The history of a silver mining town with ghosts turned glamorous mountain destination is a fascinating one. Here are a few ways to discover the colorful past that makes Summit County so unique.

THE STORY OF SNOW SPORTS

Catch the Olympic spirit at the Alf Engen Ski Museum and Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum at the Utah Olympic Park. Learn about the 2002 Winter Olympics that were hosted in Utah and enjoy other winter-related exhibits. Explore everything from avalanches to the history of the snowboard. You can also take a guided tour of the Olympic competition sites and check out firsthand the world’s highest altitude ski jumps and the fastest bobsled, luge and skeleton track. Then take a turn and see what it’s like to be a competitive skier in the virtual reality ski theater!

If You Dare: While at the Utah Olympic Park, take a ride on the Olympic bobsled track! A bobsled pilot will take three passengers down the track in a modified bobsled to experience the thrill of pulling up to four G’s while flying through 15 turns at speeds of up to 80 mph.

What it was Like to be a Miner

The Park City Museum oon Main Street is a fun, interactive history museum of Park City from its silver mining days. Learn about everything from outlaws to the area’s first skiers. Main Street’s first electric sign is on display and you can visit part of the original territorial jail built in 1885. Kids young and old will love seeing a 1926 fire truck and climbing into an old mining elevator.

The Park City Museum is located at 528 Main Street and open Monday – Saturday from 10am to 7pm and on Sunday from noon to 6pm. With its backdoors located across the street from the Public Transit Center, it’s a great spot to meet friends and then hop on the free city buses and go nearly anywhere in town!

HISTORY ON THE MOUNTAIN         

The discovery of silver ore in 1868 spurred a silver boom and the rapid development of Park City. Learn about the mining history of the area with Park City Mountain Resort’s free Guided History Tour offered daily at 10am and 1pm (for intermediate skiers/riders), or reserve a guided Historic Snowshoe Tour with White Pine Touring that takes you past historic mining sites, with remnants of old mine buildings and views of the entrances to closed mining tunnels (for all ability levels). The snowshoe tour concludes with full admission to Park City Museum.

Inside Scoop: In 1872 George Hearst, the father of William Randolph Hearst, bought the Ontario Mine in Park City with partners for $27,000. Although it was not profitable for the first three years and placed considerable financial strain on Hearst - causing him to sell his home and horses, dismiss his servants, and enroll his son, William, in public school - it eventually yielded dividends of over $12 million, and produced over $50 million in its lifetime.

Doggone Good Time

Dog sledding isn’t only for the frozen frontier! With Rancho Luna Lobos, you can get an authentic taste of dog sledding. Schedule a dog sled experience and get a tour of the kennel, a presentation all about the art of dog sledding, a ride, and time to play with the dogs! You can take turns jumping on the back with the musher to feel what it is like to drive a team. You’ll learn about this exciting pastime and get to know the deep bonds of dogs and driver.

Did You Know:  Mushing dates back to 2000 BC and continues across the globe today. Mushing is practiced competitively, with sled teams racing hundreds of miles. It’s also carried out recreationally and for utilitarian purposes such as hauling wood and mail delivery in rural towns.

A Miner’s Health

Park City attracted miners starting in the 1860s. These miners fought for workers’ rights, including healthcare. At the time, miners would have to commute 30 miles to Salt Lake hospitals for medical care – which was difficult and dangerous, especially in the winter. Funds were raised for a local hospital. The hospital was completed in 1904 and was the community’s medical care center for 30 years. The hospital then passed into private hands and operated as a private clinic until the 1950s. In the 60s, the hospital was renovated and development plans threatened its existence in the 70s. The owner moved the structure to its present site and Park City voters approved a measure to convert the hospital to a public library.

The library has since outgrown the space, but the Miners Hospital still functions as a city building that houses events, weddings and parties. The building is surrounded by the gardens of City Park and is a great place to get a taste of local history. To learn more, visit here.

AN ARTFUL GLIMPSE OF HISTORIC SUMMIT COUNTY

Over 80 paintings, photographs and sculpture are displayed in offices and hallways of County buildings. The Summit County Collection features local artists and much of the artwork centers around famous and historic buildings in Summit County. Check out the Collection for an artistic view of Summit County – including pieces featuring Park City’s Union Pacific Depot, the Silver King Coalition Mine building and Snowy Main Street. Stop by the Coalville Courthouse at 60 N. Main St. in Coalville to check out the collection exhibited on all three floors of the historic building.

IF YOU DECIDE TO STAY

In addition to getting the guaranteed lowest rates, booking your lodging here is another way to help sustain art in our local community. A portion of your booking goes back to the Park City Summit County Arts Council.

EXPLORE ART ADVENTURES

IN PARK CITY & SUMMIT COUNTY

While we’re well-known as a mecca for mountain recreation, there are boundless opportunities to enjoy art, music, film, theater and other cultural events in Park City and Summit County.