Thanksgiving Point, located in Lehi, Utah, is a premier destination for visitors of all ages, offering a mix of gardens, museums, seasonal events, and family-friendly activities. Situated conveniently between Salt Lake City and Provo, it attracts millions each year for its unique blend of nature, history, and culture. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a place to spend quality time with family, Thanksgiving Point has something for everyone. Visitors can explore vibrant gardens, engaging museums, and exciting seasonal events, making it a year-round destination worth visiting.

Key Takeaways
Explore stunning gardens and nature experiences.
Visit engaging museums with interactive exhibits.
Participate in seasonal festivals and events.
Enjoy dining options featuring local and seasonal cuisine.
Access a variety of family-friendly activities and hands-on workshops.
Exploring the Destination
Spring Highlights
Tulip Festival: Thanksgiving Point’s Ashton Gardens hosts an annual Tulip Festival featuring over 280,000 tulips in a stunning array of colors. Guests can stroll through the gardens and enjoy:
Photography opportunities in beautifully landscaped areas.
Guided garden tours and horticulture workshops.
Food trucks offering local delicacies and refreshments.
Garden Walks: Spring is the perfect time for nature walks, as flowers bloom and wildlife emerges. Highlights include:
Blooming wildflowers like daffodils, lilies, and cherry blossoms.
Birds such as finches and robins frequently spotted in the gardens.
Summer Activities
Outdoor Movies and Concerts: Summer at Thanksgiving Point is filled with outdoor entertainment:
Free outdoor movie nights for families with blankets and snacks.
Concert series featuring local and national artists.
Children’s Discovery Garden: An interactive area where children can play and learn:
Splash pads and water features.
Educational displays about insects and plants.
Nature trails designed for young explorers.
Fall Highlights
Cornbelly’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest: One of Utah’s most popular fall events, featuring:
A massive corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Hayrides, pumpkin painting, and petting zoos.
Seasonal treats like caramel apples and hot cider.
Harvest Festival: Celebrate the fall harvest with local produce, crafts, and demonstrations:
Fresh produce markets with local fruits and vegetables.
Craft stations for making fall-themed decorations.
Live cooking demonstrations featuring autumn recipes.
Winter Wonderland
Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season:
Light displays covering Ashton Gardens with millions of twinkling lights.
Hot cocoa stands and food trucks serving seasonal favorites.
A life-sized nativity scene and Santa’s workshop for children.
Ice Skating Rink: A seasonal ice rink offers:
Ice skating for all ages, with rentals available on-site.
Evening sessions with holiday music and festive lighting.
Must-See Attractions
Ashton Gardens
A sprawling botanical garden featuring themed areas such as the Rose Garden and the Secret Garden.
Seasonal events like the Tulip Festival and Luminaria take place here.
A waterfall amphitheater perfect for relaxing and enjoying live performances.


Museum of Ancient Life
One of the world’s largest dinosaur museums, offering interactive exhibits:
Full-scale dinosaur skeletons and fossils.
Hands-on paleontology activities for children.
3D theater showcasing educational films.

Farm Country
A working farm where visitors can learn about agriculture:
Petting zoo with animals like goats, sheep, and ponies.
Wagon rides around the farm.
Demonstrations on farming techniques and animal care.
Butterfly Biosphere
A tropical greenhouse filled with hundreds of butterflies:
Guided tours to learn about different butterfly species.
Interactive exhibits teaching about butterfly habitats and conservation.
Opportunities to see butterflies up close and personal.
Events and Activities
Garden Walks and Workshops: “The guided tours offer a serene escape into nature,” says a regular visitor. Other activities include:
Seasonal gardening workshops for all ages.
Photography sessions and painting classes inspired by the gardens.
Easter Eggstravaganza: Families enjoy an Easter-themed event with:
Egg hunts across various themed sections of the gardens.
Visits with the Easter Bunny.
Craft stations for making springtime decorations.
Harvest Culinary Classes: Learn to cook seasonal dishes with fresh ingredients:
Local chefs lead hands-on classes on baking, roasting, and grilling.
Farm-to-table demonstrations featuring produce from the gardens.

Dining and Refreshments
Harvest Restaurant
A farm-to-table dining experience featuring local produce and meats.
Fresh garden salads.
Roasted meats with seasonal vegetables.
House-made desserts like apple pie and peach cobbler.
Café at the Gardens
A casual dining spot offering quick bites:
Fresh sandwiches and wraps.
Local craft beers and artisan sodas.
Baked goods, including muffins and cookies.
Ice Cream Parlor
Perfect for cooling down during the summer:
Handcrafted ice cream in flavors like honey lavender and raspberry.
Sundaes topped with fresh fruit from the gardens.
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Prices (as of 10/19/2024) | Price |
General Admission | $20 |
Seniors (65+) | $18 |
Children (3-12) | $15 |
Under 3 | Free |
Luminaria Event | $25 |
Accessibility: Thanksgiving Point is wheelchair accessible, with pathways and ramps throughout the property.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking. In summer, bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. In winter, dress warmly as outdoor attractions can be chilly.
History and Legacy
Founded in 1995 by Alan and Karen Ashton, Thanksgiving Point was established to create a place for families and the community to gather and enjoy nature, science, and culture.
Ashton Gardens opened in 1997, showcasing a variety of landscapes and botanical collections.
Museum of Ancient Life was added in 2000, expanding the educational opportunities available to visitors.
Major expansions like the Butterfly Biosphere in 2019 have continued to grow the offerings, ensuring a dynamic experience for returning visitors.
Wildlife and Nature
Butterflies: Monarchs, swallowtails, and other species can be observed in the Butterfly Biosphere.
Birds: Finch, robins, and hummingbirds are commonly seen throughout the gardens.
Flora: Wildflowers such as daffodils, tulips, and lavender fill the gardens in spring and summer.

Weather Throughout The Year
Month | Low (°F) | High (°F) |
January | 25 | 40 |
February | 28 | 45 |
March | 35 | 55 |
April | 42 | 63 |
May | 50 | 72 |
June | 59 | 85 |
July | 65 | 91 |
August | 63 | 89 |
September | 55 | 80 |
October | 44 | 68 |
November | 35 | 53 |
December | 28 | 43 |
Thanksgiving Point offers a year-round adventure for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore Utah’s cultural and natural heritage. From its blooming gardens in spring to its winter wonderland lights, it provides a wide range of experiences that make each visit unique and memorable. Whether it’s for a day trip or an extended stay, Thanksgiving Point is a must-see destination that captures the beauty and diversity of Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours?
Typically 10 AM to 8 PM, but hours vary seasonally.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on-site.
Can I purchase tickets online?
Yes, tickets are available on the Thanksgiving Point website.
Are there discounts for groups?
Group discounts are available for parties of 15 or more.
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