10 fun and interesting Utah facts

1. Utah's ZCMI: 150 Years of History

Founded in 1868, Zions Co-Operative Mercantile is the oldest department store in the United States and is still in operation today. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this store was the first of its kind in the nation and has been providing customers with quality goods and services for over 150 years. From clothing and home goods to groceries and hardware, Zions Co-Operative Mercantile has been a staple in the Utah community for generations.

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2. Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City: World's Largest Place of Worship

The iconic Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest and most popular place of worship of its kind. Spanning an impressive six acres, the temple took an incredible 40 years to build, with construction beginning in 1853 and ending in 1893. It is a stunning example of 19th century architecture, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

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3. Rainbow Bridge: The World's Largest Natural Rock Span

Utah is home to the awe-inspiring Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural-rock span in the world. Spanning an impressive 278 feet wide and 309 feet in height, this incredible natural wonder is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Rainbow Bridge is a testament to the beauty of nature and a reminder of the power of the elements.

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4. Utah's Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake, located in Utah, is the largest lake in the state, spanning an impressive 2,100 square miles. It is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, and is four times the size of the state of Rhode Island. The lake is fed by the Jordan, Weber, and Bear Rivers, and is home to a variety of species, including brine shrimp, waterfowl, and shorebirds. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and bird watching.

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5. A Winter Wonderland

The majestic mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah, are blanketed with an average of 500 inches of snow each year, making them a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed in the area, with the powdery snow providing the perfect conditions for a fun and memorable experience.

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6. Salt Lake City Votes to Remove 'Great' From Title

In 1868, the citizens of Salt Lake City voted to remove the word "Great" from the city's title, thus changing it from Great Salt Lake City to simply Salt Lake City. This vote was taken shortly after the city was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers, who named it after the nearby Great Salt Lake. The city has since become the capital of Utah and is now home to over 200,000 people.

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7. The Beehive is the Official Symbol of Utah

The beehive is the official symbol of Utah, representing the industriousness and thrift of the state's people. This iconic image has been used to represent Utah since the mid-1800s, when it was adopted as the official seal of the Utah Territory. The beehive is a reminder of the hard work and dedication of the people of Utah, and is a symbol of the state's commitment to progress and prosperity.

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8. The word "Utah" is derived from the Ute Indian language

The word "Utah" is derived from the Ute Indian language, meaning "people of the mountains". This is a fitting name for the state, as it is home to the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges, which are some of the most iconic and beautiful mountain ranges in the United States. The Ute Indians have a long and rich history in the area, and their language and culture are still alive and well today.

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9. Utah's 5 Incredible National Parks

Utah is home to five incredible national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef. Each park offers a unique experience, from the towering red rock formations of Arches to the deep canyons of Canyonlands, the lush forests of Zion, the hoodoos of Bryce, and the colorful cliffs of Capitol Reef. With so much to explore, Utah's national parks are a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast.

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10. A State with Unique Landscape

Utah is a state with a unique landscape, as 65% of its land is owned by the government. This means that the majority of the state is public land, including national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges. This abundance of public land provides a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike, from camping and hiking to skiing and snowmobiling. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources.