20 Things To Do In Provo

Utah’s fourth-largest city is often overlooked by travellers, who might choose to visit Zion, Park City or Moab instead. Surrounded by mountains, Provo is 45 miles (72 km) from Salt Lake City and is right on Utah Lake.

You’d be surprised that there are several things to do in Provo, especially for outdoorsy people along with museums and art and cultural centres. Here are some things to do in Provo, Utah, to get you started.

Provo, Utah

20 Things To Do In Provo

1- Visit Bridal Veil Falls

One of the best things to do in Provo is to visit Bridal Veil Falls, a lovely waterfall about a 15-minute drive from downtown.

This is the perfect place to visit if you want the rewards of a beautiful waterfall but without a considerable hike.

From the car park, it’s just a stone’s throw away to reach vantage points of the falls.

Bridal Veil Falls is around 180 m tall and the water flows down staggered limestone rock.

It’s a beautiful year-round destination, with the colours looking good in every season.

Visit in autumn and the vegetation will be vibrantly orange, and in winter the falls freeze, making for an interesting visit.

You may also spot ice climbers who traverse the falls during this time.

2- See Amazing Scenery On Provo Canyon Scenic Drive

Exploring Provo Canyon is one of the most breathtaking things to do in Provo and if you love nature, you must add this to your itinerary.

Provo Canyon is home to lakes, mountains, waterfalls and thick forest.

This scenic driving route passes Bridal Veil Falls and Deer Creek Reservoir, so allow plenty of time to stop and explore.

People usually take around two hours to drive this scenic pass, but it depends on how many times you scream for the driver to stop the car so you can take photos.

Provo Canyon Scenic Drive starts on the US-189 and parallels the Provo River, with side trips on the Alpine Scenic Loop, U-92, passing Uinta National Forest and Timpanogos Cave National Monument.

3- Visit Provo City Center Temple

Even if you aren’t religious, visiting the Provo City Center Temple is a beautiful stop.

Surrounded by colourful flowers and gardens, this Mormon church looks like a miniature castle.

Not so long ago, the building burned down and was rebuilt by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the original style.

Provo City Center Temple is at 50 S University Ave, Provo, UT 84601.

Recommended tour: Provo Scavenger Hunt: A Provo Peak

4- Go Rafting Or Tubing Along The Provo River

The Provo River is an excellent place to try rafting or tubing, a fun summer activity to try in Provo.

Bring your own equipment or rent from High Country Adventures.

People usually park at the endpoint, Vivian Park, and then head up to the top of the river.

It takes around two hours to float down to the riverside parking spot.

Surrounded by trees filled with chirping birds, floating down the flowing river is a fantastic activity to immerse yourself in nature.

Recommended tour: Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure

5- Walk The Provo River Parkway Trail

The Provo River is one of the city’s focal points, and the Provo River Parkway Trail is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

The trail runs for 15.2 miles (25 km) and is an easy level walk that is dog friendly.

This trail is really scenic and the walk along the river passes lakes, mountains and plenty of forest.

The trail starts at the Provo River Parkway Trailhead and ends at Vivian Park.

Whether you want to walk, run, cycle, or even fish this is the place to go in Provo.

6- Enjoy The Views On The Y Trail

The Y Trail is an ideal excuse to explore Provo’s beautiful natural surroundings and is one of the most popular hikes in the area.

You can hike the entire Y trail up to the top of Y Mountain, but many people just opt for the Y trailhead.

This 2.2-mile round trip hike isn’t long or particularly challenging, but the views are amazing.

Most people take around one to three hours to hike this trail.

Although the trail is relatively accessible, some parts are a little steep, and 12 switchbacks make the ascent to the Y Mountain much easier.

Y Trailhead is at Slide Canyon Trail 062, Provo, UT 84604.

7- Relax In Utah Lake State Park

You’ll find the Utah Lake State Park on the east shores of Utah Lake close to downtown a popular spot for watersport lovers and fishing fanatics.

This state park is a great place to cool off and swim in the water in the summer months and a top spot to try paddleboarding.

In addition to the large lake, there are also activities in the park that make for a fun day out.

Numerous trails snake around the lake and enable you to immerse yourself in nature.

Bring your boots or bike; these trails are ideal for exploring the Utah Lake State Park.

Utah Lake State Park is at 4400 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601.

8- Hike Rock Canyon

Hiking around Rock Canyon is one of the best things to do in Provo, as the canyon is a real hidden gem.

Just a 10-minute drive outside of central Provo, you can lose yourself in nature.

There are hiking and biking trails as well as spots for rock climbers.

The Rock Canyon Trail is a 5.7-mile (9.2 km) trail that’s out and back.

It’s a moderate difficulty level, but there are so many things to see while you hike.

You get to cross rivers and bridges; there are interesting rock formations and a couple of caves.

To extend the hike, head another two miles to Squaw Peak summit.

9- Admire Local Art At Covey Center for The Arts

In the heart of downtown Provo, Covey Center for The Arts offers live performances, exhibits and dance classes.

Inside the building, there is not one but three art galleries that showcase the best of local Provo and Utah artists.

Their performance space is large, and several shows and concerts are held in the space.

Whether you are looking for some of the best art in the state or some evening entertainment, check out the events programme at the Covey Center.

Covey Center for the Arts is at 425 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601.

10- Explore The Museum Of Peoples And Cultures

Provo is home to Brigham Young University (BYU), and as a result, the city has earned a reputation as a student city.

If you are interested in art, culture and history, you’ve got to check out the BYU Museum of People and Cultures.

The museum’s main focus is on ethnology and archaeology.

