7 Activities
Uncover Salt Lake City’s Hidden Gems: Copper Mines and Butterfly Havens
Starts from
Salt Lake City
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
9 hours
Length
47 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Salt Lake City
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
9 hours
Length
47 mi
Britnee Johnston
Travel Expert
- View one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world.
- Get a photo in front of the real-life Up House.
- See thousands of butterflies at the Butterfly Biosphere.
This staycation from Salt Lake City, Utah is great for all ages! You'll spend your time in the south end of the valley visiting the Kennecott Copper Mine to see this impressive mining operation, known as the second-largest copper producer in the country. Another fun stop will be at a real-life Up House in a residential neighborhood near the mine.
You'll then head to the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point where you'll see thousands of butterflies and insects at Utah's only butterfly conservatory and insectarium. Finally, you'll wrap up your staycation by hiking to the 185-foot-long Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. This short trail is in the east foothills of Draper with beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley.
You'll then head to the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point where you'll see thousands of butterflies and insects at Utah's only butterfly conservatory and insectarium. Finally, you'll wrap up your staycation by hiking to the 185-foot-long Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. This short trail is in the east foothills of Draper with beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Categories
This staycation from Salt Lake City, Utah is great for all ages! You'll spend your time in the south end of the valley visiting the Kennecott Copper Mine to see this impressive mining operation, known as the second-largest copper producer in the country. Another fun stop will be at a real-life Up House in a residential neighborhood near the mine.
You'll then head to the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point where you'll see thousands of butterflies and insects at Utah's only butterfly conservatory and insectarium. Finally, you'll wrap up your staycation by hiking to the 185-foot-long Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. This short trail is in the east foothills of Draper with beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley.
You'll then head to the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point where you'll see thousands of butterflies and insects at Utah's only butterfly conservatory and insectarium. Finally, you'll wrap up your staycation by hiking to the 185-foot-long Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. This short trail is in the east foothills of Draper with beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Britnee Johnston
Travel Expert
- View one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world.
- Get a photo in front of the real-life Up House.
- See thousands of butterflies at the Butterfly Biosphere.
Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
47 mi0.1 mi
Salt Lake Staycation: Herriman, Lehi, and Draper
In this one-day staycation in Utah, you'll visit impressive sites including the Up House and Kennecott Copper Mine in Herriman, the Butterfly Biosphere in Lehi, and the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge in Draper.
09:4515 min
Up House
Landmark
Open Details
Start off your morning by visiting the outside of a real-life replica of the Up house from the classic Pixar film. The house was built in 2011 in Herriman by Bangerter Homes, which received exclusive rights from Walt Disney Corp. to create this unique replica. The original owners still live in the house, which is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Be sure to be respectful while you take a look.
5.1 mi
15 min
10:301 hr
Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience
Visitor Centre
Open Details
Your next stop will take you to Kennecott's Bingham Canyon Mine, one of the largest man-made open-pit excavations in the world. It was first established in 1903 and operations continue today. More than 20 million tons of refined copper ore were produced by the mine since it opened.
The Bingham Canyon Mine overlook is only accessible by shuttle. Shuttles run every 30 minutes. Shuttle pick-up is in front of the gift shop in the Lark visitor parking lot at 12732 Bacchuas Hwy., Herriman. Be sure to check the website for updated times and to reserve your tickets.
The Bingham Canyon Mine overlook is only accessible by shuttle. Shuttles run every 30 minutes. Shuttle pick-up is in front of the gift shop in the Lark visitor parking lot at 12732 Bacchuas Hwy., Herriman. Be sure to check the website for updated times and to reserve your tickets.
19 mi
30 min
12:001 hr
Tower Deli at Thanksgiving Point
Restaurant
Open Details
After exploring the impressive mine, you'll head to Thanksgiving Point in Lehi for lunch. Park at the Water Tower and order food at the Tower Deli. Try out their delicious Baja Chicken Salad! They also serve sandwiches, soups, and burgers. You can also get an ice cream cone next door at the Ice Cream Parlor.
0.1 mi
5 min
13:151 hr 30 min
Butterfly Biosphere
Museum
Open Details
Walk over to the Butterfly Biosphere after lunch to begin your journey into Utah’s only butterfly conservatory and insectarium. This is home to a thousand live butterflies from around the world! It also features an exhibit of hundreds of live insects. You'll learn how they all play a role in the Earth’s ecosystems.
10.2 mi
20 min
15:151 hr 30 min
Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge Trailhead
Hiking Trail
Open Details
Now that you've learned all about butterflies and insects, it's time to see them out in nature! You'll drive to the Orson Smith Park trailhead in Draper to begin this 2.3-mile loop hike to the 185-foot-long Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. Along the hike you will be rewarded with stunning views of the entire Salt Lake Valley.
2.3 mi
10 min
17:001 hr 30 min
Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen
Restaurant
Open Details
Feed your soul at Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen in Draper before heading back to Salt Lake City. This is a local favorite with Southern-style dishes such as po'boys, fried chicken, catfish, fried green tomatoes, okra, cornmeal, pork chops, shrimp, and grits.
11.2 mi
15 min
18:4515 min
Chief Wasatch — Trail of the Whispering Giants by Peter Toth
Sculpture Garden
Open Details
Your last stop will be at the 23-foot-tall Chief Wasatch carving in Murray Park. This 35,000 pound statue was carved out of a cottonwood tree by artist Peter Toth as part of his art series, Trail of the Whispering Giants. The unique statue was completed in 1985 and can be seen at any time in the public park.