Famed for its deposits of dinosaur fossils, Vernal is an amazing city in Utah, home to numerous historical artifacts, natural wonders, and tourist attractions including Fantasy Crayon.
Known for its rich geological history and outdoor recreational opportunities, Vernal offers a diverse array of “best and fun things to do” that cater to all ages and interests.
Discover the fascinating world of dinosaurs at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, where life-sized exhibits and interactive displays transport you back to prehistoric times.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Vernal is a gateway to the wonders of Dinosaur National Monument, where ancient rock art, scenic canyons, and hiking trails beckon explorers seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Indulge in water-based adventures along the Green River or the beautiful Flaming Gorge Reservoir, where fishing, boating, and water sports offer endless excitement.
Unwind in the serene beauty of Ashley National Forest, where camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives provide a tranquil escape into nature.
Whether you’re seeking ancient history, outdoor thrills, or simply a peaceful retreat, Vernal promises an exceptional journey filled with endless exploration and cherished memories.
The city has many awesome sites that leave you smiling throughout your stay. This guide gives the best and fun things to do in Vernal.
Things To Do In Vernal
1. Pink Brontosaurs
For over 23 years, the Pink Brontosaurus has been serving as a roadside icon as it features two dinosaur toys with a thrilling history.
Upon arrival to the city, you will be greeted with high-quality soft toys on eBay as well as an amazing present, that is if you are a budding Dino lover.
It is also suitable for adolescent Dino lovers as it features a brand new standard plush. The Pink Brontosaurus is not a sight to miss.
2. Steinaker State Park
Within the scenic desert steppes that flow down from the snowy peaks of the high Uinta Mountains, you will find Steinaker State Park.
Kids and adults alike consider the park a summer escape venue as it offers warm water for water sports lovers which include wakeboarding, kayaking, waterskiing, and jet skiing.
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3. Utah Field House Of Natural History State Park
The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park features prehistoric geological, anthropological, and natural history items, a rotunda, a classroom, a theater, three exhibit halls, and an outdoor garden.
The museum also has a picnic space and camping ground for all, city dwellers and visitors inclusive.
4. Moonshine Arch
Moonshine Arch is yet another incredible place to visit which is roughly a 2.3-kilometer big trafficked out and back trail located near Vernal, Utah.
The trail features stunning wildflowers. You can hike and run on the trail, and even come along with your dog as they are permitted to access the trail.
5. McConkie Ranch
In McConkie ranch situated in Dry Fork Canyon close to Vernal, Utah, you will see a trail that extends to nearly 3/4 mile along the cliffs over the ranch thereby displaying numerous panels of rock art.
The essence of establishing this trail is so that visitors like you as well as locals can have fun while engaging in activities like hiking, nature trips, and walking.
6. Uintah County Heritage Museum
The Uintah County Heritage Museum strives to live up to its mission statement which is “connecting the past, present, and future to the world around us”.
You will find displays of persons and groups that decided to journey into the Uinta Basin, with some of them settling for the place as their permanent home.
7. John Jarvie Ranch
The major purpose of establishing this place is result of a naturally occurring river crossing that was used by Indians, travelers, fur trappers, and rural dwellers.
Have you heard about the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out from the long arms of the law? This was where they hid.
I have no doubt that you will enjoy your visit to this place.
8. Red Fleet State Park
The Red Fleet State Park is a fun site located a few miles north of Vernal, Utah, and it’s open in all seasons.
This park is warm, and comfortable and is surrounded by beautiful sandstone cliffs, and features clean beautiful scenery for any activity, and a well-maintained campground.
Little wonder why it has become the choice of every family, hiker, mountain biker, boater, and angler over time.
9. Vernal Theatre: Live
I strongly recommend a visit to Vernal Theatre: LIVE if you are looking forward to having some movie time in Vernal, Utah.
Aside from the fact that this theater is an environment-friendly theater, previous visitors for the past five years now have been graced with various interesting and fun things especially concerning its productions.
10. Fantasy Canyon
Fantasy Canyon is yet another interesting place to pay a visit in Vernal, UT. The rock formations are so unique and amazing and you can walk right through them.
Fantasy Canyon Loop Trail serves as a host to some of the strangest geologic content the world has ever learned. You can visit the Fantasy Canyon and appreciate the wonders of nature.
11. Holiday River Expeditions- Utah River Rafting
If you are looking for a place to have a lifetime adventure during your stay in Vernal, don’t look beyond Holiday River Expeditions that feature Utah River Rafting for both city dwellers and visitors.
