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Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point is a 501(c)(3) and educational complex in , dedicated to fostering learning for children through interactive museums, gardens, and farms across two campuses spanning 155 acres. Founded in 1995 by Alan Ashton, co-founder of , and his wife Karen, the site originated from their purchase of the historic Fox Family Farm to create a transformative destination blending , , and . Today, it operates seven award-winning venues that welcome millions of visitors each year, emphasizing hands-on experiences to inspire curiosity and confidence in young learners. Key attractions include the Museum of Natural Curiosity, featuring over 400 interactive exhibits in zones like and Kidopolis; the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life, home to 60 complete skeletons and explorations of prehistoric eras; and Ashton Gardens, a 50-acre botanical paradise with themed landscapes, the largest manmade waterfall in America, and the annual holiday lights display. Additional highlights encompass Curiosity Farms, a working farm with labs and play areas demonstrating agricultural innovation; the Butterfly Biosphere, an indoor housing thousands of and ; and experiential elements like the sculpture garden and a classic carousel. As a community-led initiative, Thanksgiving Point offers memberships, all-access passes, and free daily programs to support accessible education, while also hosting events, concerts, and seasonal activities that promote family engagement and .

Introduction

Overview and Mission

Thanksgiving Point is a 155-acre nonprofit campus in , operated as a community-led foundation dedicated to educational and recreational experiences. It encompasses seven main venues centered on , , , and play, offering interactive environments that connect visitors with the wonders of the natural world and human heritage. Established as a nonprofit from its inception, Thanksgiving Point serves over 2 million guests annually through hands-on programs, signature events, and family attractions that emphasize discovery and community involvement. In 2024, it recorded 3.6 million total visits from 1.5 million unique visitors. The organization spans two campuses, creating a unified journey of exploration while prioritizing accessible learning opportunities for diverse audiences. Its core mission is to "ignite curiosity and build confidence in children from all backgrounds through hands-on STEM programs and experiences," fostering lifelong learning by blending educational depth with joyful, immersive activities such as museum exhibits and garden explorations.

Location and Facilities

Thanksgiving Point is situated at 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi, Utah 84043, encompassing 155 acres of land adjacent to the Jordan River. The complex features two interconnected campuses that house its various venues, including ample parking areas, a central visitor center for ticket purchases and information, and dining options such as the Ice Age Creamery offering farm-fresh ice cream. Accessibility is prioritized throughout the site with features like wheelchair-friendly paths, all-abilities playgrounds at Curiosity Farms, and shuttle services between campuses. The layout connects the museum-focused campus, which includes the Museum of Ancient Life and Museum of Natural Curiosity, to the outdoor-oriented Ashton Gardens campus via walking paths and internal roads, allowing visitors to explore multiple attractions efficiently. Operating hours vary by venue and season, generally from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through for museums—such as shorter off-season hours for the gardens from to —and the site is closed on Sundays, , and . Admission is structured around individual tickets priced at $24–$27 for adults (online/in-person), with youth, child, and senior rates available; an All-Access Pass for $39 grants entry to all seven venues in one day; and memberships starting at $139 provide unlimited access, guest discounts, and additional perks like priority event registration. Sustainability initiatives are integrated into the site's operations, including LEED-certified eco-friendly building designs for the Museum of Natural Curiosity and measures in the gardens and indoor farming exhibits to minimize resource use. Located about a 30-minute drive from , the complex serves as a key tourism destination in the region.

