By Kirk Brown
Things to Do in St. George, Utah
Nestled amid picturesque red rock cliffs, St. George was nicknamed "Utah's Dixie" by Mormon settlers who managed to grow cotton in its temperate climate. Today St. George is a rapidly growing community that has emerged as a popular destination for retirees, snowbirds and vacationing tourists. As the largest city in southern Utah, St. George boasts numerous activities and attractions for visitors. Marvel at the grandeur of nearby Zion National Park, visit a world-class dinosaur site, enjoy a Broadway play in an outdoor amphitheatre, play golf at a top-ranked course or simply relax at a state park.
Visit Utah's First National Park
Zion National Park, which is an easy 40-mile drive from St. George, features stunning canyons and towering cliffs. The park, which was designated in 1919, features a unique mixture of plants and animals from the Colorado Plateau and neighboring Mohave Desert and Great Basin. Evidence of human habitation at Zion National Park goes back 2,000 years to Anasazi tribes. The entrance fee to Zion is $25 for private vehicles (as of 2009) and it is good for 7 days.
Zion National Park
Springdale, Utah 84767
(435) 772-3256
NPS.gov/zion/
Discover Dinosaurs
Dinosaur footprints that are trapped in time can be seen at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. The dinosaur tracks and hundreds of other fossilized fish, invertebrates and plants were left behind nearly 200 million years ago near the western shore of a freshwater lake. The attraction also has a first-rate gift shop loaded with dinosaur goodies. Admission in 2009 is $6 for adults and kids 12 and older, $3 for children ages 4 through 11 and free for those 3 and younger.
St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
2180 East Riverside Drive
St. George, UT 84790
(435) 574-3466
SGCity.org/dinotrax
Take in a Show at Tuacahn
Built in harmony with the impressive cliffs that it sits beneath, the Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts hosts Broadway plays and concerts. Tickets for popular productions of musicals like Annie start as low as $20 (as of 2009). In addition to its 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheatre, Tuacahn is home to a performing arts high school---Utah's first charter school.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts
1100 Tuacahn Drive
Ivins, Utah 84738
(435) 652-3200 or (800) 746-9882
Tuacahn.org
Shoot for Birdies
Golfing is a major pastime in St. George, which has some of the finest courses in the Southwest. Covering 7,200 yards, The Ledges of St. George was recently named by Golf Digest as one of the best new public golf courses in the United States.
The Ledges of St. George
1585 W. Ledges Parkway
St. George, Utah 84770
(435) 634-4600
Ledges.com
Relax at a State Park
There are four state parks within a short distance of St. George. Hikers can explore the red rock scenery at Snow Canyon State Park, which also features a campground and picnic area. Gunlock State Park, Quail Creek State Park and Sand Hollow State Park each have reservoirs for boating, fishing and water sports enthusiasts, as well as camping areas.
Snow Canyon State Park
Santa Clara, Utah 84765-0140
(435) 628-2255
Utah.com/stateparks/snow_canyon
Gunlock State Park
Santa Clara, Utah 84765-0140
(435) 680-0715
Utah.com/stateparks/gunlock
Quail Creek State Park
St. George, Utah 84770-1943
(435) 879-2378
Utah.com/stateparks/quail_creek
Sand Hollow State Park
4405 West 3600 South
Hurricane, UT 84737
(435) 680-0715
Utah.com/stateparks/sand_hollow
About the Author:
Kirk Brown is an award-winning freelance writer with two decades of diverse media experience. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he also was managing editor of an acclaimed scuba diving magazine. Brown has written scripts for more than 50 half-hour TV programs focusing on technology and health topics.
Photo Credits:
Kirk Edward Brown
