Natural History Museum of Utah at the Rio Tinto Center is on the University of Utah campus at 301 Wakara Way. A 42,000-square-foot ribbon of locally mined copper wraps around the exterior of this sustainable building, a five-level structure with a design that mimics the topography of the surrounding foothills.
Ten themed galleries contain dinosaur skeletons, live insect specimens, and gems and minerals. Hands-on displays, wall murals and multimedia presentations enhance understanding of Utah's landscapes and people. An indoor-outdoor interpretive space on the fourth level offers dazzling views of the city and the Salt Lake Valley. The museum is located along on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a hiking and biking route that when completed will stretch from Nephi to the Idaho border.
Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.
