Natural History Museum of Utah at the Rio Tinto Center

Natural History Museum of Utah at the Rio Tinto Center is on the University of Utah campus at 301 Wakara Way. A 42,000-square-foot ribbon of locally mined copper wraps around the exterior of this sustainable building, a five-level structure with a design that mimics the topography of the surrounding foothills.

Ten themed galleries contain dinosaur skeletons, live insect specimens, and gems and minerals. Hands-on displays, wall murals and multimedia presentations enhance understanding of Utah's landscapes and people. An indoor-outdoor interpretive space on the fourth level offers dazzling views of the city and the Salt Lake Valley. The museum is located along on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a hiking and biking route that when completed will stretch from Nephi to the Idaho border.

Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.