The character of Park City has been greatly influenced by its location in the Wasatch Mountain Range giving the city a feeling isolation although the city is only 32 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City.
Although the city is now mostly a resort town known for its great skiing and other outdoor activities, its mining roots keeps the town from being too yuppified and maintains a friendly and down-to-earth feel. This binary phenomenon is also reflected in the
Quite a small town, it is difficult to divide Park City itself into districts. Still, there are a few areas of town with distinct personalities.
Main Street
The
Additionally,
Prospector Square
A much newer area of town than
Other Areas
The three main ski resorts,
Kimball Junction is north of the city, located near
There are numerous smaller cities surrounding Park City, although the Heber Valley, with Heber City and Midway are the biggest ones of note. Just south of Park City and with great golfing and skiing of their own as well as some cute shops and cafes, they provide an alternative to or a great short trip from Park City. With a slightly more "country" feel than its northern neighbor, Heber City hosts the
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Mining Roots
Although it is one of the few cities in Utah not associated with Mormonism, even Park City has been influenced by Brigham Young's flock. In this case, the mining boom that was occurring in other western states was delayed by a Mormon lack of interest in precious minerals. It wasn't until 1868 that valuable metals were found in the hills around what would become Park City. Soldiers from nearby areas in charge of protecting the mail route discovered the first bits of silver in October of 1868.
Called "Parley's Park City" in 1872, the name was soon shortened to its current name. The Flagstaff Mine was the first to export ore from the area, and the Ontario Mine was sold to George Hurst and partners for $27,000 and eventually made over $50 million. Over the next few decades, even as silver prices fluctuated, the town's population boomed and reached almost 10,000 in 1898. In June of that same year, a fire ravaged the city burning three quarters of the town and leaving many homeless.
The rich deposits allowed new companies to form until, all too soon, disaster struck again. In July of 1902, an explosion in the Daly West Mine caused by underground dynamite killed 34 men. This led to safety concerns causing a state law to be enacted forbidding the storage of large quantities of explosives underground. The health of miners was put at risk not only by dynamite, but also because of the nature of the job itself. After the Miners Hospital was built in 1904, 6,000 miners were treated for silicosis, caused by breathing in crystalline silica dust, in the first year.
Origins of Sporting & Prohibition
The winter sports aspect of Park City was integrally related to the mining community. It the late 19th century, miners used a form of snowshoe to get to the mines. But soon it expanded from merely a means of transport to a form of recreation. As World War I and other factors led to a depression in the mining industry, winter sports began to gain a hold in the area. Workers took mining trains to the top of hills and skied to the bottom.
Although Prohibition was in full effect throughout the 1920s and into the 1930s, getting alcohol in Park City was never a problem. In fact, it is said that in the 27 bars in Park City in 1921, all of them served alcohol.
Park City as a Destination
During the Great Depression, mining prices began to decrease and so did the mining industry in Park City. Skiing had begun to pick up in the late 1940s with the first lift at Snow Park (now Deer Valley Resort). But by the 1950s, Park City was described as a ghost town. Then came a federal loan from the Area Redevelopment Agency in 1963 which relaunched Park City into the winter sports scene. Using this loan, Treasure Mountain Resort was created. An instant success, almost 50,000 skiers visited Treasure Mountain Resort in its first year. In 1965, the Skier's Subway was introduced to add the mining flavor into the new skiing town. This lift allowed skiers to travel in a modified mining trolley underground and then climbed on a old mine elevator to get to the top of the mountain. However, skiers were unimpressed and it was too slow and soon closed.
In 1968, what is now known as The Canyons but what was originally called Park West Ski opened. In the 1970s, Park City made an effort to be known not only for great skiing, but also for the arts. Festivals, the Kimball Art Center, and a new public library all added to the atmosphere of change.
Deer Valley Resort, often named as one of the best ski resorts in the world, opened in 1981. That same year was the inception of the festival that has become the Sundance Film Festival. Major ski competitions began to use the area after a North American record was set for spectators during the 1985 World Cup ski race in the area. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Over 40% of the events were held in the area surrounding Park City and it cemented its worldwide recognition as a top class ski resort.
Today, Park City is a haven for both sports and the arts. Historic Main Street is a picturesque area of town has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Sundance Film Festival is one of the most well respected and recognized film festival worldwide, and Park City continues to be a world class skiing, snowboarding, and general sporting destination in both the winter and summer months.
Park City is filled with spectacular mountain views and interesting buildings. Although many people visit simply to ride the slopes or get in touch with nature, there are a lot of interesting places to explore within the man-made realm.
