Johnston's Army Adventure Camp Registration Now Open

Fairfield – Register now for the Johnston’s Army Adventure Camp at Camp Floyd State Park and Museum in Fairfield. This authentic and unique hands-on adventure camp is geared toward boy scouts, and fulfills requirements for the American Heritage Merit Badge and National Historic Trails Award.

Offered from April through October, adventure camp is based on the history of Johnston’s Army at Camp Floyd in the Utah Territory. This two-day program includes an overnight stay with sleeping accommodations in recreated military tents. Scouts provide their own sleeping gear.

Camp size is limited to 30 scouts and leaders. Camp fees are $20 per person and include all camp materials and breakfast.

Camp Floyd State Park is located in the town of Fairfield, 22 miles southwest of Lehi on State Highway 73. For more information or to register, please call 801-768-8932.

Utah State Parks Events schedule

February 14 – 28 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Money of the U.S. Civil War Exhibit: Before the war, a wide variety of coins were in circulation, but as the war progressed, copper, gold and silver coins were hoarded and money changed to meet demands of the divided nation. Explore different types of emergency money such as demand notes and greenbacks, encased postage stamps, fractional currency and Civil War tokens, plus the first U.S. coin to feature the motto “In God We Trust.” Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $2 per person or $6 per vehicle with up to eight occupants. 801-768-8932

February 17 Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum - Vernal
New Dinosaurs: Join us at 7 p.m. for a free lecture by Utah Museum of Natural History Paleontologist Mark A. Lowen on the newest discoveries of dinosaurs in Utah. 435-789-3799

February 18 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike: Join Friends of Wasatch Mountain at 7 p.m. for their annual snowshoe hike under a full moon. Hikes for families with children, beginners, intermediate and advanced snowshoers are available. Cost is $5 per person. Snowshoe rentals are available for $5 a pair for non-members, and free for members of Friends of Wasatch. Registration is required by calling 435-654-1791.

February 18 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Join park staff for a moonlit, one-mile hike beginning at 8 p.m. Enjoy the unique opportunity to see the canyon by moon-glow. Event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration required. 435-628-2255

February 19 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Ladies of Camp Floyd Day Camp: Take a step back in time to learn about the life and times of women of Camp Floyd. Ladies of Camp Floyd Day Camp teaches everyday activities completed by women of Camp Floyd. Participants wear period dresses, meet costumed interpreters, play 19th century games, learn etiquette of the period, construct a rag doll, learn dances, and more. Reservations and a $15 fee per participant are required. 801-768-8932

February 19 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Snow Cave Building: Join us at 10 a.m. to learn the basics of building a snow cave. Knowing how to build a snow cave is not only fun, but can also be vital in any winter survival situation. Come dressed in layers with a waterproof outer layer. Meet at the Educational Yurt. 435-654-1791

February 19 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Moonlight Hike: Join us at 7 p.m. for a moonlight snowshoe hike. Registration is required and space is limited. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from the park for $5. Event costs $5 per person or $7 per family. 435-782-3030

ROCKIN' Utah Winter Activities offered

Salt Lake City – Join Utah State Parks staff for winter ROCKIN’ Utah programs. Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas, build snow caves, and more.

December 4 Territorial Statehouse State Park and Museum - Fillmore
Old Time Christmas: Bring your family and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas the old-fashioned way. Make homemade ornaments, string popcorn for your tree, play games, make candles and create simple pioneer toys. This is a joyful event for the entire family and a great way to begin the holiday season. Activities begin at noon and conclude at 4 p.m. Registration is $10 per family with up to eight participants.


December 11 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Ladies of Camp Floyd Day Camp: Take a step back in time to learn about the lives and times of women at Camp Floyd. Participants wear period dresses, meet costumed interpreters, play 19th century games, learn etiquette of the period, construct rag dolls, learn period dances and more. This program is designed for youth eight to 11 and an adult must accompany participants. Activities begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Registration is $15 per person and is limited to 24 participants.


January 15 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
A Day in the Snow = Fun: Despite the cold and snow, winter is more accessible than you might think. Strap on snowshoes provided by the park and head out on a short trek to an open field where we build snow caves, play snow games and enjoy Dutch oven soup. Later, we’ll head back to the visitor center and warm up and wind down in front of a warm fire. Activities begin at the visitor center at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. Space is limited to 35 participants, and registration is $10 per family.

To register for a ROCKIN’ Utah event or for more information about more activities, please call 801-537-3123 or email rockinutah@utah.gov .

ROCKIN’ Utah creates opportunities for families to explore the outdoors and learn skills to build their own connections with nature, and gain a greater appreciation of Utah’s natural and cultural resources.

