By ERIN BURT
Every August, thousands of people from across the nation flock to BYU campus for Education Week. But at the close of the day when classes are over, what can visitors do for fun in Provo?
Because Provo is nestled close to the mountains, many Provo residents head outdoors to enjoy the warm summer weather and beautiful surroundings. Visitors might want to take part in BYU tradition and hike Y Mountain. Provo Canyon is also very close to campus and has several parks for picnics and recreation.
Fly fishing is popular on the Provo River, and there are numerous bike and walking trails along it. The more adventurous outdoorsman might want to hike Mt. Timpanogos or hike to the Timpanogos Caves in American Fork Canyon.
Sundance ski resort is only a 20 minute drive from campus up Provo Canyon. Although their outdoor summer theatre schedule ended in mid-August, for $5 visitors can take a ride on the scenic chair lift, or for $60 per hour, or take a hot air balloon ride from Park City.
A little closer to town is the Utah Lake State Park. Even without a boat, there is plenty to do at the 71 campground sites complete with modern restrooms and showers. The park also has wheel chair accessible fishing areas.
If you did not bring all your hiking, biking, fishing and camping gear, Outdoors Unlimited in the Wilkinson Student Center rents almost everything for your outdoor needs.
For the more historically grounded tourist, Utah County has several museums. The Springville Museum of Art is featuring a free quilt show this month and is open until 5 p.m. The McCurdy Historical Doll Museum in Provo is open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $2 per adult. The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum at 75 S. Main Street in Springville is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is free.
For a more active historical experience, The Park City Silver Mine Adventure takes visitors on an underground tour of a mine. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will cost each adult $17.95.
In addition, shopping abounds in Provo and the surrounding areas. University Mall is an old favorite, but within the past year, the Provo Towne Centre Mall has been added to Provo’s south side and The Shops at the Riverwoods is a new strip mall in Orem, located near the mouth of Provo Canyon. Thanksgiving Point in Lehi has small shops, large gardens, wagon rides and an 18-hole golf course.
If the arts are your preference, Provo Theatre Company’s production of “I Do, I Do!” will play through Aug. 21, and The Hale Centre Theatre’s production of “Lucky Stiff” will start Aug. 20.
A night on the town provides many options. There are the classics like miniature golf, roller skating and bowling, but for a more modern source of fun, try Laser Force in Provo. Club Omni is the modern dance scene for young adults, and for country dancing, Jake’s High Country Dance Club in Orem is the place.
But if your transportation is limited, there is plenty to do right on BYU campus. The Bean Museum and the Earth Science Museum provide an educational experience for visitors. The Varsity Theatre and the Wilkinson Game Center can provide fun for the Education Week visitors. The game center has bowling, video games, billiards and air hockey, and is open most nights until midnight.
For more information on these ideas or to find local dining and lodging, visit http://utah.citysearch.com and search under Provo/Utah County.
