While off the beaten path for most Utah tourists, the Golden Spike National Historic Site is a historical goldmine, especially for those interested in America's early interest in the railroad.
Must see and must do at Golden Spike National Historic Site
During the summer, the park reenacts the original Golden Spike ceremony that occurred on May 10, 1869. Visitors can connect with a part of our nation's history by watching a reenactment of the two trains coming together. In addition, visitors to the historic site during the winter can take a guided tour of the engine house where fully-functional steam locomotive replicas of the Jupiter and No. 119 engines are on display. Finally, the Big Fill Loop Trail is a mile and a half walking trail where visitors can see the blasting work done by mostly Chinese immigrants in order to prepare for the meeting of the two engines.
Best and worst time to go to Golden Spike National Historic Site
The absolute best time to visit Golden Spike is during the summer, specifically between May 1 and Labor Day. The reenactment ceremony occurs every Saturday during those months at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. It's best to avoid Golden Spike during the winter, when sometimes icy conditions can close the paved road out to the site.
Admission to Golden Spike National Historic Site
The cost for admission to the site is relatively cheap at less than $10 for a vehicle. If you choose to bicycle or walk into the site, the per person cost is under $5.
Wildlife at Golden Spike National Historic Site
Due to its location in the desert northwest of Salt Lake City, the Golden Spike National Historic Site is not frequented by wildlife, except maybe some mosquitos in the spring. For that you might want to pack the bug spray.
Insider tips for the Golden Spike National Historic Site
The first thing to be aware of is that the site is rather remote. Once you get off the freeway onto Highway 83, it's time to put your GPS away. Instead, follow the road signs to get to the site, or you could end up somewhere else entirely. Second, not many visitors know that the visitors center offers a handful of films to watch. If the kids are especially restless, you can request that the staff show the movie, This is America Charlie Brown, where the Peanuts characters give a history of America's first transcontinental railroad.
Author's bio: Clint lives has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.