Some of the other amazing features this place has are numerous hiking to touring legendary Indian ruins and petroglyphs, the San Juan River Rafting Trip through which you can enjoy a 3-day tour around the amazing San Juan River to experience “Sand Waves”.
12. Oars Dinosaur
If you want to make it to the 1 to 5-day whitewater rafting trip especially on the Yampa River or Green River in Dinosaur National Monument or on the Green River via Flaming Gorge, then, you can be a part of the OARS Dinosaur.
These trips are well-managed, as it carries professional guides, and you’ll be offered tasty food including salmon and steak, and chicken and pasta.
Also, in the night hours, you’ll enjoy sweet rhythms and music ranging from folk to bluegrass from a couple of guides.
13. Dinosaur Expeditions
Dinosaur River Expeditions is a locally owned and managed rafting expedition in Vernal, Utah. It provides visitors the possibility of enjoying river rafting trips on high-quality Colorado Rivers and Utah Rivers.
It also features adventures on the Green River through the Gates of Lodore Canyon and the Yampa River as well as a single-day river rafting adventure done in the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area.
14. Adventure Tours Vernal
Adventure Tours will guide, drive and take you through incredible places that you wouldn’t have known on your own.
In addition, the Adventure Tours features numerous sporting activities, historic artifacts, and family-driven norms to mention but a few.
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15. Ashley Valley Community Park
Ashley Valley Community Park is the biggest park in Vernal constructed to provide both families and the community a free and large space to relax and have fun.
The park harbors the Searle and Colton Pavilions featuring a quaint gazebo, double playgrounds, reservations, and numerous green types of grass.
Are you a lover of softball, whether slow or fast-pitch? It may interest you to know that Ashley Valley Community Park offers you a three-field diamond.
16. Dinaland Golf Course
Dinaland Golf Couse presents its visitors with exhilarating views of Split Mountain and a gutsy 18-hole course, little wonder why it is popularly loved by city dwellers and visitors alike.
For all your golfing needs, feel free to stop by the Pro Shop while golfing to shop get them.
17. Cinemas 5
Feel free to get your family to tag along with you while paying a visit to Merrick Cinemas 5, and have the most amazing time seeing classic and new-release movies.
The cinema also provides a complete service 5-screen cinema hall showing presents, nationally released movies, a place mapped out for gift cards, group sales, group screenings, birthday parties, advertising, a media hub, and so on.
18. Vernal E-Bike Adventure CO.
Vernal E-Bike Adventure CO. is known to offer services that have to do with mobile Electric Mountain Bike Rentals.
The company rents quality bikes at reasonable prices and gives you instructions and details on areas to ride them through their professionals.
Furthermore, Vernal E-Bike Adventure CO possesses E-Bikes that have fat tires thereby allowing you to ride on virtually every surface which includes slick rock, dirt, sand, and snow.
19. River Runner’s Transport
Are you a lover of river trips? Rivers Runner’s Transport located near the popular Green River and Yampa River in eastern Utah and Western Colorado provides all kinds of river trips you may desire.
Also, you will be presented with the best menu choices, and you can as well prepare your own meal.
Things To Do In Vernal With Kids
Vernal is an exciting city and has many fun facilities that a kid-friendly. Below are some things to do in Vernal with kids.
1. Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge provides diverse habitat types supporting over 350 fish and wildlife species and also offers numerous wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.
At Ouray, you can sight rabbits, birds, rodents, and porcupines.
2. Ashley Valley Community Park
Ashley Valley Community Park is a large and beautiful park with lush greens, two playgrounds with equipment, and multiple baseball fields. Kids will enjoy playing at the playground and you could rent the gazebo or pavilions at the park for special events.
3. Utah Fieldhouse Of Natural History Museum
At the museum, there are large dinosaurs inhabiting the gardens outside, and inside there are fossils and displays and it’s always exciting to see. Your trip to Vernal is not complete without a stop at this museum.
4. Fantasy Canyon
Fantasy Canyon is a natural wonder! The rock formations are so unique and amazing and you can walk right through them. A self-guided rock trail dotted with interpretive signs will educate you about the surrounding natural wonders.
5. Uintah County Heritage Museum
The Uintah County Heritage Museum holds a lot of pioneers, Indian, Miners, Soldiers, lawmen, and Native American artifacts. The museum is a great place to learn the history of the area.
