Why Is Provo Worth Visiting?
Provo is a beautiful city in Utah and home to the Brigham Young University. It has been named one of the most livable cities in America, and it’s easy to see why. There’s an exciting nightlife, excellent dining options and many outdoor things to do in Provo that make it a great place to visit.
The city was founded in 1849 and was a site of disputes between Mormons and the Timpanogos. The original settlement was called Fort Utah, and in 1850, the Battle at Fort Utah happened. The Mormons won the battle, killing over 100 Timpanogos in the process.
Today, its bloody history is long forgotten, and Provo has become a thriving city with much to offer visitors. It’s still known for being an extremely conservative place, and there are many temples in the city – examples of stunning Gothic Revival and modern architecture. However, there’s much more to Provo than its religious history. Here are some of the things you can do while you’re in town.
Take a Tour at Brigham Young University
Downtown Provo is home to the Brigham Young University, which owns some of the most popular tourist attractions in Provo. It’s a private research university that was founded by religious leader Brigham Young. It has an enrollment of over 33,000 students, 98% of whom are Mormon.
Visit the BYU Museums
The campus is huge, and there are plenty of things to see and do. You can take a tour of the campus and visit the BYU Museum of Art. This museum has a collection of over 17,000 items, including paintings, sculptures and photographs.
If you’re interested in biology, Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum is a must-see. It has exhibits on Utah’s ecosystem and environmentally friendly practices. If you’re interested in dinosaurs, the university also owns a Museum of Paleontology separated from the main campus by the Edwards Stadium.
Last but not least, BYU’s Museum of Peoples and Cultures is worth a visit. It has exhibits on the history and culture of Native Americans, Polynesians and other peoples from around the world.
Try the Local Ice Cream
For something different, you can visit the BYU Creamery. This creamery makes ice cream using milk from the university’s dairy farm. You can even take a tour of the dairy farm to see how the milk is produced.
Visit the Beautiful LDS Temples
As mentioned, Provo is a very religious city, and there are many Latter Day Saints temples there. The most famous temple is the Provo City Center Temple. It was built in 2016 using the surviving walls of the original Provo Tabernacle that was completed in 1886. It’s an example of the Gothic Revival style.
The Provo Utah Temple, on the other hand, is a modern building that was completed in 1972. It has a singular spire and a beautiful reflecting pool in front of it. You can take a free tour of the temple grounds.
There are also plenty of things to do in Provo for nature lovers. The city is located near the Wasatch Mountains, and there are many hiking and biking trails there. You can even go
Outdoor Things to Do in Provo
Utah is a great place to be outdoors, and there are plenty of things to do in Provo for nature lovers. One of the most popular activities is to hike up Y Mountain. This mountain has a “Y” shaped trail that leads to stunning views of the city.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, you can hike up Rock Canyon. This canyon has a number of hiking trails with different levels of difficulty. You can also go rock climbing, mountain biking or camping in Rock Canyon.
Explore Utah Lake State Park
Utah Lake State Park is one of the best places in Provo for scenic views. It’s a beautiful place to go for a walk or a picnic, and there’s plenty of wildlife to see. You can also go fishing, boating or swimming in the lake.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive through Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Provo. It’s a beautiful drive with many scenic overlooks. You can also experience it by taking the Provo River Parkway Trail.
From there, you can hike up Mount Timpanogos or take in the views of Deer Creek State Park. Both options are equally sweet, and we recommend seeing the nearby Bridal Veil Falls and Upper Falls as well!
Take a Leisurely Stroll Through One of the City Parks
Provo has many parks that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Here are some of the most popular places for families to relax and enjoy the nice weather.
- Riverwoods Park. This park has a river running through it, and it’s a great place to relax or have a picnic.
- Pioneer Park. It’s home to the city’s farmer’s market.
- South Fork Park. It has a playground, picnic tables and a walking trail.
Sports and Recreation in Provo
This city is a great place for sports and recreation. There are many things to do in Provo for sports lovers. You can watch a college football game at the LaVell Edwards Stadium, or hit the links at Riverside Country Club.
If you’re looking for a place to cool off during the summer, head to Splash Summit Waterpark. This water park has slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. Locals say they never get bored with it!
Live Entertainment
If you’re looking for things to do in Provo at night, there are several great options. You can see a show at the Covey Center for the Arts or the Utah Valley Convention Center. Or, if you’re in the mood for some live music, check out Velour Live Music Gallery.
For comedy enthusiasts, Dry Bar Comedy is a popular spot. This comedy club features both local and national comedians.
Where to Eat and Drink in Provo?
Provo has many great places to eat and drink. One of the most popular restaurants is Communal. It’s a farm-to-table restaurant that serves American cuisine. For something different, try Bombay House. It’s an Indian restaurant that’s popular with locals and visitors alike.
If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, check out the Provo Beach Resort. It’s a great place to relax with a cocktail or two. Other bars you can check out are ABG’s Bar and City Limits Tavern.
Enjoy Your Trip to Provo – You Won’t Forget It!
These are just some of the things to do in Provo. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, live entertainment or great places to eat and drink, this city has it all. If you still aren’t satisfied, why not extend your trip and visit Salk Lake City as well?
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!
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