Main Street
Truly a sight in itself, Main Street is filled with Victorian buildings and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The cute and artsy downtown area is filled with restaurants, culture, and things to do. For food, check out Robert Redford's Zoom with an American flair. The Red Banjo Pizza Parlour is a cheaper choice with delicious pizzas and has been run for generations by Park City natives. One street over is the Kimball Art Center where you can view great visual arts and gallery exhibits. Curious about your family? Try to find some information on your ancestors at the Family Tree Center. Find cute shoes at Mary Jane's, and if you are lucky enough to be exploring main street on a Sunday in the summer, you will find the Park Silly Sunday Market with food, local artists' work, and antiques.
Utah Olympic Park
If you've ever dreamed of being an Olympic athlete, you can indulge this fantasy by visiting the Utah Olympic Park. With the chance to climb to the top of the ski jump, ride in a bobsled, or experience the luge, you can pretend you are a 2002 Winter Olympian. Also located in this complex is the Alf Engen Ski Museum with interesting exhibits on skiing. For a relaxing treat, make a reservation at Papillion the Spa. To dine with a view, take a gondola at the Canyons and eat at Red Pine.
Kimball Junction
The main attraction at Kimball Junction is the Tanger Outlet Center. After spending time shopping until you feel like dropping, take a break at the Redstone 8 Cinemas with the largest screens in town. Also in the area is the Swaner Nature Preserve which hosts the Swaner Nature Festival. Although the facility is usually for events, there are a number of walks available if you sign up in advance. If you are getting hungry try the Park City Pizza Co or Loco Lizard Cantina.
Heber Valley
Go for a ride through the scenic countryside with Heber Valley Railroad. Just a jaunt from Park City and with its own unique charm, Heber City has great golf, so go for a round at the Homestead Resort or Red Ledges. Stop in for some pie at Hub Cafe or a hearty meal at the Claim Jumper Steak House.
Prospector Square
Prospector Square is a planned business community just off Kearns Boulevard. A fun area to explore, stop off at Wasatch Bagel Cafe for breakfast or lunch for some great New York-style food. Or, if you are looking for something a little more upscale, try Blind Dog with delicious contemporary cuisine including sushi. Want to do something a little more active? The Park City Racquet Club allows visitors and you can choose from a variety of fun classes or just get a great workout on your own. For those with disabilities, the National Abilities Center aims to give everyone a chance to experience sports and has the equipment and the knowledge to do just that.
If you are not into exploring on your own, or if you want a more extreme adventure, Park City has a plethora of guided tours to help you out. Most companies offer more than one type of tour:
Fly Fishing & Hunting
Park City Fly Shop (http://www.parkcityflyshop.com/ +1 435 645 8382) Trout Bum 2 (http://www.troutbum2.com/ +1 +1 435 658 1166) Park City Outfitters (http://www.parkcityoutfitters.com/ +1 435 649 6596) Rocky Mountain Recreation (http://www.rockymtnrec.com/ +1 435 645 7256) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Skiing
White Pine Touring (http://www.whitepinetouring.com/ +1 435 649 8710) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619) Park City Powder Cats & Heli-Ski (http://www.pccats.com/ +1 435 649 6596)
Biking
White Pine Touring (http://www.whitepinetouring.com/+1 435 649 8710) Dinosaur Expeditions (http://www.dinoadv.com/ +1 800 345 7238) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Climbing & Hiking
White Pine Touring (http://www.whitepinetouring.com/+1 435 649 8710) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Snowshoeing
White Pine Touring (http://www.whitepinetouring.com/+1 435 649 8710) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Sleigh Rides
Snowed Inn Sleigh Company (http://www.snowedinnsleigh.com/ +1 435 647 3310) Rocky Mountain Recreation (http://www.rockymtnrec.com/ +1 435 645 7256)
Snowmobiling
Red Pine Adventures (http://www.redpinetours.com/ +1 800 417 7669) Rocky Mountain Recreation (http://www.rockymtnrec.com/ +1 435 645 7256) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Horseback Riding
Red Pine Adventures (http://www.redpinetours.com/ +1 800 417 7669) Dinosaur Expeditions (http://www.dinoadv.com/ +1 800 345 7238) Rocky Mountain Recreation (http://www.rockymtnrec.com/ +1 435 645 7256) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Whitewater Rafting
Dinosaur Expeditions (http://www.dinoadv.com/ +1 800 345 7238) All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Hot Air Ballooning
All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
ATV
All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
Dog Sledding
All Seasons Adventures (http://www.allseasonsadventures.com/ +1 435 649 9619)
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