Following is a list of five places to expand your mind near Foothill/Sunnyside:
1. Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA)
410 Campus Center Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA), on the University of Utah campus, is one of the state’s premier art museums. It houses a vast collection of more than 20,000 works, spanning cultures and time periods, from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. UMFA features exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. It’s a great cultural hub for art lovers and students. Foothill/Sunnyside neighbors understand the importance of inspiring creativity and fostering a deep understanding of art.
2. Kingsbury Hall
1395 Presidents’ Cir, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Kingsbury Hall has been a cultural cornerstone since 1930. It hosts events, including theater productions, dance performances, concerts, and lectures. It brings local and international talent to the stage in Salt Lake City.
The hall is part of UtahPresents, a program dedicated to showcasing diverse performances that inspire creativity and community engagement. Kingsbury Hall is known for its elegant architecture and its role in fostering artistic expression.
3. Pioneer Theatre Company
300 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) is important because it’s one of Utah’s leading professional theater companies. Here you can take in high-caliber productions with actors from across the country. Located at the University of Utah, it has a reputation for Broadway-quality performances, including classics and world premieres. PTC plays a crucial role in Salt Lake City’s cultural scene by providing diverse, thought-provoking theater experiences. As a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), it holds high artistic standards. This place is a key player in nurturing talent and bringing sophisticated theatrical art to Utah audiences.
4. Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC)
168 W 500 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC) is known for its bold and innovative approach to theater. SLAC is celebrated for producing contemporary and original plays, often highlighting new voices and social issues. They offer a mix of humor, drama, and thought-provoking performances! Emerging playwrights are highlighted with local premieres and plays. It’s also famous for an annual production of Saturday’s Voyeur, a satirical musical about Utah’s unique culture. It’s a favorite spot for theatergoers looking for something fresh and outside the mainstream.
5. Utah Museum of Fine Arts
410 Campus Center Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is a cultural treasure located on the University of Utah campus. It features more than 20,000 works of art from a variety of cultures and time periods. The museum’s collection includes ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. UMFA also hosts rotating exhibits, educational programs, and community events.
Lions, and Tigers, and Bears in Foothill/Sunnyside? Oh my!
Foothill/Sunnyside takes nature seriously. So seriously, lions, tigers, and bears are frequently sighted in the mouth of Emigration Canyon at Hogle Zoo. Not far from Hogle Zoo is This is the Place Heritage Park, a testament to the entry of the Mormon pioneers through that very canyon. There are golf courses to play and beautiful trails to hike. Wondering if there’s “anything to do” in Foothill/Sunnyside? Following is a list of just five fascinating places to play and learn in and around this community:
1. Hogle Zoo
2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Hogle Zoo was established in 1931. It was originally in Liberty Park, it moved to its current location on Sunnyside Avenue when the Hogle family donated land for an expanded zoo. Since then, the zoo has educated and entertained generations of families from Salt Lake City and around the world.
The zoo’s African Savanna exhibit features giraffes, zebras, and lions in a naturalistic setting, while the Asian Highlands showcases tigers, snow leopards, and red pandas. The Rocky Shores exhibit is home to polar bears, seals, and sea lions. There’s even a place to view them under water. The zoo also has a Conservation Carousel, a Lighthouse Point Splash Zone for kids, and seasonal events like ZooLights. At Hogle Zoo you will find conservation, education, and interactive experiences for people of all ages.
2. This is the Place Heritage Park
2601 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Brigham Young, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entered the Salt Lake Valley through Emigration Canyon in 1847. After being driven from the Midwest by mobs that gathered to eliminate Mormons from the area, scouts set out to find a forever home. When the weary travelers arrived in the canyon, Young was compelled to declare their search officially over saying, “This is the right place.” His declaration is famously quoted and frequently shortened to, “This is the place.” The rest is history.
This Is the Place Heritage Park is a living history site that celebrates Utah’s pioneer past. The park features:
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historic buildings
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costumed interpreters
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interactive exhibits
All of these features are designed to give visitors a glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life. Some of the highlights that are destined to engage you are Heritage Village, with blacksmith shops, cabins, and a schoolhouse, and the Native American Village, which honors Utah’s Indigenous cultures. The park also hosts events, pony rides, and train tours.
3. Pony Express National Historic Trail
2423-2599 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
The Pony Express National Historic Trail commemorates the legendary mail service that connected the east and west in the 1860s. Riders traveled across vast and rugged terrain, including parts of Utah, to deliver mail between Missouri and California in just 10 days. Though the Pony Express only operated from 1860 to 1861, its impact on communication and the westward expansion of the United States is significant. Explore portions of the trail, with interpretive signs and historical markers that bring this adventurous chapter of American history to life.
4. Bonneville Golf Course
954 Connor St, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Bonneville Golf Course is a super scenic and popular public golf course. It was established in 1929. The layout is beautiful with sprawling fairways lined with huge mature trees. Try not to get distracted by the magnificent view of the city to the west and the Wasatch Mountains to the east. This mountain golf course is at a high elevation with significant elevation changes across the green. The course offers 18 holes in a natural environment of unmatched beauty.
