Adventure. History. Jaw dropping scenery. If this sums up your vacation checklist, take a trip to Uintah and Wasatch Counties in Utah where you can check off every box on your getaway list. From a world-famous fossil quarry to historic train rides and amazing food along the way, Northeastern Utah is filled with hidden gems. Read on to find out why this makes an ideal family vacation destination.

Vernal, Ut

Three hours east of Salt Lake City, the seat of Unitah county is a hot bed for active travelers who enjoy biking, hiking, boating, camping and rafting. It’s also known as DinosaurLand, and is home to the world-renowned Carnegie Quarry and the dino trackways of Red Fleet Park. A charming mountain town, be on the lookout for city mascot Dina the Dinosaur as you and your outdoor enthusiasts embark on a journey that began 150 million years ago. Be sure to register for a Dinosaur Hunting Permit while in town, too!

What to Do

Carnegie Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument
It’s only a tiny section of the National Park but the Quarry Exhibit Hall is where dino-crazed kids of all ages will beg to start the sight-seeing. Gaze upon 1500 preserved bones in their natural state, touch a real fossil and be on the lookout for interactive touch screens with fun and educational info on each of the 10 species found in the rock. Chat with a baby Stegosaurus and see a nearly complete Allosaurous. Hike up or down to visit the quarry via the Fossil Discovery Trail, take a tram during the summer months, or drive yourself in the off-season. Be sure to stop by the welcome center for a daily movie about the history of park, alongside exhibits and gift shop.

Travel Tip: Consider also taking the Tour of the Tilted Rocks. You’ll discover Native American rock art, historic ranches and get snap-worthy shots of the Green River and Split Mountain. The Desert Voices Nature Trail has clear signage,  making it a perfect trail for kids.

Visitor Center
11625 E 1500 S
Jensen, Ut 84035
435-781-7700
Online: nps.gov/dino/index.htm

Red Fleet Lake
Head out to Red Fleet not only for the dinosaur trackways, petrified sand dunes and shale rock, but also for the teepees, 31 campsites, sandy beaches and boat rentals that keeps this reservoir a local favorite. Not as well known or as big as Flaming Gorge, this body of water is breathtaking, and worth the drive along the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic byway.

Travel Tip: The 2.5 mile hike to the dino trackway is in a separate location than the main park entrance. Be sure to check your map before heading out.

8750 N. Highway 191
Vernal, UT 84078
Online: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/red-fleet/

Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
It’s Utah’s “Land of Yesterday” museum, but it’s also home to a working Paleontology lab. Visitors can start their tour with a short introduction film before moving into the fossil journey. The re-enactment of the dig site at the Morrison Formation (Carnegie Quarry) is very hands-on and little diggers get a chance to search for their very own fossils.

With step-by-step instructions, identification stations, fossil puzzles and even a kids lab where parents can relax, kids from ages 3 and up can enjoy learning about the local dinosaur neighbors, check out fantastic samples of geological history and even take a walk through time, ending up at the beginning of the Earth! The temporary exhibit rotates every six months, but it’s the rare fossils, ID games and wall of shale rock from the Green River Formation that will capture mini imaginations.

Travel Tip: Kids will be able to spot several of the life-size dinosaur replicas from windows inside the museum as well as take a peek inside the lab from outside the windows in the main hall.

496 East Main Street
Vernal, UT 8407
Online: utah.com/stateparks/field_house.htm

Where to Eat

Betty’s Cafe
Stop off at this local diner, home to huge cinnamon rolls and homemade jelly for quick service, friendly staff and awesome prices.

416 W Main St.
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-781-2728
Online: kvelads.com/bettys-cafe

Vernal Brewing Company
This modern, industrial-style space opened in 2013.  The pub serves up tasty local brews, fantastic appetizers (the brussel sprouts are a must) and local fave fry sauce. Be sure to ask for the kid kit. Littles will be busing coloring and bending twisty ties while you sample IPAs, porters and lagers.

55 South 550 East
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-781-2337
Online: vernalbrewingco.com

Antica Forma
Don’t let the fact this restaurant is attached to a Best Western fool you. Dishing out incredibly tasty Neapolitan-style pizza, everything is made in house or imported from Italy. The Lazzaroni is a local favorite and on Mondays kids can make Nutella dessert pizza. There’s a screen to watch your pie be created and upon request, pizza dough will be brought out to entertain tiny twiddling thumbs. After a day discovering dinosaurs, this is a great stop for families.

251 E Main St.
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-374-4138
Online: facebook.com/anticaforma

Little Sweet Pea
While not technically a restaurant, this sweets shop is filled to the brim with mouth watering treats. The dino gummies are a hit with tiny travelers and the peanut butter chocolate cookies are so good, you won’t be able to eat just one.

