Published Dec 1, 2018

14 Winter Attractions For The Family In Utah That Don’t Involve Long Lines At The Mall

Discover 14 unique winter attractions in Utah to enjoy during the holiday season.

Published Dec 1, 2018

Written by

Catherine Armstrong

Experiences

Updated Aug 13, 2024

This Utah Massacre Site Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation

The Mountain Meadows Massacre site in Utah is considered the most haunted place in the state due to its tragic history.

Updated Aug 13, 2024

Written by

Catherine Armstrong

On September 11, 1857, one of the most horrific massacres in U.S. history occurred in Southern Utah. It played a tragic piece in Utah history that many still reflect upon today. While the story is heartbreaking and awful, it is creepy and spooky as well. In fact, today, the Mountain Meadows Massacre site is said to be the most haunted place in Utah.

The Baker-Fancher wagon train was made up of men, women, and children from Arkansas who were traveling through Utah to California. The wagon train was attacked by a group of Mormon Militia on September 11, 1857.

During the attack, between 120 and 140 men, women, and children were slaughtered. The Mormon militia fabricated a story, blaming the Paiute for the massacre. They hastily buried the bodies in shallow graves, which were promptly dug up by coyotes and other wild animals. Within a few days of the massacre, bodies and body parts were scattered over two miles, left to rot in the sun.

The youngest members of the party were spared, and the 17 surviving children (all of whom were under the age of seven) were "adopted" by local Mormon families. When the children's relatives from Arkansas attempted to take the children back home, they were refused. It took two years, and intervention from the U.S. Army, for the children to be returned.

News of the massacre made national headlines and people all over the country were horrified.

alt — Harpers WeeklyUploaded by Jeffrey Vernon Merkey at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This ink drawing of the victims' bodies was placed on the cover of Harpers Weekly. After the initial outrage, nearby settlers collected the most obvious body parts and buried them, mostly in two mass graves.

Throughout the years since the massacre, many visitors to this area report that it's haunted.

Mostly, people report an eerie feeling of being watched. But, some say that they hear the cries of children, women screaming, and men shouting. Since the dead weren't properly buried, it would make sense that the pioneers who were butchered so violently would not be at rest.

A few visitors have reported seeing a woman walking across the meadow, acting as though she's searching for something — perhaps her children? Others report seeing school-aged children running through the fields, laughing.

These aren't the only reports of paranormal activity at this historic site.

There are a few accounts of an older man, seen in broad daylight at the memorial, sobbing. He's wearing clothing from the 1800s and is thought to be the ghost of John D. Lee, the man who was executed by firing squad for the massacre. Lee was the only man punished for the crimes, and historians believe he was a scapegoat to divert attention from other officials who knew about, ordered, and orchestrated the massacre of so many innocent people.

If you've never visited the Mountain Meadows Massacre, take time to stop by this memorial. It's located off U.S. Highway 18, near St. George.

If you sit quietly and listen, you just might hear the voices of the dead on the wind.

Do you think the Mountain Meadow Massacre site is the most haunted place in Utah? Have you visited the area? Did you see or hear anything creepy there? If so, let us know in the comments!

Despite this piece of tragic Utah history, the Mountain Meadow Massacre site is an excellent road trip stop. However, before you go, make sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list.

Experiences

Published Jun 28, 2024

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At This Indoor Playground In Utah

Published Jun 28, 2024

Written by

Courtnie Erickson

I am a mom of three children under the age of 11. I know how hard it can be to keep kids entertained and provide them with an indoor space where they can play, run, step away from screens, and unleash that built-up energy. That’s why Luv 2 Play in Sandy is the ultimate family-friendly destination. It’s home to an indoor playground in Utah, an arcade, and a café. It’s easy to spend hours here.

Your children will squeal for joy when you tell them you are visiting Luv 2 Play. This indoor playground in Utah has something for every member of the family as young as one year old. You will find this destination on the second floor of the South Town Mall in Sandy.

Inside, your children will be drawn to the 10,000-square-foot indoor playground. They will be able to climb, crawl, slide, and even soar on all of the various features. The playground has three levels and includes multiple slides, a mini zipline, tubes, ball blasters, and more.

There’s even a play area for toddlers complete with a ball pit, mini slide, and sensory play panels.

For those under one, head to the baby area designed with features to improve motor skills and color recognition.

When your children need a break from the running and sliding, there’s nothing quite like the arcade. This area features a variety of games where you can win some cool prizes.

alt — Luv 2 Play Sandy (Sandy, UT) /Facebook

Plus, when hunger strikes, you and your family don’t have to leave. In fact, you can have a delicious meal right at the playground. Luv 2 Play is also home to a tasty café where you can order everything from quick snacks and drinks to full meals including hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, macaroni and cheese, and so much more.

There are meals for adults and kids alike. You can also just stop in and grab a cup of coffee, a cookie, candy bar, or ice cream. It’s a great way to fuel your body for another round of playing.

Luv 2 Play in Sandy, Utah is more than just an indoor playground — it’s an exciting family-friendly destination. Come prepared for a day of fun no matter your age.

For more information, visit the Luv 2 Play website and the Luv 2 Play Facebook page.

Have you spent time at this indoor playground in Utah? What are some of your favorite family-friendly destinations in Utah? Let us know in the comments. For even more family adventures, check out Viator for ideas.

All Stories

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14 Winter Attractions For The Family In Utah That Don’t Involve Long Lines At The Mall

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This Utah Massacre Site Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation

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The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At This Indoor Playground In Utah

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All Stories

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Rhode Island That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

The Panoramic-View Restaurant on Top of the Omni Hotel in Connecticut Is a Must-Visit

The Unique Restaurant In New York Where Every Order Comes With A Free Plate Of Fried Dough

We Can’t Get Enough of This Small Town New Jersey Farm With Apple Picking and a Pumpkin Patch

Experience Luxury And Off-The-Grid Living At This Modern Home In Taos, New Mexico