5. Parley’s Historic Nature Park
2667 Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 (Located in Tanner Park)
If you seek nature and tranquility, you’ll find it at Parley’s Historic Nature Park. This 68-acre green space runs along the banks of Parley’s Creek. The park is named after Parley P. Pratt, an early Mormon pioneer who helped establish the route that became Parley’s Canyon. Explore multi-use trails for walking, biking, and off-leash dog activities. The creek adds to the serene environment. Early settlers are remembered here. They are memorialized by remnants of structures and interpretive markers about the area’s past. It’s a great place to learn about native plants and wildlife. Hike, commune with nature, or just enjoy the beautiful open space.
Play at These Five Popular Ski Resorts Minutes from Foothill/Sunnyside
Utah has long been famous for its perfect powder snow and thrilling ski resorts! It’s often marketed as the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” A combination of lightness, dryness, and abundance have brought great wealth to the Wasatch Back as tourists travel from all over the world to experience it.
Geologists chalk the quality up to Utah’s unique geography. When a storm system moves from the Pacific Ocean it passes over the Great Basin. Moisture is filtered from the snow making it dry and powdery. Skiers rave about
Utah’s snow is often called the “Greatest Snow on Earth” because of its unique combination of lightness, dryness, and abundance. The state’s geography plays a key role in this. As storm systems move from the Pacific Ocean and pass over the Great Basin, the moisture is filtered, leaving behind dry, powdery snow by the time it reaches Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. This snow is ideal for skiing and snowboarding because it creates a soft, fluffy surface that’s easy to glide through. Utah averages more than 500 inches of snow annually – that helps stretch out the season for the winter sports some people live for.
During summer months, visitors play Golf Frisbie, take scenic lift rides, and explore the exciting terrain on the Wasatch Back. Summer concerts and other events keep people coming back year after year in every season.
Following are five famous Utah ski resorts and venues for winter sports enthusiasts within minutes of Foothill/Sunnyside:
1. Park City Mountain
22.6 miles up Parley’s Canyon (32 minutes)
Park City Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. It features more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find your path here. People rave about the manicured trails and extensive sift system.
Thanks to its mining history, Park City Mountain has an old-timey charm that will draw you into days gone by in the beautiful historic town of Park City. Explore old mining structures there (please use all prescribed safety precautions when exploring mines) and learn about the area’s tough and tumble history.
2. Deer Valley Resort
2250 Deer Valley Dr S, Park City, UT 84060 – 24.3 miles up Parley’s Canyon (32 minutes)
Deer Valley Resort, in Park City, is a luxury destination known for its world-class skiing. It is upscale all the way including the meticulously groomed trails. I’m not the only one who thinks so, it consistently ranks among the top resorts in North America.
The resort limits daily lift tickets to minimize overcrowding and offer extreme individual service. It’s much smaller than Park City Mountain. Dear Valley features 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. It caters primarily to beginner and intermediate skiers. It does offer some challenging runs for advanced skiers too. Deer Valley is unique because it’s a skier-only resort. Snowboarding is banned so the resort can offer skiers the ultimate experience.
The slopes are pristine. The lodges are elegant, and the dining is to die for at Deer Valley. In the summer, Deer Valley becomes a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor concerts.
3. Woodward Park City
3863 Kilby Rd, Park City, UT 84098
15.1 miles up Parley’s Canyon (16 minutes)
Woodward Park City is a year-round action sports and outdoor recreation destination. Here you’ll find a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences. Thrill seekers love it and families come here often. The location offers skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, BMX biking, tubing, and parkour.
In the winter, Woodward’s outdoor terrain parks are perfect for all skill levels. The 66,000-square-foot indoor facility there includes options for year-round training with trampolines, foam pits, and ramps. Skiers and snowboarders can also practice their tricks on the synthetic indoor slopes.
Woodward Park City emphasizes progression. Ski lessons and camps are available there for both beginners and advanced athletes. In the summer, the facility offers mountain biking, skate camps, and a variety of adventure sports. With high-energy activities and world-class facilities, Woodward Park City is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
4. Sundance Mountain Resort
8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance, UT 84604
51 miles (about 1 hour)
Actor Robert Redford founded Sundance Mountain Resort in 1969. It is a stunning, eco-friendly destination nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah.
The resort features a rustic elegance and its owners/managers express a commitment to environmental stewardship. In the winter, Sundance is a top ski destination, featuring 450 acres of skiable terrain with runs for all skill levels. It’s also famous for its Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the world. During the summer, visitors can enjoy activities like mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing, and scenic lift rides. The resort’s Art Studio allows guests to explore their creativity through pottery, painting, and jewelry-making workshops. With its cozy, sustainable lodges, farm-to-table dining, and breathtaking scenery, Sundance Resort offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment.
5. Utah Olympic Oval
5662 Cougar Ln, Kearns, UT 84118
The Utah Olympic Oval, located in Kearns, Utah, is a world-class speed skating facility built for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
The Oval boasts one of the fastest ice surfaces in the world. It is a training mecca for athletes who have rewarded the center with many speed skating records. It features a 400-meter ice track surrounded by two international-sized ice sheets used for hockey, figure skating, and public skating. Beyond ice sports, the Oval also has a running track and space for indoor soccer.
The facility offers programs for all skill levels, from beginner skating lessons to elite athlete training. Visitors can experience the thrill of skating on Olympic ice or participate in events like family skate nights and curling. The Utah Olympic Oval combines high-level competition with community involvement, keeping the spirit of the Winter Olympics alive.
The Scoop on Schools in Foothill/Sunnyside
The Salt Lake School District serves public students in the Foothill/Sunnyside Community. It is one of the oldest and largest districts in Utah. Following are five top schools in the community:
