hole-in-the-rock escalante heritage center

utas2010

Quite a story here of human achievement, religious fervor, wrong judgement or just plain old stubborness. Go and judge for yourself.

29tad

A highlight of our trip. wonderful displays, authentic people. seemed to like their job. Historic nd info for the next day's adventure

queenie20132013

This was a nice heritage center. They put the story of early settlers together in a cohesive and understandable way. Really appreciated the outdoor murals representing the trip through hole in the rock.

TwinMom1995

We stopped by and were pleasantly surprised by this heritage center. We enjoyed the short movie which told the story of an amazing group of people that endured unbelievable hardships and succeeded. The volunteers were interesting to talk to as well.

johnsS7754NM

This is a neat little roadside stop just east of Escalante on route 12. Nicely done (looks very new) facility with a covered wagon and informational signboards outside telling the story of the Hole in the Rock pioneer expedition. Inside 2 very nice folks that showed us around the various period displays, and a 15 minute video that told the story of that first expedition. A good place to stop to get an appreciation for the way life was 100+ years ago in these parts.

679louisc

This place will give you a great perspective on what the locals went through to move to another area. I would have just looked at the people in charge and told them I am going back home. The folks that were working here were great to talk with. They knew the history of the area, and we even talked about some of the people that we both knew since I grew up in Panguitch.

Littlesoapyfrog

An unexpected treat we were passing and just popped in to the very informative centre. It is staffed by volunteers who are were interesting to talk to and the whole "Hole in the Rock" story is great. Stay to watch the short film which tells the story.

staffie2001uk

A really warm, engaging staff enhance this monument to the Utah pioneers. This centre tells the story of a determined and resourceful group in a clear and quite inspiring manner. We bottled out on driving our two wheel drive SUV down the unpaved road. These people cut a trail without mechanisation of any sort. Awesome!

SkippyJon

First of all, we gained so much respect for the Mormon settlers. You have to stay and watch the video! The staff at the center were friendly and welcoming. Great place to stop.

Pat102

We were driving to Escalante and saw the sign for the heritage center. We decided to pull in and were pleasantly surprised by how interesting it was. The short video was very well done. The man there was very helpful and informative. He was a former school teacher and was very effective at giving us an understanding of this period in Utah's history. There were interesting photographs in the back room as well as other historic items. Outside was a covered wagon as well as other implements. We had never heard of the Hole In The Rock harrowing adventure. We left with a real appreciation of the struggles of the pioneers. All facilities were well maintained. This will take a little less than an hour to visit and is well worth your time.

ToquerKris

My family and I stopped in after a recent trip to Calf Creek. My kids enjoyed the video so much they didn't realize they were learning. :) Take a look at all of the arrowheads in the back room! The couple that run the place are very kind, and informative.

SaguaroJoe

We really enjoyed the movie which depicts the hard work of the scientists to document and explain the history of the area. Well worth the time. Kids will love it too.

ArthritisDoc

Large murals and photos with explanatory panels tell of the courageous settlers who beat the odds and crossed the mountain through a narrow, steep pass. Nice photo op with a model covered wagon. Restrooms and water fountains. Free. Plenty of parking. Near the actual Hole in the Rock Road but on the opposite side of the highway. Look for signs.

3dj

We enjoyed the information given about the pioneers. Having driven that road a hundred years later I have great appreciation for the pioneers. Another plus is the clean bathrooms after traveling in the wilderness.

178michelleo

This is a "must-stop" for anyone intrigued with early American pioneer stories. The Hole-in-the-Rock expedition is explained with an outdoor exhibit, including two large murals depicting the Mormon pioneers lowering their wagons down a treacherous crack in a cliff to reach Lake Powell. The murals are painted by Escalante artist Lynn Griffin, and prints are available inside the wonderful little souvenir shop which also features handmade items, gourmet candies, historical books, and Hole-in-the-Rock souvenirs.