Are you looking for fun things to do in Vernal, Utah? Wait. Maybe you have never heard of Vernal, Utah?
Well, you have now. And if you didn’t know, Vernal is also called Dinosaurland. There have been over 13 dinosaur excavations in this area.
We just went and had so much fun! My sister-in-law is from Vernal, and so we got the inside scoop of all the best things to do in Vernal!
You can have fun both in Vernal and in the beautiful, surrounding areas, including Dinosaur National Monument and Flaming Gorge!
In this post, we are going to go over all the fun things to do in Vernal Utah! From the famous Dinosaur National Monument to the awesome murals around town!
Let’s explore all the things to do in Vernal, Utah!
Hotels in Vernal Utah
Before you plan your trip to Vernal Utah you may want to book your accommodations. There are a few hotel choices in Vernal Utah
Executive Inn & Suites and a few local motels are available in this area. Vernal Utah is a small town, so I think it’s awesome and am grateful that they have Executive Inn & Suites. And at least when I went, at great prices!
We actually decided to stay at the Executive Inn & Suites. We looked into camping but decided to just get a hotel room instead.
These hotels are in great locations if you are planning to do all the fun things to do in Vernal Utah!
Things to Do in Vernal Utah – Take a City Tour
Murals
Vernal Utah has some fun, Instagram-worthy murals. One of the first things I wanted to do was check them out and take lots of pictures. This is one of the best free things to do in Vernal Utah!
Yes, there are dinosaur murals, but there are also other murals as well. And I wasn’t the only one to enjoy them. My son had a great time taking pictures of me in all of the murals.
All of these murals are located on the main street throughout town. It was very easy to find parking spots around these locations.
This is Vernal
Dinosaur land
We loved seeing all the dinosaur paintings around town. We had fun playing around and posing in front of the Murals.
This was one of my favorite attractions in Vernal Utah!
2. Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
It is also referred to as Vernal’s Dinosaur Museum. The dinosaur museum is one of the top things to do in Vernal Utah! It is totally worth a visit.
Hours and Admission
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Adults: $8
Children: 6-12: $4
Family Favorite Vernal Utah Location
If you have dinosaur lovers in your family then you have to stop by this museum. This is one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Utah. This museum doesn’t take very long to view and will be your kid’s favorite stop in Vernal Utah.
Outdoor Area
There is a small area located outside with lots of fun replicas of dinosaurs. This is a great place to let the imagination run wild. Kids love to pretend and play out here.
This is one of the best attractions in Vernal Utah!
3. Take in the Beauty of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
A short drive from Vernal, Flaming Gorge is a paradise for outdoor lovers. This area boasts stunning red rock cliffs, serene waters, and abundant wildlife.
- Boating and Fishing: The reservoir is perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing, with trout and kokanee salmon being the primary catches.
- Hiking: Trails like the Canyon Rim Trail offer breathtaking views of the gorge.
- Camping: Enjoy a night under the stars at one of the many campgrounds.
Known for its unique dinosaur trackway, Red Fleet State Park is an excellent destination for adventure seekers.
- Dinosaur Tracks: Hike the Dinosaur Trackway Trail to see 200-million-year-old footprints preserved in sandstone.
- Water Activities: The reservoir is ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing.
- Scenic Views: The park’s striking red rock formations create a stunning backdrop for your visit.
Just a short drive from Vernal, this privately-owned site showcases an impressive collection of ancient Native American rock art. The petroglyphs date back thousands of years and depict fascinating images of animals, people, and symbolic patterns. The short hiking trails provide easy access to these cultural treasures.
Vernal’s small-town charm extends to its local eateries and shops.
- Dining: Try local favorites like Dinosaur Brew Haus for craft beers and hearty meals, or check out Quarry Grill for a casual dining experience.
- Shopping: Stroll along Vernal’s Main Street to find unique boutiques, gift shops, and antique stores.
