Top Parks to Explore in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a vibrant downtown atmosphere filled with skyscrapers, bustling traffic, and busy pedestrians. However, the city also offers serene parks, beautiful gardens, and lush green open spaces, providing a perfect escape from the hectic urban environment.
Whether you prefer a lakeside picnic with the family, a leisurely train ride, or an invigorating hike to a scenic lookout, the parks in Salt Lake City have something for everyone. Engage in outdoor activities like playing volleyball, horseshoes, or bocce with friends. A quick trip into nature is an excellent way to recharge, regardless of the amount of time you have.
The parks division of Salt Lake City Public Lands oversees a remarkable 735 acres of parks. Here are 10 must-visit parks in the area where you can unwind, exercise, or enjoy time with loved ones.
Sugar House Park
Sugar House Park serves as the Central Park of Salt Lake City. Spanning 110.5 acres, it is the city’s largest public park, featuring a charming pond often frequented by ducks. Visitors can stroll around the pond, enjoy a picnic, or use binoculars to observe wildlife up close. This community hub includes soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a basketball court, volleyball courts, and playgrounds. A scenic 16ft-wide road runs through the park for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Year-round, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing in winter and sleigh rides on snow-covered hills.
Liberty Park
Spanning 80 acres, Liberty Park ranks as Salt Lake City’s second-largest public park. Its centerpiece is Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden, which is one of only two free-standing aviaries in the United States. Visitors can explore eight acres filled with a diverse array of bird species, including pelicans, condors, eagles, and flamingos. The park also contains a pond, fountains, gazebos, and two playgrounds. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy basketball and volleyball courts, alongside a swimming pool and a walking or jogging path. For recreational activities, guests can partake in horseshoes, paddle boating, or bocce ball. Additionally, Liberty Park is home to the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of local communities.
This Is The Place Heritage Park
This Is The Place Heritage Park offers an interactive experience that appeals to all ages, featuring horseback rides, train rides, and gold mining activities. The park’s name is derived from a historical declaration made by Mormon pioneer Brigham Young in 1847. Visitors can explore Heritage Village, which showcases replicas of pioneer buildings, including the Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse and the Blacksmith Shop. Children can dig for gemstones, pan for gold, and take in views of the Coppermine. The park also includes a Native American Village, featuring the largest traditional teepee in the nation, providing education on the rich history of Utah’s Indigenous peoples.
Jordan Park
Jordan Park features 16 acres of lush lawns and shaded areas created by various trees, including cottonwood and willow. The expansive open areas serve as the perfect setting for games, picnics, and family gatherings. Home to the International Peace Gardens, where visitors can appreciate native plantings and cultural statues, Jordan Park also boasts a skate park and an amphitheater with a fire pit.
Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park
Bird lovers will revel in the beauty of the Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park. Covering 8.75 acres, this site was rehabilitated to restore its natural habitat and attract wildlife back to the area after an oil spill in 2010. Native vegetation has been replanted, thus reestablishing a healthy ecosystem that visitors can enjoy while observing various bird species and local wildlife.
Utah Olympic Park
For winter sports enthusiasts, Utah Olympic Park is a must-visit destination. Created for the 2002 Winter Games, visitors can experience thrilling activities such as bobsledding with a professional pilot and freestyle skiing. During summer, adventures like ziplining, airbag jumps, and alpine slides await guests eager for action and excitement.
Brigham Young Historic Park
Explore the rich history of the Brigham Young family at the Brigham Young Historic Park located within Temple Square. This historical site dates back to the 1800s and features memorial statues, a waterwheel, and remnants of a cobblestone wall that once surrounded Brigham Young’s residence.
Fairmont Park
Fairmont Park provides an excellent venue for day-long recreation with family and friends. Visitors can enjoy the warm weather in the public pool, engage in horseshoes, or fish in the pond (license required). There are playgrounds for younger children, while older kids can showcase their skateboarding skills at the skate park. The park also includes soccer fields and courts for basketball and volleyball, while a fenced dog area allows pets to run freely.
Pioneer Park
Community members frequently gather at Pioneer Park for recreational activities and outdoor sports. Friends can challenge each other to basketball games, tennis matches, and enjoy the walking or running path. Families can relax on the grassy fields or let their dogs play off-leash in the fenced dog park. Additionally, Pioneer Park hosts the Farmers Market, where residents and visitors can find locally grown produce and artisan goods on select days throughout the year.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
Wander through the free Gilgal Sculpture Garden, which features 12 unique sculptures and 70 large stones adorned with inspiring inscriptions. Created by Thomas Battersby Child Jr., this park offers a tranquil stroll filled with art and meaningful messages, making it a perfect stop for inspiration and relaxation.
