Salt Lake City is Utah's charming capital city, located on the banks of the stunning saltwater lake of the same name. It is known for its attractions connected to the region's Church of Latter-Day Saints’ history. Area visitors and residents can easily take a day trip to some of the Rocky Mountains' top skiing destinations, including the acclaimed Sundance Mountain Resort, which hosts the prestigious Sundance Film Festival each year. Many attractions in the area preserve the history of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games, including Utah Olympic Park, located in Park City. Stunning natural areas include the unique Bonneville Salt Flats -- the United States' top outdoor destinations for motor racing.
From Salt Lake City, you can easily reach Park City, a lovely resort town just east of Salt Lake City, which is the home of festivities connected to Sundance. The city, which also hosted events for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, has been named as one of America's prettiest towns by Forbes Traveler Magazine. Visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at the Park City Mountain and Deer Valley ski resorts. Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the United States. During the summer months, award-winning mountain bike trails meander on the region's mountain slopes. In town, visitors can explore northern Utah's largest collection of factory outlet stores and stroll along its charming Main Street, which showcases many preserved 19th-century buildings from the city's mining town era.
Another place to be sure to visit only a half-hour from Salt Lake City is Ogden, Utah. Ogden is a lovely city, known as the region's first historic settlement during its pioneer era. Today, the city is best known as the gateway to the beautiful Snowbasin, Nordic Valley, and Powder Mountain ski resorts. It is renowned for its bustling nightlife, delicious fine dining destinations, and high-quality shopping. Visitors can peruse the city's historic 25th Street, which was once lined with Prohibition-era speakeasies, and explore its delightful art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Historic Union Station has been converted into a delightful museum complex, home to attractions like the Utah State Railroad Museum, the John M. Browning Firearms Museum, and the Utah State Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Family-friendly attractions include the interactive Treehouse Museum and the unique Eccles Dinosaur Park and Museum, which showcases a paleontology lab and life-sized dinosaur statues.