Many BYU students aspire to visit the Seven Wonders of the World, which may seem far-fetched, but these students can get a start by visiting the seven wonders of Provo.
According to the History Channel’s Web site, the ancient Greeks first chose the Seven Wonders of the World more than two millennia ago. Inspired by this list, The New Seven Wonders of the World that many know and love today were chosen by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber.
Two hundred sites around the world were nominated, and then narrowed to seven by a worldwide vote.
The New Seven Wonders of the World are: Chichén Itza, Mexico; Christ Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the Coliseum in Rome; the Great Wall of China; Machu Picchu, Peru; Petra, Jordan; Taj Mahal in Agra, India and then the honorary wonder — the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. This was the only wonder of the ancient world to be included in the New Seven Wonders.
The Seven Wonders were chosen because of their mystery, their impact on the locale and their strange history.
Not all students will be able to see the seven wonders of the world — or at least not anytime soon. Becuase of student loans, demanding classes, missions, marriage and preparing for a career, many just won’t be able to find the time or money.
Fortunately, to some, Provo is a town with many sites full of history, mystery and impact. These conditions make it perfect to search for wonders right here in town.
For example, what about the totem pole outside the Museum of Peoples and Culture, just south of campus? How many students can say they live just next door to a modern replica of a northwest coast Indian style totem pole?
Due to its strangeness of location, one might consider the totem pole to be the first wonder of Provo.
Carlee Reed, the registrar for the Museum of Peoples and Cultures, said the totem pole “definitely stands out” and was given as a gift to BYU.
For the second wonder, consider the 45-foot obelisk just past 700 East on Center Street.
Students may have asked, why such an impressive monument in Provo?
The obelisk is actually the Provo City Veterans Memorial, erected in 2001 by Provo residents for the “valiant men and women who have served in the armed forces of our nation.”
Students can visit this monument at the quiet park it resides in for a moment of solitude and respect. After reading the heroic poems that surround the monument, students can see a sidewalk map of the world and replica of past war machinery only steps away.
After visiting such spectacular places in Provo, students might hunger for something more. For the third wonder, students can stop by Maceys to buy a King Kong Cone.
It’s only $1.29 for the extremely large King Kong Cone and it comes in three varieties: chocolate, vanilla and swirl.
Kylee Smith, who works at the service deli at Maceys, where the King Kong Cone is available, said many people come in and have competitions to see who can finish the enormous cone.
“I could maybe eat a quarter of it,” Smith said. “It is a really good price and I love watching people who had never had it before come and get it because their face is awesome.”
After eating such an enormous ice cream cone, students may want to rest under a lesser-known, historic tree in Provo — a tree that may be regarded as the fourth wonder of Provo.
This rare Weeping American Elm, which resides right across the street from Ottavios Ristorante Italiano on Center Street, was planted sometime in 1927. The tree, as well as the enormous shade it provides, gives students the perfect opportunity to work off their brain freeze after eating the King Kong Cone.
The historical tree is held up by 14 poles, with signs asking visitors not to climb the historic tree. Picnic benches are also available under the tree.
A fifth wonder of Provo might be the rock amphitheater adjacent to the Utah State Hospital.
This amphitheater is the setting for concerts, plays, and excellent star-gazing opportunities. It may not be the Roman Coliseum, but the amphitheater in Provo is as close as a BYU student can get.
The sixth possible wonder was a gift from a past class at BYU — the cougar statue outside the LaVell Edwards Stadium. Students find their BYU experience is hardly complete until they’ve taken a picture “riding” the statue. Many say it is the gift that keeps on giving.
To finish off the list of local wonders, consider this delicious summer treat — Ripple’s limeade.
Ripples, located at 3225 N. Canyon Rd. in Provo, serves hamburgers and fries, but students find their limeade exemplary — especially in the summer heat.
“I used to ride my bike there all the time,” said Hunter Anderson, a Latin American studies major from Tyler, Texas “It’s all I can think about on a hot summer day.”
Whether students are looking for a fun date idea, a place to take their friends or family from out of town, or something to do when they’re bored, visiting the seven wonders of Provo will make everything seem a bit more … wonderful.
Feeds 
I'll admit I was pretty surprised by the interesting choices
either you or the Daily Universe made for the "7 Wonders of
Provo"... A better title to the article should have been "The 7
Other Wonders of Provo", because I think you meant to include
the most obvious and well-known wonders that identify this area
to the world as "Provo."
Now it's a shame if anyone thinks the following are boring or
over-used, but they are what identify Provo to the world. Let's
start with the man-made buildings in this area. Number one
would obviously be the Provo Temple. After
that, you can't forget about the Provo
Library, followed closely by the Provo
Tabernacle. Those three can easily be identified with
Provo history and culture.
Out of the newer buildings, the one I would identify most with
Provo is the amazing NuSkin Building (complete
with it sculptures and American flag flying on top!), which
represents the business and commerce of Utah.
Now, I'll level with you about the 5th wonder... however, you
have to refer to it as the locals do, as the "Provo
Castle". This has been used for photography, film and
stage productions over and over again.
But we certainly can't overlook the many of the wonders in this
town created by God Himself: One of the most famous being the
beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. And finally,for
the 7th wonder, God provided the mountain and we simply added
on to it. The result is Y Mountain, a symbol
for the amazing campus we have here.
Of course, I purposefully left out buildings on campus, because
I believe BYU would have it's set of 7 wonders, which would be
debatable among students. Even my own list could be slightly
modified. In the end, I believe Provo should have a vote take
on what should be the official "7 Wonders of Provo" (which
would surely includ most of the one's I mentioned). Because if
anyone new to the area would have accepted your article as
truly "The 7 Wonders of Provo", they would thought they were in
Hicktown USA instead of the amazing, beautiful, historic city
named Provost.
You should have included as one of the "Wonders of Provo" the gorgeous sunsets across Utah Lake seen on summer evenings from the lawn above the temple, snuggled up to someone special on a quilt if you're lucky.