museum houses an impressive collection of specimens that highlight Utah's rich paleontological history. Interactive displays and educational materials make this an engaging destination for families and science enthusiasts alike.
6. Brigham Young University Museum of Art
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Brigham Young University Museum of Art houses a diverse collection of fine art spanning various periods and styles. The museum regularly features rotating exhibitions alongside its permanent collection, providing fresh experiences for repeat visitors. Its thoughtfully curated displays offer cultural enrichment and artistic inspiration to students and community members alike.
7. Rock Canyon
RUGGED GEOLOGICAL WONDER
Rock Canyon is a striking geological formation that offers spectacular hiking trails with panoramic views of Provo and Utah Valley. The canyon features distinctive rock formations and diverse plant life that change with the seasons. Rock climbers particularly enjoy this location for its challenging routes and natural beauty.
8. The Covey Center For The Arts
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Covey Center For The Arts serves as Provo's premier performing arts venue, hosting a variety of theatrical productions, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year. The center features a state-of-the-art main theater as well as gallery spaces for visual art exhibitions. Its diverse programming supports local artists while bringing quality entertainment to the Provo community.
9. Utah Lake State Park
FRESHWATER RECREATION HAVEN
Utah Lake State Park offers extensive recreational opportunities on Utah's largest freshwater lake with activities including fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can catch panfish and catfish, take canoes out on the water, or relax on sailboats in the calm waters. The park features woodland trails with breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.
10. Seven Peaks Waterpark
FAMILY AQUATIC ENTERTAINMENT
Seven Peaks Waterpark is one of Utah's largest water parks, offering a refreshing escape during hot summer months with numerous water slides and pools. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water attractions suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. The park includes grassy areas for sunbathing and multiple dining options for a complete day of family entertainment.
11. The Shops at Riverwoods
UPSCALE OUTDOOR SHOPPING
The Shops at Riverwoods is an attractive outdoor shopping center located at the entrance to Provo Canyon. The center features a collection of boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars in a beautifully landscaped setting. Visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience while taking in views of the nearby mountains and natural surroundings.
12. Peaks Ice Arena
OLYMPIC ICE SKATING VENUE
The Peaks Ice Arena is a historic venue that hosted ice hockey competitions during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The arena offers public skating sessions, professional ice-skating lessons, and hosts competitive ice hockey matches between local teams. Its Olympic legacy makes it a significant attraction for sports enthusiasts and those interested in Winter Games history.
13. Mount Timpanogos Trails
ICONIC MOUNTAIN HIKING
Mount Timpanogos Trails offer some of Utah's most spectacular alpine hiking experiences with routes that lead to breathtaking summit views. The trails wind through diverse ecosystems featuring wildflower meadows, forests, and eventually above the treeline to panoramic vistas. Hikers can observe local wildlife while conquering one of Utah's most iconic peaks standing at nearly 12,000 feet in elevation.
14. Sundance Ski Resort
FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Sundance Ski Resort, founded by Robert Redford, is a picturesque mountain resort offering world-class skiing in winter and numerous outdoor activities during summer months. The resort maintains a rustic charm while providing high-quality amenities including dining, accommodations, and spa services. Located just outside Provo, Sundance hosts the famous Sundance Film Festival and offers year-round cultural events alongside its outdoor recreation opportunities.
15. Heber Valley Swiss Village
EUROPEAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Heber Valley Swiss Village in nearby Midway offers visitors a taste of European culture with its distinctively Swiss architecture and atmosphere. The village features charming shops, restaurants serving authentic Swiss cuisine, and cultural events celebrating the area's Swiss heritage. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque setting against the backdrop of surrounding mountains that reminded early Swiss settlers of their homeland.