History

Founding and Early Years

Thanksgiving Point was founded in 1995 by Alan C. Ashton, co-founder of the software company , and his wife, Karen Jackman Ashton, as a philanthropic gesture of gratitude toward the community following their success in the technology industry. The Ashtons, known for their involvement in and charitable causes, sought to create a lasting public resource that embodied appreciation and family values. The project began with the purchase of the historic Fox Family Farm, a 500-acre parcel of arid land in , which the Ashtons envisioned transforming into a vibrant space for education and recreation. They named the development Thanksgiving Point to symbolize themes of thankfulness, renewal, and communal gathering, drawing from their personal sense of blessing in acquiring the property. Established as a 501(c)(3) from its , the initiative emphasized community ownership and accessibility. In its early years, Thanksgiving Point prioritized developing a working and expansive gardens to foster hands-on learning and appreciation for nature. The , originally known as Farm Country, opened to the public in 1996, offering visitors interactive experiences with animals and on the site's historic farmland. Construction on the gardens began shortly thereafter, with the 55-acre Thanksgiving Gardens (later renamed Ashton Gardens) debuting in 1997 as a serene botanical designed by Leonard Grassli. Early planning involved broad community input through the Thanksgiving Point Institute, ensuring the attractions aligned with local needs for educational and recreational spaces.

Expansion and Modern Developments

Following the initial establishment of Thanksgiving Point's core facilities, the organization underwent significant expansions to broaden its educational offerings. The Museum of Ancient Life opened in 2000, marking a major milestone as the first dedicated museum in the complex and featuring one of the world's largest collections of mounted skeletons. This addition was part of a broader $230 million development phase that enhanced the site's focus on interactive . Subsequent growth included the opening of the Museum of Natural Curiosity in May 2014, which introduced over 400 hands-on exhibits designed to foster in children through exploratory play in areas like physics and . This venue, planned since 2005 and constructed starting in 2012, expanded Thanksgiving Point's capacity to serve as a premier children's science destination. The Butterfly Biosphere, an indoor conservatory featuring thousands of butterflies and insects, opened in January 2019, enhancing the site's focus on natural sciences. In recent years, Thanksgiving Point has emphasized agricultural and interactive through and new developments. The former Farm Country was reimagined as Curiosity Farms, with its grand opening in September 2024, incorporating high-tech hydroponic systems and educational labs to demonstrate modern farming techniques alongside traditional practices. This 9-acre expansion includes interactive animal encounters and all-abilities playgrounds to promote hands-on learning about . Key recent additions have further diversified the site's attractions. The Mountain America Jurassic Jungle, a five-story indoor prehistoric playground, opened in December 2024 within the of Ancient Life, offering immersive play with animatronic dinosaurs and climbing structures sponsored by . In 2025, Imaginaria debuted as a seasonal outdoor play festival in Ashton Gardens from June to August, featuring themed interactive zones for imaginative exploration. Additionally, the sculpture garden, comprising 130 life-sized bronze statues depicting scriptural narratives, opened in October 2024 to provide a reflective space centered on themes of and . Post-2020 developments have intensified a -oriented approach, with partnerships like the 2022 naming rights agreement with supporting educational initiatives, including programs and sponsorships for exhibits like the Jurassic Jungle. These efforts, alongside annual events such as National Day activities, aim to build confidence in science and technology among over 1.5 million annual visitors. During the , founders Alan and Karen Ashton sustained operations by covering employee salaries, enabling adaptations that prioritized outdoor programming to maintain safe, family-friendly access. Their ongoing vision continues to guide these evolutions toward inclusive, curiosity-driven experiences.

Gardens and Outdoor Experiences

Ashton Gardens

Ashton Gardens serves as the central botanical of Thanksgiving Point, encompassing 50 acres of meticulously designed landscapes that blend natural beauty with structured horticultural elements. Developed in collaboration with landscape architects including Leonard Grassli, the gardens are organized into 17 themed areas resembling interconnected "rooms," featuring a variety of trees, shrubs, and grasses that create living barriers between spaces. Key highlights include expansive grand lawns, serene ponds, and aviaries that enhance the immersive experience for visitors. At the heart of the gardens lies the largest manmade in , a dramatic that anchors the overall design and provides a for exploration. The gardens host several seasonal events that draw large crowds and showcase their versatility. The Tulip Festival, held annually from April to May, features over 900,000 flowers, including more than 400,000 tulips, in vibrant displays. In October, the Scarecrow Festival offers family-friendly activities amid autumn foliage, with themed scarecrows scattered throughout the landscapes. Winter brings the Luminaria light display from November through January, illuminating the 50 acres with more than 8 million twinkling lights and festive installations. Amenities within Ashton Gardens support both leisurely visits and special occasions, including well-maintained walking paths that wind through the themed areas, facilitating easy access to ponds and aviaries. The spaces are popular for weddings and events, with dedicated venues that leverage the natural and architectural beauty of the site. Educational components are integrated throughout, such as plant identification signage along the paths and dedicated habitats that promote awareness of local and efforts. These elements, combined with brief inclusions of sculpture gardens like the , foster a deeper appreciation for and ecology.