October Events revealed from Utah State Parks

Petrified Forest Trail, Coutesy Utah State Parks

October 17 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Human History of the Colorado River: Join us for a discussion exploring this important water source in the desert southwest. Meet at 7 p.m. at the visitor center amphitheater. 435-259-2614

October 18 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Geology Program: Join Ranger Dave Zuch for a presentation about the fascinating geology surrounding Dead Horse Point State Park. Meet at the Neck at 6:45 p.m. 435-259-2614

October 20 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Night Walk- Join us at 7 p.m., for a short hike into the night. Learn more about your senses and creatures of the night as you journey without using a flashlight. 435-259-2614

October 21 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Nature Hike - Nature's Grocery Store: Join the park naturalist on a guided hike through the pinyon-juniper woodlands. Discover how people and wildlife have depended on this important plant community for survival. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466

October 22 – 23 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Johnson Canyon Hike: Join us at 5 p.m. for a hike to Johnson Canyon and Johnson Arch. Learn about the natural history of the area as you traverse lava flows and a desert scrub community on this ranger-led, two-mile hike. Space is limited and registration is required. 435-628-2255

October 22 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Full Moon Hike: Join us at the Dead Horse Point Overlook at 7:30 p.m. for a mile-long full moon hike to learn about some nocturnal animals and talk about the night sky. Bring a jacket and hat, as the weather will be chilly. 435-259-2614

October 22 and 29 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Ghosts of Camp Floyd - Is Camp Floyd haunted? The public is invited to participate in a paranormal investigation of Camp Floyd beginning at 6 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own tape recorders, film, digital and infrared cameras. A brief presentation will be conducted to familiarize visitors with ghost hunting techniques before the investigation starts. 801-768-8932

October 23 Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum - Blanding
Field Trip: Join Bill Haven for an easy hike to several ancestral Puebloan sites at Abajo Haven Ranch. This event is free, but limited to 10 participants. 435-678-2238

October 23 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike - How did a forest turn to stone? Discover the answer on this guided hike to the Petrified Forest. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466

October 23 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Monsters in the Desert: Gila monsters are one of the most mysterious and endangered creatures of southwest Utah. Join Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie at 10 a.m. as she discusses the biology of these fascinating lizards. Find out how Gila monsters are studied using radio-telemetry and try radio tracking for yourself. 435-628-2255

October 24 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Guided Nature Walk: Meet at the visitor center amphitheater at 7 p.m., for a guided walk along the park's quarter-mile nature trail. Learn about desert plants and animals as the sun sets. 435-259-2614

Upcoming Utah State Park Events

Old Capital Arts and Living History Festival at Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum Sept 10-11

September 1 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike - A Forest Turned to Stone: How did a forest turn to stone? Discover the answer on a guided hike to the Petrified Forest. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. (435) 826-4466


September 2 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Star Party: Join us for an evening star party complete with a constellation tour. Party lasts from 9 until 10:30 p.m. Meet at the visitor center amphitheater. (435) 259-2614


September 3 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Starry Skies: Enjoy our famous dark skies as we take a tour through the galaxy using the park telescope. Meet at the visitor center at 8:30 p.m. Dress for cool weather and bring a folding chair. (435) 826-4466


September 4 and 6 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Camp Floyd Days: Camp Floyd State Park, in conjunction with the Utah Territorial Civilian Commission and Utah Civil War Association, host a Civil War Encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event allows visitors to experience camp life and participate in activities performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army including reenactments, encampments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, and 1861 period games. (801) 768-8932


September 4 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Junior Ranger Program - Take it Outside: September is a great time to be outside. Take a walk with the naturalist and see what there is to discover. Rock Cliff is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030


September 4 Hailstone Recreation Area/Jordanelle State Park - Heber
Falcons up Close: Learn about birds of prey and what makes them unique. Program begins at 7 p.m. Hailstone is located on the west side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030.


September 10-11 Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
Fillmore – Experience the Old Capital Arts and Living History Festival at Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum in Fillmore Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 from 10 a.m. until dark. Enjoy living history demonstrations, food, music, craft booths and many activities for all ages.

This year, visitors can enjoy a rare opportunity to view artwork by artist Donald Beauregard. Born in Fillmore, Utah in 1884, Beauregard studied art in France, and was known for his rich colored paintings. Both private and museum-owned collections made this exhibit possible. On Friday, September 10 and 5 p.m., Director of Springville Art Museum Vern Swanson gives an hour-long presentation on Beauregard and his art. For more information, please call 435-743-5316.