There are loads of exhibits inside showcasing local and international history, focusing on South America, Mesoamerican (Central America today) and local artifacts.

The museum’s goal is to encourage visitors to show a greater appreciation for cultures around the world.

Museum of People and Cultures is at 2201 N Canyon Rd, Provo, UT 84604.

11- Brigham Young University Museum of Art

Another of BYU’s excellent museums is the Museum of Art or MOA.

If you’re interested in art or an aspiring artist, check out some of the rising new talent at the Brigham Young University Museum of Art.

The museum is free and can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 10 am.

There is modern art, as well as garden sculptures.

This Museum of Art is housed in a four-story building and is home to galleries, classrooms, exhibitions, an auditorium, theatre and a gift shop.

Brigham Young University MOA is at Campus Dr, Provo, UT 84602.

12- Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum

This natural history museum is perfect for taking the kids on a hot day.

You’ll find this science museum on the BYU campus (yet another reason to visit the university).

Wildlife and the natural environment are the museum’s main focus.

They have plant and taxidermy displays and exhibitions about the environment, past, present and future.

There are a bunch of activities that kids can participate in.

Drawing and reading activities, group tours, and scavenger hunts are educational ways of keeping the kids entertained.

This is an interesting museum and a fantastic free attraction in Provo, great for families.

Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum is at 645 E Phillips Ln, Provo, UT 84604.

13- Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center

Yet another of BYU’s campus buildings, the Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center is well worth visiting.

Thousands of visitors frequent this art centre each year.

This building was completed in 1964 and named after Franklin S. Harris, who was the university president who supported the funding of the fine arts at the university and the centre.

Inside there are art exhibitions, student-run theatre performances, and office spaces.

Some of the shows include classical music concerts, jazz shows, dramas and dance recitals.

Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center is at 800 E Campus Dr, Provo, UT 84602.

14- Provo Pioneer Village

If you’re interested in local history, take the time to visit Provo Pioneer Village.

Mormon pioneers historically occupied Provo and became reliant on the land for all their needs.

At the Provo Pioneer Village, there are several preserved buildings that you can discover and access to the museum is free.

Inside you’ll find exhibits, including a traditional school, a blacksmith, a general store and former homes.

Explore outside and see old handcarts and wagons that used to be pulled by horses.

This Provo attraction is open during the summer months. In winter, you may visit, but you must make an appointment first.

Provo Pioneer Village is at 600 N 500 W, Provo, UT 84601.

15- The Shops at Riverwoods

Riverwoods is the go-to place if you’re looking to shop, dine or find some entertainment.

There are many clothing shops, including boutiques, shops for home décor, gift shops and antique bookstores.

If you love shopping, you’ll enjoy spending a couple of hours looking around Riverwoods.

After shopping, check out one of the many restaurants. There’s everything from pizza to cafés, juice bars and fine dining.

16- Meet Some Locals At ABG’s Bar

After a busy day exploring Provo, drop in at ABG’s Bar for a drink or two (or three).

Both locals and tourists head to ABG’s.

There are not many bars in Provo, so it’s good that ABG’s more than makes up for it.

It’s a bit of a dive bar with a college vibe. Hang out with friends, grab a couple of beers, and play pinball or pool.

ABG’s Bar is at 190 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601.

17- Enjoy A Sweet Treat At Waffle Love

Waffle Love is the best place in the city to grab a sweet snack.

They started out with a very colourful waffle truck and grew to have many permanent places across the state and beyond.

If you specifically want to eat from their truck, they have a live weekly schedule on their website so you can find the truck.

Indulge in lemon curd and raspberry waffles, Nutella covered waffles, cinnamon waffles and even churro style waffles.

You can even build your own.

If you want something savoury, they’ve also got you covered, with chicken, avocado, cheese, and breakfast waffles to name a few.

Waffle Love is at 1831 N State St, Provo, UT 84604.

18- Taste Southwestern Cuisine At Black Sheep Cafe

If you’re searching for a traditional Provo restaurant serving local cuisine, look no further than the Black Sheep Cafe.

The cafe serves contemporary Southwestern Native American food in a modern yet rustic space.

Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include the Navajo Tacos with green chilli pork, Steak Tacos and the GOAT Burger.

This is an excellent spot to grab lunch or dinner, but make sure to leave room for dessert.

Their cinnamon-infused brownies and ice cream are a game-changer, and their orange Crème Brûlée is enough to make anyone happy.

Black Sheep Cafe is at 19 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601.

19- Provo Beach

Provo Beach is not a beach, so don’t get too excited about the sun, sea and sand.

Come on, what were you expecting in Provo, Utah, a landlocked state?

Provo Beach is an adventure fun park with indoor wave machines, so you can pretend you’re surfing in California.

There are arcade games, a carousel, laser tag and a Mega Playground.

If that wasn’t enough, there is also a bowling alley and a ropes course.

This is a fantastic spot for family get-togethers, corporate events, and especially birthday parties with so much to do.

Provo Beach is at 4801 N University Ave #210, Provo, UT 84604.

20- Cool Down In Splash Summit Park

If you are visiting Provo in the summer, you’ve got to check out Splash Summit Park near Provo’s university, BYU.

This is an outdoor waterpark that will enthral both kids and adults.

There are giant waterslides to keep the whole family entertained for hours and the little ones can splash around in the park’s cutely named Tadpole Pond, which also has slides, fountains and toys.

There are places to buy food, so you can spend the whole day at this fun-filled park.

Lounge around on inflatables or hurl yourself down the waterslides; water lovers will love this escape from the Utah summer sun.

Splash Summit Park is at 1330 300 N, Provo, UT 84606.