Butterfly Biosphere

The Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point is a 40,000-square-foot indoor tropical and insectarium dedicated to showcasing live and other in a controlled, immersive environment. Housed within the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Butterfly Conservatory, it features over 1,000 live representing 50 to 60 from around the world, creating a lush with exotic that mimic their natural ecosystems. The facility also includes a with hundreds of exotic , such as tarantulas, stick insects, beetles, walking sticks, and a colony of 120,000 leafcutter , allowing visitors to observe these creatures up close in terrariums and interactive displays. Key features emphasize the life cycles and behaviors of these , including the "Butterfly’s First Flight" emerging station, where guests can witness hatching from chrysalises during scheduled sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for an additional fee. Educational elements are integrated throughout, with interactive touch screens, signage, and daily programs like Entomologist Chats and Insect Investigators that highlight topics such as , insect adaptations, , and efforts to protect global populations. These programs connect the Biosphere's pollinators to broader ecological roles, including support for flowering plants in nearby Ashton Gardens. The exhibit rotates seasonally with special events, such as , featuring nearly 2,000 butterflies free-flying and doubling the usual number, ensuring varied experiences throughout the year. Designed for year-round accessibility, the climate-controlled space operates daily with timed entry tickets to manage crowds and maintain optimal conditions for the inhabitants, making it suitable for families, school groups, and individuals seeking an educational nature immersion.

Museums and Educational Exhibits

Museum of Ancient Life

The Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point features one of the world's largest collections of mounted skeletons, with over 60 complete specimens on display. This extensive collection highlights prehistoric life through authentic fossils and casts, including rare local discoveries such as the , a formidable theropod whose remains were first unearthed in nearby eastern . The museum emphasizes paleontological accuracy, drawing from collaborations with regional experts to showcase specimens that illustrate the diversity of ancient ecosystems. Exhibits are organized chronologically, guiding visitors through Earth's biological history from the era's early microbial life, such as , to the and periods dominated by dinosaurs, and onward to the era's mammal evolution and like woolly mammoths. This progression incorporates interactive elements, including hands-on fossil digging at the Dino Dig sandbox where participants uncover replica bones, and lab simulations in the Paleo Studio that mimic real excavation and preparation techniques used by professionals. Additional activities, such as the Erosion Table, allow visitors to experiment with geological processes affecting formation. The museum fosters connections with local paleontologists through visible on-site labs where experts prepare s and lead tours, supporting ongoing research and digs in Utah's fossil-rich regions. Educational offerings delve into critical paleontological concepts, including major extinction events like the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary that ended the era, and techniques for fossil preservation, featured in updated exhibits and workshops that cover , excavation, and curation processes. Programs such as the Junior Paleo Club and daily sessions, like Dirt on Dinos, provide guided explorations for families and groups, promoting hands-on learning about prehistoric preservation and evolutionary transitions.