September 18 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante

Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night! Meet the Earth's nearest neighbor through stories, activities, and observation. Meet at the visitor center at 7:30 p.m. 435-826-4466


September 18 Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum - Blanding
Your Museum Day! Enjoy free admission, backroom tours, movies and activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 435-678-2238


September 22 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Birding Basics: Learn how to identify birds using binoculars, a spotting scope and field guides. Equipment is provided. Meet at the visitor center at 9 a.m. 435-826-4466


September 23 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Full Moon Hike: Join us for a mile-long full moon hike. Meet at the Neck parking area at 7:30 p.m. for this hour-long program. 435-259-2614


September 24 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Full Moon Hike - Night Noise: Join the park naturalist at 7 p.m. for a three-mile hike along the Visitor Center Trail. Meet at the visitor center and dress for the weather; bring water, and sturdy shoes. 435-654-1791.


September 24 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike - Nature's Artwork: Join the park naturalist on a guided hike through the amazing Petrified Forest. Learn how an ancient forest became fossilized and discover nature's artistry. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466


September 25 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Watershed Festival at Rock Cliff: Join us for the Third Annual Provo River Watershed Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the watershed you live in through educational booths, live birds, duck derby, crafts, kayaking, fishing and more. Event is free and open to the public. Rock Cliff is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. http://www.provoriverwatershed.org/  or 435-782-3030


September 29 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Nature Hike - Nature's Grocery Store: Join the park naturalist on a guided hike through the pinyon-juniper woodlands. Discover how people and wildlife have depended on this important plant community for survival. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466


September 30 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike: Travel back in time 200 million years! Explore the Escalante region's amazing geology on a guided one-mile hike. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466

Pottery Workshop scheduled at Fremont Indian State Park

Sevier – Learn ancient pottery techniques at Fremont Indian State Park and Museum September 10 through 12. Local artists teach methods of pottery making, decorating and firing in a rock-lined pit.

Fees are $60, and clay and tools are available for sale. Pre-registration is required by calling (435) 527-4631. Fremont Indian State Park and Museum is located 21 miles south of Richfield on I-70.


UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS

August 21 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Geothermal Activity: The area below Midway is riddled in natural piping, surging with warm, mineralized water. Where does this water come from and how are those domes formed? Program begins at 8:30 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. (435) 654-1791

August 24 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Full Moon Hike- Join us for a mile-long hike at sunset while the full moon is rising. Along the way, discover some animals that are rising as other animals go to sleep for the night. Meet at the Neck, about one mile south of the visitor center at 8 p.m. (435) 259-2614

August 25 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Nature Hike - Extreme Survival: Blazing sun, howling wind, and freezing nights; how do plants and animals deal with the desert? Learn about extreme survival on a guided one-mile hike. Meet at the visitor center at 9 a.m. (435) 826-4466

August 28 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Evening Program- You-tah State Parks: Utah has 43 beautiful and diverse state parks set aside for their beauty, historical value and recreational opportunities. Learn about these amazing treasures and how they benefit you and your family. Program begins at 8 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. (435) 654-1791

August 28 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Junior Ranger Program - Tracks and Scat: What do animals leave behind and how can you tell which animal left it there? Take a walk with the park naturalist and look for animal signs in the wetland. Rock Cliff Nature Center is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030

August 28 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Junior Ranger Program - Out Of This World! Travel to the sun, moon and stars through games and activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Meet at the visitor center at 9:30 a.m. (435) 826-4466

August 29 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Incredible Insects! Meet at the visitor center amphitheater at 8 p.m. for a program about the insects that make their home at Dead Horse Point State Park. There will be a short presentation and an opportunity to explore the desert for insects. (435) 259-2614

September 1 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike - A Forest Turned to Stone: How did a forest turn to stone? Discover the answer on a guided hike to the Petrified Forest. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. (435) 826-4466

September 2 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Star Party: Join us for an evening star party complete with a constellation tour. Party lasts from 9 until 10:30 p.m. Meet at the visitor center amphitheater. (435) 259-2614

September 3 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Starry Skies: Enjoy our famous dark skies as we take a tour through the galaxy using the park telescope. Meet at the visitor center at 8:30 p.m. Dress for cool weather and bring a folding chair. (435) 826-4466

September 4 and 6 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Camp Floyd Days: Camp Floyd State Park, in conjunction with the Utah Territorial Civilian Commission and Utah Civil War Association, host a Civil War Encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event allows visitors to experience camp life and participate in activities performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army including reenactments, encampments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, and 1861 period games. (801) 768-8932

September 4 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Junior Ranger Program - Take it Outside: September is a great time to be outside. Take a walk with the naturalist and see what there is to discover. Rock Cliff is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030

September 4 Hailstone Recreation Area/Jordanelle State Park - Heber
Falcons up Close: Learn about birds of prey and what makes them unique. Program begins at 7 p.m. Hailstone is located on the west side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030.

