Have you ever been to This is the Place Heritage Park? I've lived in Salt Lake City for some years now, and I only just visited for the first time. I was surprised at how much there is to do!
This is the Place is a tribute to the LDS pioneers and early settlers who ventured out west and settled in Utah, and to the five Native American tribes who were here before that. There are original buildings and replicas from the 1800s and the friendliest workers who can tell you all about them!
We arrived right when the park opened and felt like we had the place all to ourselves. The first thing we did was hop on the train trolley.
We passed by old, rustic homes, an apple orchard, and deer wandering around the park as if they visit all the time. Our first stop was at the Livery, where we saw bunnies, chicks and rode ponies!
Next, we visited the school. Did you know that the settlers in Utah started their own phonetic alphabet because the English alphabet and grammar rules were so difficult for many of the European pioneers? This was called the Deseret Alphabet.
Learning about school discipline back in the 1800s made my daughter more grateful for homeschool, so that was a BONUS for us!
The kids' favorite activity was panning for gold. There is gold in Utah's streams and deserts, waiting for those patient enough to find it.
We learned about the differences in homes built by different Native tribes, and got to see a traditional baby carrier and clothing worn by the Utah Natives.
Here are a few more pictures of the blacksmith, the tinsmith and a few cool houses and buildings we saw. We didn't get to everything this time around, but we'll be back to see the hospital, Pioneer Children's Memorial, the leatherworker & carpenter, the mini train, and the splash pad that will be open on May 1st!
Oh, and one more important stop you MUST make when you go: Brigham's Donuts. These were fresh, mini donuts tossed in cinnamon sugar, and it was my first time trying Cookies-n-Cream & Rootbeer flavored milk. I'm a fan, to say the least.
This is the Place is my kid's favorite homeschool field trip she's been on so far. It was a great reminder to appreciate the modern conveniences we enjoy every day, and the people who came before us and paved the way for us to continue bettering this amazing state and our home, Salt Lake City!
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