Museum of Natural Curiosity

The Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point is an interactive designed to foster discovery and innovation, particularly for children, through hands-on experiences that emphasize () education. Spanning multiple levels, it features over 400 exhibits that encourage trial-and-error learning to build confidence in scientific exploration. Key zones include Water Works, where visitors interact with water, wind, and earth through activities like constructing water channels to understand and environmental flow; , offering immersive play in simulated ecosystems with elements like climbing ancient ruins and piloting a model ; and Kidopolis, a pretend-play area with hidden passages and role-based scenarios that integrate basic concepts. These zones collectively provide more than 100 hands-on experiments, promoting conceptual understanding over rote memorization. Signature areas enhance the museum's focus on personal and technological connections to . The Science + You exhibit, introduced in the 2020s and which opened in September 2025, is a child-sized tailored for ages 2-10, featuring tools like beakers, test tubes, and microscopes to explore , health sciences, and through guided experiments. Complementing indoor activities, the Discovery Garden serves as an outdoor extension, blending sensory play with challenges such as building simple structures or navigating natural elements to reinforce curiosity themes across the Thanksgiving Point campus. This integration ties the museum's indoor experimentation to broader environmental exploration. Daily live shows and programs further support confidence-building by demonstrating real-world applications of . With over 100 performances offered weekly across Thanksgiving Point venues, including the museum, topics range from chemistry demonstrations—like magic shows involving reactions and color changes—to physics explorations of motion and forces, often presented in interactive formats that invite audience participation. These sessions, such as Curiosity Corner projects combining and , emphasize creativity and through repeatable trials, helping children develop in problem-solving without fear of failure.

Farm and Interactive Play Areas

Curiosity Farms

Curiosity Farms, a 9-acre working farm at Thanksgiving Point in , offers hands-on agricultural experiences designed to engage visitors with real farm life and modern farming techniques. Rebranded from the former Farm Country in 2024, the venue emphasizes curiosity-driven learning through interactive exhibits that explore the and of . This transformation highlights principles, aligning with Thanksgiving Point's broader mission to foster confidence and innovation in young learners. Key features include the Livestock Learning Lab, where visitors interact with cows, pigs, and goats through exhibits on animal , , and care, including a milking parlor and an egg incubator for observing hatching processes. The Play Patch Playground provides an all-abilities farm-themed space with slides, climbers, sensory activities, and accessible elements like the We Go Swing to encourage physical exploration and play. In the Grow Tech Gardens, seasonal crop harvesting occurs via hydroponic systems, allowing participants to plant and pick produce in daily Plant Lab sessions that demonstrate urban farming methods. Educational programming focuses on processes, with demonstrations of how crops and animal products contribute to food production, alongside animal care sessions that teach responsible husbandry. lessons cover efficient practices such as automated feeding and water-saving , promoting awareness of in . Daily activities feature tractor rides on the Farm Fun Express, cow milking shows at scheduled times (9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.), and Animals Up Close encounters for feeding and petting farm , including goats, pigs, and seasonal highlights like baby chicks in spring via the .

Jurassic Jungle

Jurassic Jungle is a five-story indoor dinosaur-themed at Thanksgiving Point in , designed for active family exploration and imaginative play. Opened in December 2024, it serves as a dynamic complement to the Museum of Ancient Life by extending prehistoric themes into hands-on physical activities. The multimillion-dollar facility, the largest of its kind in , spans multiple levels with interactive elements that encourage children to engage in dino-inspired missions while learning basic concepts. Key features include a towering slide that descends five stories, animatronic dinosaurs such as a T. rex that visitors can "feed" or a requiring repairs, and extensive climbing structures like bridges and nets. Themed zones immerse players in canopy challenges, cave-like explorations, and dino dig pits where children hunt for faux fossils or to complete educational tasks. A dedicated Junior area caters to children under four with scaled-down activities, promoting safe, age-appropriate play. These elements foster imaginative scenarios, such as tracking a T. rex or escaping a volcanic eruption, blending adventure with subtle lessons on behaviors and habitats. The accommodates large groups through a time-ticketed system, ensuring controlled capacity and minimizing wait times, with advance booking required for entry. Safety is prioritized with mandatory grip socks (provided for a ), shoe removal upon entry, and required waivers for all participants, alongside padded surfaces and supervised zones to prevent accidents. Educational tie-ins to are integrated via interactive prompts, such as hydrating a dehydrated or wrangling raptors, which highlight real scientific ideas without delving into actual exhibits. Sponsored by Mountain America, Jurassic Jungle opened as part of Thanksgiving Point's ongoing expansion to enhance family-oriented experiences.

