Vernon UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vernon, Utah.
1. Vernon Countryside
RURAL UTAH CHARM
Vernon Countryside offers visitors a peaceful retreat with scenic rural landscapes away from urban bustle. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this small town situated in Tooele County. The area provides opportunities for photography, gentle hiking, and experiencing authentic small-town Utah life.
2. Dinosaur National Monument
ANCIENT FOSSILS PRESERVED
Dinosaur National Monument features incredible dinosaur fossils still embedded in rock where visitors can literally touch history. The monument also offers numerous hiking trails, petroglyph sites, and historical landmarks such as Josie's Cabin from the early 1900s. Scenic drives through the monument provide breathtaking landscapes and stunning views of river canyons.
3. Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum showcases pioneer artifacts, historical photographs, and personal items from early settlers of the region. This free museum highlights the rich heritage and history of the area with interactive elements including scavenger hunts for children. Knowledgeable volunteers enhance the experience by sharing detailed information about the struggles and triumphs of Utah's pioneers.
4. Red Fleet Reservoir
BOATING AND FISHING PARADISE
Red Fleet Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for boating and fishing in a picturesque setting near Vernal. Visitors can enjoy the clear waters surrounded by striking red rock formations that give the reservoir its distinctive character. The area also features camping facilities and access to dinosaur trackways, making it a versatile recreational destination.
5. Vernon Worthen Park
URBAN GREEN RETREAT
Vernon Worthen Park is a delightful oasis in the heart of St. George featuring unique playground equipment and vibrant landscapes. The park boasts lush greenery and well-maintained gardens that create a picturesque environment for picnics or peaceful reflection. Scenic walking paths meander through its expansive grounds, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
6. Utah Field House of Natural History
PREHISTORIC UTAH EXHIBITS
The Utah Field House of Natural History takes visitors on a journey through the prehistoric past of the region with impressive dinosaur displays. Interactive exhibits showcase geological formations and the diverse ecosystems that once thrived in ancient Utah. The museum features a Dinosaur Garden with life-sized replicas that bring prehistoric creatures to life for visitors of all ages.
7. Steinaker State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Steinaker State Park centers around a reservoir that provides excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating near Vernal. The park features well-maintained campgrounds with amenities that make it ideal for overnight stays in the beautiful Utah landscape. Visitors can enjoy water sports in summer and ice fishing in winter, making it a year-round destination.
8. McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs
ANCIENT ROCK ART
McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs showcase remarkable Fremont culture rock art dating back approximately 1,000 years. Visitors can hike along trails that lead to numerous panels of ancient artwork depicting human figures, animals, and mysterious symbols. The privately-owned ranch welcomes visitors for a small donation, providing access to some of the best-preserved rock art in the region.
9. Fantasy Canyon
SURREAL ROCK FORMATIONS
Fantasy Canyon features some of the most unusual and delicate rock formations in Utah, creating an otherworldly landscape. The intricate sandstone structures have been eroded into fantastical shapes that stimulate the imagination and provide exceptional photography opportunities. Though small in size, this geological wonder packs numerous stunning formations into a compact area that can be explored via a short loop trail.
10. Dry Fork Canyon Petroglyphs
ANCIENT NATIVE ARTWORK
Dry Fork Canyon Petroglyphs feature three major rock art sites: Moonshine, Ashley, and Dry Fork panels with hundreds of fascinating images. These ancient artworks provide a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the Fremont people who inhabited the region between 1 and 1200 CE. The easily accessible site includes interpretive signs that help visitors understand the historical and cultural significance of these remarkable petroglyphs.
11. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
SPECTACULAR WATER PLAYGROUND
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area encompasses a massive reservoir surrounded by red rock cliffs, forests, and mountain scenery. The area offers premier fishing for trophy trout, with guided services available for those seeking the ultimate angling experience. Visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, camping, and hiking while taking in breathtaking views of this dramatic landscape that spans parts of Utah and Wyoming.
12. Brew & Brat
LOCAL FLAVOR HOTSPOT
Brew & Brat offers visitors a taste of local flavor with craft beers and signature bratwurst dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves as a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors looking to unwind after a day of exploring the region's natural attractions. Their menu features various bratwurst options and pub fare that complement their selection of local and regional craft beers.
13. Vernal Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Vernal Brewing Company produces craft beers in a beautiful facility with mountain views and a farm-to-table restaurant. Visitors can tour the brewing operations, sample unique beers made with locally sourced ingredients, and enjoy the outdoor patio. The establishment prides itself on sustainability practices, including growing many of their own ingredients on their adjacent farm.
14. Dinosaur Quarry Gift Shop
PREHISTORIC SOUVENIRS GALORE
The Dinosaur Quarry Gift Shop offers a wide selection of dinosaur-themed souvenirs, educational books, and locally crafted items. Located at the entrance to Dinosaur National Monument, this shop provides visitors with memorable keepsakes of their prehistoric adventure. The knowledgeable staff can help customers find the perfect item while sharing interesting facts about the area's paleontological significance.
15. Western Heritage Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Western Heritage Museum showcases the diverse cultural history of northeastern Utah through exhibits on Native American heritage, pioneer settlements, and the region's natural resources. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring to life the stories of those who shaped this frontier region. The museum frequently hosts special events and rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of local history and culture.