Most people think of Utah as just another mid-western state, full of natural landscape, farms, and ranches, and that is partly true, as Utah is full of natural landscape and ranches, but it is not a midwestern state.
So, if you are one of those people who thought it was, then you require learning a few fun facts about Utah to increase your knowledge about this beautiful state, and that is exactly what we are going to do here by listing some fun facts about Utah for you.
1. Utah Has the Greatest Snow on Earth
If you are a skier, then you may have come across the phrase “Greatest Snow on Earth”, which is often associated with Utah. For Utah, it is not just a slogan, as the state has the receipts to back up this claim. Thanks to a combination of low humidity and plenty of storms, Utah receives plenty of snow, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
2. Home to the First KFC
This may come as a surprise to you, but the first-ever Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opened in the state of Utah and not Kentucky. Yes, you heard that right, the first location opened in Salt Lake City in 1952, and if you are wondering then why is it called Kentucky Fried Chicken? That is because Colonel Sanders developed the recipe in Kentucky.
3. Utah Has More National Parks Than Most States
The United States is home to many great national parks, but do you know which state has the most parks? If you are thinking Utah, you are wrong, as California has nine. But Utah is known for having the “Mighty Five” Parks, and these are the Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.
4. The Great Salt Lake is Saltier Than the Ocean
Salt Lake City in Utah gets its name from the actual Salt Lake in Utah, and this lake is truly a natural wonder of the world as it is ten times saltier than the biggest bodies of water, i.e., the oceans. The lake has so much salt that you can float effortlessly in it.
5. Home to the Largest Independent Film Festival in the U.S.
You might think that California or New York hosts the largest independent film festival in the country, but no. The honor goes to Utah, where the festivity is hosted every January in Park City, and if you haven’t guessed it by now, it is none other than the Sundance Film Festival.
6. Utah is a Dinosaur Hotspot
Growing up, who among us didn’t love dinosaurs? If your love for dinosaurs persisted into adulthood, then you should definitely visit Utah. One of the largest collections of fossils is found in this state, and the places to visit include the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry and the Utah Field House of Natural History.
7. Utah is the Beehive State for a Reason
Another fun fact about Utah is related to its massive beehive industry, which is pretty much a part of the fabric of the state. So much so that the beehive symbol is even on the flag of the state, the seal, and can be found on road signs across the state.
8. The Transcontinental Railroad Met in Utah
One of the most pivotal moments in the history of the United States is the laying of the Transcontinental railroad that connected the East Coast with the West Coast, and it was in Utah where both sides of the railroad met at Promontory Summit in 1869.
9. Home to One of the World’s Most Unique Arches
One of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Utah is the Delicate Arch. It is so iconic that the whole national Park is named after it, i.e., the Arches National Park. The 52-foot-tall arch is so symbolic that you can often see it on license plates across Utah, and if you get to see it in real life, that is just a plus.
10. Utah Has Strict Liquor Laws (But Great Craft Breweries)
Of all the states in the US, Utah has some of the strictest liquor laws, owing to the large Mormon community there. But despite the strict laws, Utah is home to a flourishing brewery industry, and if you like craft beer then Utah should be on your bucket list.