Programs and Additional Offerings

Educational Classes and Workshops

Thanksgiving Point offers a variety of structured educational classes and workshops designed to foster hands-on learning in fields, with a particular emphasis on engaging children and teens through interactive sessions. Programs such as provide young participants with opportunities to explore , , , art, and math via activities like block-based for , which builds confidence week by week. These offerings extend to summer day camps that encourage experimentation in topics, often held across venues like the museums and gardens, serving as themed series for school-age children during vacation periods. For school group programs, Thanksgiving Point collaborates with local educators to deliver curriculum-aligned activities, including free STEM-based outreach sessions for third- and eighth-grade classrooms throughout , enhancing the state's core standards through hands-on experiments. Partnerships with organizations like provide educational kits for teachers and after-school programs, while field trips integrate inquiry-based exploration tied to Utah's core curriculum. Additionally, the SheTech Internship Program teams up with female mentors to offer hands-on experiences in areas like agriculture technology and for high school girls. Adult classes focus on practical skills, such as workshops covering topics like seed harvesting, making, and , conducted in the Ashton Gardens to promote environmental understanding. Art-oriented sessions, including classes taught by expert designers for all skill levels, are available during events like Garden of Quilts, blending creativity with hands-on instruction. Daily free discovery programs for members occur frequently and contribute to ongoing learning series. These initiatives, including youth programs like Growing Leaders for ages 13-17, emphasize confidence-building through leadership roles in educational activities, serving a significant portion of the 1.5 million annual visitors (as of 2024) engaged in learning opportunities. Overall, the programs ignite curiosity and prepare participants for future challenges by strengthening social and cognitive skills in a supportive environment.

Seasonal Events and Activities

Thanksgiving Point hosts a variety of seasonal events that transform its venues into festive hubs for families and communities throughout the year. In , the Runtastic THANKFUL race series features a popular , alongside options for a , , and kids' half-mile dash, starting and finishing at the Thanksgiving Point grounds to kick off the holiday. Later that month, the STEM Fair on November 22 offers hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations at the Museum of Natural Curiosity, engaging visitors in fall-themed educational play from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As winter approaches, Breakfast with Santa events on December 6, 13, and 20 provide holiday mornings with a , cookie decorating, reindeer visits, and photo opportunities in the Show Barn, fostering seasonal joy for all ages. Summer brings the Imaginaria play series from June 2 to August 23, 2025, where families explore action-packed adventures in the Ashton Gardens, including giant obstacle courses, pirate ship play areas, crafts, and STEM-infused activities designed to spark imagination and physical engagement. Additional summer highlights include the Outdoor Movie Series on Friday evenings from June 27 to August 15, screening family films on a large outdoor screen amid the gardens' scenic backdrop. In early fall, the Garden of Quilts exhibit on September 12 and 13 showcases hundreds of handmade quilts suspended throughout the Ashton Gardens, combining artistry with the natural landscape for a unique sensory experience that includes trunk shows, lectures, and vendor markets. These events operate with ticketing separate from general venue admission, often featuring family packages, timed entry slots, and pre-sale options to manage crowds and ensure . Venues such as the Ashton Gardens and farms serve as primary backdrops, integrating seasonal programming with the site's natural and interactive elements. Collectively, Thanksgiving Point's seasonal events draw 1.5 million attendees annually (as of 2024) across its programs and gatherings, promoting inclusivity through diverse, family-oriented activities that welcome participants of all abilities and backgrounds.