Upcoming Utah State Park Events

May – June 30 Frontier Homestead State Park Museum – Cedar City
Art Exhibit: Enjoy the works of artist Katie Beckstead. An artist’s reception is held Wednesday, May 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and is free to the public. (435) 586-9290

May 23 and 28 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Geology of Dead Horse Point: Join park staff for a program about the geology behind the stunning scenery at Dead Horse Point. Meet at the visitor center amphitheater at 7 p.m. (435) 259-2614

May 26 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike: Travel back in time 150 million years! Explore the park's unique geology on a guided one-mile hike to the Petrified Forest. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. (435) 826-4466

May 27 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Full Moon Hike: Join park staff for a mile-long sunset/moonrise hike. Meet at the Neck parking area, about one mile south of the visitor center at 8:30 p.m. for this hour-long program. (435) 259-2614

May 28 – 31 Antelope Island State Park - Syracuse
Cowboy Legends Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival: This 5th annual festival celebrates the cowboy ranching history on the Island. Take a trail or wagon ride with proceeds benefitting the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Listen to cowboy poets and musicians, or view the works of saddle and hat makers. Sample Dutch oven cooking and attend cowboy church. (801) 649-5742

May 28 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Sunset Hike: Experience the magic of a colorful canyon country sunset on a guided hike to the Petrified Forest. Bring a camera and your sense of adventure. Meet at the visitor center at 8 p.m. (435) 826-4466

May 29 – 31 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Civil War Encampment: Visitors experience camp life and participate in several activities performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army. Events include reenactments, encampments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, 1861 period games, and photos in period uniform. (801) 768-8932

May 29 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Nature's Bounty: Learn about the local bounty that supported earlier inhabitants of the region on this 1.5-mile hike that begins at 9 a.m. Learn to identify medicinal and edible plants and their traditional uses. Registration is held two days prior to event. (435) 628-2255

May 29 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Junior Ranger - Fabulous Fossils! Learn about fossils and how they form. Make your own fossil and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. (435) 826-4466

May 29 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Junior Ranger - Icky Bugs: Children ages six to 12 are invited to learn about the wonders of insects during this one-hour program designed to get kids exited about nature. Meet at the campground office at 1 p.m. (435) 654-1791

May 29 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Huber Grove History Tour: Tour historic Huber Grove from 10 to 11 a.m. Visit this beautiful, peaceful area and learn about the Huber Family and the Mormon West. Tour is free and open to the public. (435) 654-1791

May 29 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Leapin' Lizards! Test your reptile knowledge and learn what kind of reptiles live at Dead Horse Point State Park. Meet at the visitor center amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. (435) 259-2614

Ghosts in Utah's State Parks?

Salt Lake City – Utah’s state park museums reveal and preserve Utah’s history, which may include ghosts. Museum employees and paranormal investigators say activity has been recorded at Frontier Homestead and Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn state park museums. Are these parks really haunted?

According to Frontier Homestead State Park Museum Manager Todd Prince, digital voice recorders used in a recent investigation of the Hunter Home at Frontier Homestead revealed growling, knocking, and whispering voices within the empty home.

Joseph S. Hunter, an early settler of Cedar City, built the Hunter Home in 1866. Various Hunter family descendants lived in the home over the years, which is the oldest remaining home in Cedar City. The Hunter Home was moved to Frontier Homestead in 2005 to protect the home from demolition.

Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn has hosted both novice and experienced paranormal investigators who record their eerie encounters on tape and film. Recordings show orbs or balls of light, which some believe to be energy fields. Other recorded findings include whispering, sounds from moving furniture, mists and ribbons, and unexplained streaks of light.

Once home to members of Johnston’s army, this area was a bustling community until 1861 when tensions between north and south resulted in civil war. Troops were ordered back East for the emergency and nearly all the buildings were dismantled or demolished. Today, only the cemetery and the commissary building remain.

Beginning Ghost Hunters recently joined in a paranormal investigation of Camp Floyd on Saturday, October 24 as visitors brought their own tape recorders, film, digital and infrared cameras. Park staff assisted participants in the use of their equipment in finding paranormal orbs, mists and sounds. Following a brief presentation, these visitors were able to practice ghost hunting techniques and investigation. Materials are still being reviewed from the investigation.

To visit Camp Floyd, take Lehi Exit 279 off I-15, which is Lehi's Main Street. Continue west along this street, which turns into Highway 73. Continue along this highway to the town of Fairfield, approximately 22 miles from Lehi. Once in Fairfield, follow the highway signs into the park.  Admission fees are $2 per person or $6 per family.

For more information on these museums or upcoming events, visit http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/  .