American West Heritage Center551

The American West Heritage Center (AWHC) is a 160-acre living museum of American history that gives perspective to a significant time in American western life. Visitors can learn about the past through hands-on programs that make American west history come alive. The essence of the AWHC is to provide an opportunity to reflect backward to better understand how to live forward and positively impact our quality of life.

Exploring the Center can take anywhere from 90 minutes to several hours depending on the kind of experience visitors want. For a small fee, there are "make-n-take" items that can be made for souvenirs in each venue.

Native American Encampment: Guests learn about the indigenous tribe of the area, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. These Native Americans are the descendants of the Bear River Massacre, the largest Indian massacre west of the Mississippi. Tipis can be rented for an overnight experience.

Mountain Man Camp: Visitors learn about the fur trade and how it influenced the settlement of the west. They can then test their bartering skills at the trading post.

Pioneer Settlement: Guests learn about westward expansion, where they can see a dugout, a homesteader's cabin, or a wagon encampment, and even try pulling a handcart. Visitors may also book a handcart trek.

Historical Farm: Depicts farming the way it was done in 1917. It includes a display of old time equipment and tractors, as well as adorable farm animals for the kids. Treats are cooked for visitors on an old wood-burning stove.

Old Time Wood Shop: Guests can watch wooden bowls, spoons, and toys made at the shop, and all of the items are available for purchase.

The AWHC offers summer camps for kids in grades 1-6. The camps focus on hands-on experiences with Native American, pioneer, and historical farm life. Call for details and registration; camps start around mid-June.

Dutch oven meals can be arranged for groups. To make reservations call 435.245.6050.

Welcome Center dates and hours:
Memorial Day-Labor Day Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 9:30am-5:30pm; Closed holidays
November 1-April 1 Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Closed holidays

Living History Site hours:
Memorial Day-Labor Day Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Also open for special events throughout the year.

The Big Horse Adventures program takes visitors on a covered wagon ride back in time to a 1917 farm, a 1850's pioneer settlement, a old mountain man camp, and a Native American encampment. A dutch oven dinner is served with all the trimmings, and entertainment might include a gun fight, cowboy poetry, Indian dancing, or live music. The program, offered from Memorial Day weekend through Halloween, begins at 6pm, and guests are encouraged to bring a jacket. Call or check the website for pricing. Reservations can be made over the phone (800.225.3378) or by email at info@awhc.org.

The AWHC facilities can be rented for special meetings, conferences, and weddings. For details about the facilities and pricing, visit the website.

A corn maze operates on-site from late September to early November.