Other Facilities

Thanksgiving Point Golf Course

The Thanksgiving Point Golf Club is an 18-hole public championship golf course located in , as part of the broader Thanksgiving Point campus. Designed by renowned architect , it opened for play in 1997 and spans more than 200 acres, making it the largest golf facility in the state. The layout meanders along the , offering scenic views of the adjacent Ashton Gardens and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains, with fairways bordered by mature trees and natural water features. From the championship tees, the course measures 7,714 yards with a par of 72 and a course rating of 76.2. Key amenities include a driving range adjacent to the eighth hole and the Museum of Natural Curiosity, where golfers can purchase range balls via an automated machine for warm-up sessions. The on-site pro shop provides rental clubs, apparel, and equipment, while instruction is led by Class A professional Tele Wightman, offering private lessons, group clinics for men, women, juniors, and families, as well as specialized programs like Ladies’ Night Out sessions and junior camps focused on fundamentals, fitness, and on-course play. The course hosts a variety of tournaments and events, including local competitions such as the annual TPGC , The Rusty Scramble, 2-Person Scramble, and charity outings like the Point Pink Classic and Corporate Cup benefiting the Foundation; it has previously welcomed professional events like the Web.com Tour’s Championship and the Champions Challenge featuring legends such as and . Green fees operate on a model that adjusts in real-time based on demand, typically ranging from $65 to $85 for 18 holes including cart, with league play options around $33 per round. Managed separately by Troon Golf while sharing the Thanksgiving Point campus, the facility allows seamless access for visitors combining with other site attractions like the gardens or museums. It has earned recognition from Golfweek Magazine as one of the top public courses in , attracting local leagues, charity events, and recreational players year-round.

Supporting Amenities

Thanksgiving Point features The Carousel, a Victorian-style merry-go-round that provides timeless entertainment for visitors of all ages. Opened to the public in August 2023, it showcases 30 hand-painted horses crafted by the renowned carousel company Bradley & Kaye, each featuring unique designs inspired by Thanksgiving Point's themes, such as butterflies, flowers, and waterfalls. Conceived by philanthropist Barrington Jones to foster in youth, the attraction operates daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., except Sundays when it is closed, with single rides priced at $3 for ages 3 and older. Located between the Museum of Natural Curiosity and Ashton Gardens, it enhances family visits by offering a whimsical, low-cost diversion that complements the site's educational focus. The 3D Theatre provided immersive cinematic experiences through its six-story-tall, large-format screen, specializing in educational films on nature, , and topics that aligned with the museums' exhibits. Opened in July 2000 as part of the Museum of Ancient Life, it premiered with the film Alaska: Spirit of the Wild and screened titles like Backyard Wilderness, emphasizing environmental themes in format until its closure on January 31, 2024. Supporting the overall visitor experience, Thanksgiving Point offers a variety of convenience amenities, including multiple gift shops stocked with educational toys, books, fossils, jewelry, and home décor items. Notable locations include the 13,000-square-foot in the Water Tower Plaza, the Basecamp shop in the Museum of Ancient Life, the Findings Gift Shop with science-themed merchandise, and the Shop at the Gardens for garden-inspired souvenirs. Dining options emphasize casual, farm-fresh fare, such as the Curiosity Cafe in the Museum of Natural Curiosity offering snacks and light meals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, and the Creamery providing homemade in a prehistoric-themed setting within the Museum of Ancient Life. Rental services facilitate ease of navigation, with strollers available for $5 and wheelchairs for $10 at all venues. Seasonal add-ons like Imaginaria expand play opportunities during summer months, transforming Ashton Gardens into an interactive outdoor festival with climbing structures, jumps, and exploration zones designed for children to foster creativity and . Running from early to late August, it includes shaded rest areas and cooling stations for family comfort. enhancements across the complex prioritize inclusivity, with wheelchair-accessible pathways, restrooms in all major areas, dedicated nursing rooms for privacy, and reservable group pavilions for gatherings. These features collectively support extended visits by addressing practical needs and promoting comfort.

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