Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Things To Do Near Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Brigham Young and other Mormon pioneers began this trail when they moved out of Nauvoo to settle in Utah. This shift created a route for hundreds of thousands of subsequent emigrants who moved to the West from the mid-1840s to early 1879, seeking fortunes and new lives. The 1,300-mile trail offers a perfect opportunity for RV users to see how people from the 19th century journeyed between the different states. In addition, you can find a few local, state, and federal parks along the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail to suit family trips. An RV ensures that you can craft your preferred itinerary using guide booklets from the various museums and historical sites along the Mormon Pioneer Trail. 

Hiking Trails

• South Pass

  This route passes over the Continental Divide, currently sitting at an elevation of approximately 7,550 feet. You can see the Pacific Springs along this trail while viewing the scenic Rocky Mountains. Additionally, you can view some wagon ruts visible at several sites where the Mormon pioneers and subsequent emigrants passed. 

  Location

  Fremont County, WY 82520

  Length

  20 miles 

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Mormon Pioneer Trail - Utah

  You can find this pathway near the end of the Mormon Trail in the Great Basin region. Hiking along this route allows you to take in wildflowers that surround the area during the summer. The trail also offers access to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, where you can bike on designated paths. 

  Location

  Salt Lake City, Utah

  Length

  18 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Bingham Canyon Mine

  Bingham Canyon Mine, formerly called the Kennecott Copper Mine, is the world's largest man-made excavation. You can visit the National Historic Landmark that started in 1906 and that still extracts copper from the earth. Notably, the mine presents scenic surroundings as it sits at the foothills of the breathtaking Oquirrh Mountains. 

  Location

  12732 Bacchus Highway, Herriman, UT 84096

• Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center

  You can tour around the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center and see the well-maintained critical habitat for numerous migratory birds, including sandhill and whooping cranes. In addition, the site has a lovely butterfly garden and features herds of American bison. You can also walk along the designated trails beside the Platte River, allowing you to relax in nature. 

  Location

  9325 S Alda Road, Wood River, NE 68883

• Sinks Canyon State Park

  This park features a unique characteristic of the Popo Agie River, whose Middle Fork's water abruptly changes and flows into a small cave. It disappears into the soluble Madison limestone before emerging warmer downstream with increased volume. Sinks Canyon State Park includes the pristine mountain valley that hosts numerous bird species. 

  Location

  3079 Sinks Canyon Road, Lander, WY 82520 

Museums

• Putnam Museum

  You can take kids to this museum and learn about fascinating Periodic Table elements, see toy exhibitions, and explore the meanings of colors in various cultures. The Putnam also includes special events and classes that complement the collections, delivering a memorable trip for everyone. Finally, this site has a movie theater where you can watch short educational documentaries about the ocean and wildlife. 

  Location

  1717 W. 12th Street, Davenport, IA 52804

• The Leonardo 

  The Leonardo merges art, science, and technology to form a unique experience that inspires innovation and creativity for tourists. Kids can have an exciting and informative trip by exploring fluorescence and different chemical reactions through science exhibitions. In addition, you can participate in hands-on sessions and learn some tricks using science, such as making layered drinks in the kitchen. 

  Location

  209 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Snyders of Humeston

  This shop offers in-store shopping in a spacious setting to provide a relaxed and comfortable shopping experience. The place has assorted products, ranging from apparel to kitchen gadgets. You can also browse souvenir collections to find a special gift for your friends at home. 

  Location

  128 Broad Street, Humeston, IA 50123

• City Creek Center 

  City Creek Center has multiple stores where you can purchase clothing, jewelry, and makeup. You can also access some eateries at the location, allowing you to dine with companions before carrying on your tour. The center's site around the downtown area makes it easily accessible, so you can save time along your journey. 

  Location

  50 S Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

• Heoya

  Heoya offers a unique menu featuring fusion food from the Far East, such as egg rolls, Korean barbecue tacos, and fries. In addition, the place provides lunch and dinner services, allowing you to stop by after or during your tour of the Mormon Trail. Moreover, you can manage a busy trip since the restaurant has takeaway options. 

  Location

  3280 Superior Street, Lincoln, NE 68504

• Wyoming 310

  This restaurant includes seafood options to suit various travelers' tastes. You can also get other meat dishes, including steaks, burgers, and sandwiches. Additionally, Wyoming 310 has gluten-free meals for those with food sensitivities. 

  Location

  775 US-310, Deaver, WY 82421 

How To Get To Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

To get to Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail from the Des Moines International Airport in Iowa, drive from the Army Post Road to IA-5 N. Take IA-92 to Delta Avenue before continuing to the Mormon Trail. You can visit the famous route for free at any time throughout the year, but you may find some trail-related local and state parks with varying entrance fees. 

Address

324 South State Street, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Fee: Entry fee $0

Everyone can find some point of interest along this 1,300-mile trail that includes different museums, parks, and historical sites. The different pathways include directional signs that support self-guided hiking and biking and that enable you to find original routes while appreciating the surrounding nature. Using an RV is a great way to experience the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail since it provides route guides for auto touring. Additionally, you can use the ride to visit the site as a group and to add a family-friendly and fun atmosphere to an educational and informative trip.