92 S 700 W
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-789-0688
Online: facebook.com/thelittlesweetpea

Where to Stay

Springhill Suites by Marriott
A modern hotel with plenty of amenities suited for visiting groups. A family-friendly room layout includes a small living space, workstation and mini-fridge/microwave combo. The downtown location makes for easy access to the Field Museum, Heritage Museum and shopping.

1205 West Hwy. 40
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-781-9000
Online: marriott.com/springhill-suites/vernal

photo: courtesy Heber Valley Office of Tourism

Heber Valley, Ut

Head 45 minutes into the hills out of Salt Lake City and you’ll find yourself in the lush Heber Valley. The vast span of mountains above this small town reminded the original Swiss settlers of their beloved Alps. Simply take a stroll through Midway to check out the cultural mark left on local architecture. A next door neighbor to swanky Park City, easy access to hiking, fly-fishing, skiing, hot springs and the only historical train ride in Utah make Heber Valley a year-round playground.

Heber Valley Historic Railroad
Take a ride through the valley on Utah’s only historical railroad. Nicknamed the “Heber Creeper,” the old locomotive will pick you up at the station, chug along the Provo River and around the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. There’s a snack car with hot chocolate, candy and popcorn. Riders best keep their eyes and ears open, as the Creeper is often robbed by Black Jack Raven and Crazy Ani at the beginning of Rocky Mountain Outfitter Country!

Travel Tip: Seasonal events such as Dinosaur Days, Wizard’s Train and the North Pole Express are all popular events for little engineers.

450 South 60 West
Heber City, Ut 84032
435-654-5601
Online: hebervalleyrr.org

photo: courtesy Heber Valley Office of Toursim

The Crater at Homestead Resort
Ever gone swimming in a volcano? It’ll feel similar while taking a dip in unique geothermal spring. Water stays at a cozy 94 degrees, it’s 65 five feet deep and it’s the only warm water scuba diving destinations in the U.S.. You’ll need to make a reservation, life-jackets are required and you’ll think life doesn’t get much better when floating on your back looking up at the opening above.

Travel Tip: Even if you decide not to take a dip, a self-guided tour includes a look from the top as well as the geological and archeological history.

700 North Homestead Dr.
Midway, Ut 84049
435-654-1102
Online: homestead.com/utah-resort/homesteadcrater

photo: Philms via flickr

Cascade Springs
A perfect hike for little legs, the short and sweet walk through Cascade Springs in Wasatch Mountain State Park is only half a mile long and offers up spectacular scenery. Look for native trout in the clear waters, chase excited explorers down wooden bridges and paved paths and spot otters, beavers and moose.

Uinta National Forest, UT
801-785-3563
Online: gohebervalley.com/cascadesprings

Where to Eat

Dairy Keen
Home to The Train, the trainburger and famous shakes (over 60 flavors!) this quickie serve hamburger joint is a legendary nosh spot for folks with hungry babes in tow. The model train running above diners heads, LEGO and train tables and mini Hogwarts Express train keeps everyone entertained until the tasty food arrives, which makes this award-winning stop worth the crowds and kid-craziness.

Travel Tip: They offer gluten-free options and on sunny days the outside “train” tables are an extra fun factor.

199 S. Main St.
Heber City, Ut 84032
435-654-5336
Online: dairykeen.com

Heber Valley Artisan Cheese
In 2005, the family owned dairy farm started crafting their own cheese and it went off like gangbusters. Now selling various versions in grocery stores throughout the state, guests can head for the farm and factory to pick up their favorite, including the popular Wasatch Back Jack, garlic cheese spread and white cheddar curd. There’s also sandwiches, raw milk and the famous Aggie ice cream, made in Logan, Ut. It’s got a higher fat content than most ice creams and the Aggie Blue Mint is a rich treat for tiny tastebuds. Yum!

Travel Tip: Factory tours are available.

920 North River Rd.
Midway, Ut 84049
435-654-0291
Online: hebervalleyartisancheese.com

photo: courtesy Heber Valley Office of Tourism

Where to Stay

Homestead Resort
This charming resort in Mideway is nestled at the base of the of Utah’s “Alps” and is home to The Crater. Founded by a Swiss immigrant, part of the original hotel is still in operation. Choose between restored cottages, condos or suites, all of which are sprinkled around the resort grounds. Take a walk and look for ducks, enjoy guided hikes, campfires and fly-fishing during the summer; take a ski shuttle to Park City in the winter.

Travel Tip: Don’t leave without asking for a free sample of the Homestead homemade fudge.

700 North Homestead Dr.
Midway, Ut. 84049
435-654-1102
Online: homesteadresort.com

Which place would you visit first? Share with us in a Comment!

— Gabby Cullen

All photos by Gabby Cullen unless otherwise noted.

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