Romantic Things To Do In Vernal For Couples
Planning a romantic date for your sweetheart? Vernal has several unique places and attraction sites that keep you all loved up and thrilled. Below are some romantic things to do in Vernal for couples.
1. Holiday River Expedition – Utah River Rafting
The Holiday River Expeditions offers several Utah River Rafting vacations. The rafting tours are super fun. The scenery is epic and you’ll get to learn more about the area.
2. OARS Dinosaur
Have a great time on the river rafting with knowledgeable guides The canyon is beautiful and breathtaking, and you get to see wildlife such as bald eagles, bighorn sheep, beavers, and skunks.
3. Moonshine Arch
Moonshine Arch is truly beautiful! The great arch and cave system is one of Vernal’s best-kept secrets. You should visit with your loved one and admire the beautiful works of nature.
4. McConkie Ranch
Do you love petroglyphs? Then you should visit McConkie Ranch. You will have an enjoyable time and a novel experience hiking the paths and looking for the carvings.
Free Things To Do In Vernal
Below is a list of free and yet fun things to do in Vernal.
1. Fantasy Canyon
The beautiful naturally weathered sandstone rises from the clay beds, exposing the wonderfully colored and shaped formations.
2. Pink Brontosaurus
The pink Brontosaurus is a beautiful welcome to the city and provides a great photo opportunity. The statue is big and pink and has eyelashes. It’s a fun sight to see and it gives you a feeling like you’re in ‘Dino Land’.
3. Uintah County Museum
Uintah Count Museum is a great little museum with a wide collection of the local history and artifacts. You can visit to know more about the area.
Cool Places To Do In Vernal
Here is a list of some cool and amazing places to see in Vernal.
1. John Jarvie Ranch
Established in 1880 by a Scotsman named John Jarvie, the John Jarvie Ranch is located near the Green River in a bid to provide store goods to the city dwellers as well as visitors.
Have you heard about the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out from the long arms of the law? This was where they hid. It’s a cool place to visit.
2. Red Fleet State Park
The Red Fleet State Park is a fun site located a few miles north of Vernal, Utah where you can choose to visit in any season you are in Vernal.
This place is best described as warm, and comfortable as it is surrounded by beautiful sandstone cliffs, features clean beautiful scenery for any activity, and a well-maintained campground.
3. Vernal Theatre: Live
This theater is a family-friendly theater and it serves as a great platform for local dwellers to maximize their potential, try new ideas, create human connections, defeat fears, and have enjoyable moments with family-friendly entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do people do in Vernal?
Go hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, or just opt for a scenic drive.
What is there to do in Vernal in the winter?
Buckskin Hills Ski and Snow Tubing Hill.
Cross Country Skiing.
Ice Skating. Western Park Ice Rink!
Snowmobiling.
Museums
Is Vernal Utah pretty?
The scenery is ruggedly beautiful, and the one-of-a-kind experience definitely makes Vernal worth the trip.
Why does Vernal mean spring?
The word vernal entered English in the sixteenth century, tracing all the way back to the Latin word ver, meaning spring.
What is the best winter activity?
Go ice skating. Kick back in an outdoor hot tub. Go stargazing. Take a wintry hike.
What are fun filled activities?
Making jewelry.
Building models.
Painting.
Weaving baskets.
Making wreaths.
Scrapbooking.
Photography.
Making candles.
What are some fun activities for adults?
Ice Cream or Gelato Classes. You do not need an ice cream maker to make delicious ice cream or gelato.
Themed Puzzle Night.
International Indoor Picnic.
LEGO Art Night.
Wheel of Fortune Games.
Mario Go-Kart Racing.
Live Candyland.
Is Vernal Utah a small town?
Vernal is home to around 10,000 people, and it’s a thriving community with plenty of jobs in the natural gas and petroleum industries.
Why is it called Vernal?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox is called the vernal equinox, because it signals the beginning of spring.
What do people do on Vernal Equinox day?
Some people will still visit their loved ones’ grave sites, sweep the gravestone clear of debris, and often leave offerings of food or fresh cut flowers.
Conclusion
Vernal, UT is undoubtedly a fun destination for your vacation as there is a wide range of activities to engage yourself with throughout your stay.
I am sure that you may have seen one or two spots from this article that you can want to explore.
I encourage you to make more research on the particular places you want to visit so as to know when to visit.
Lastly, I wish you a fun-filled holiday.
