10 Fun Facts About Park City: Things You May Not Know
Park City, Utah, located less than 40 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, draws outdoor lovers, celebrities and travelers from all over the world. The city is renown for year-round recreation and huge events, making it one of the top destinations in the state for family vacations. However, there’s way more to this city than things to do.
Check Out These 10 Fun Facts About Park City
You Know When It’s 10 p.m.
Each night an electric siren rings at 10 p.m. The alarm was originally used in 1905 as a way to warn young residents of curfew and can still be heard in old town.
Soldiers Discovered Park City
The city was discovered in 1868 by soldiers who were panning mines for silver. The founding occurred after completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Today, the population is less than 10,000 residents, not far from its population in the early 1900s.
Hosts the Largest Film Fest in the U.S.
Park City is home to the world-renown Sundance Film Festival, the largest film festival in the U.S. Each January, more than 50,000 attendees, enthusiasts and celebrities visit Park City for the event.
Art Makes an Impact
Guests can also visit more than 20 art galleries showcasing the best in local and international artists. Top galleries include Kimball Art Center, Old Towne Gallery, Park City Fine Art and Park City Meyer Gallery, to name a few. Additionally, each July welcomes artists and fans to Park City Art Festival, where thousands gather to celebrate culture.
It’s Home to a Top Ski Resort
Among the fun facts about Park City is that it was named No. 1 ski resort by SKI magazine readers. What makes this spot so great? Deer Valley Resort actually limits the number of skiers on slopes to avoid overcrowding during the busiest days and seasons.
Olympic Greats Have Big Connections
A total of 40 U.S. athletes in the 2014 Sochi Olympic have ties to Park City. In fact, seven of the 230 competitors were from Park City, while another 33 either live, train, or went to school here. Of the 28 medals earned in Sochi, 14 came from the Park City area.
Hikers Have Options
And hundreds of them. The city is home to 400-plus trails used for hiking, biking, snow sports, and more. The city has more than 150 hiking trails open to the public as well as 8,000 acres of preserved open space.
Park City Houses 100-plus Restaurants
Even though Park City has less than 10,000 residents, there are more than 150 restaurants, bars and clubs in the city. Visitors enjoy easy access to diverse dining options as well. Many are within walking distance or just a short ride via the city’s free transportation system. View top Park City dinner restaurants.
Whiskey Has a New Name
In 2009, David Perkins and his family opened the first legal distillery in Utah since 1870, High West Distillery. The facility is located in Wanship, and tours and tastings are available. The saloon is located in Old Town Park City and serves as a popular place for Western fare and culture, as well as locally made spirits.
Guests Ride for Free
It’s never been easier to get around Park City. Visitors enjoy free access to the free transit system that stops at recreational attractions, the historic district and Kimball Junction. The Main Street Trolley also offers free rides every day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with hop-on and hop-off locations throughout the area.
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