Making Summer plans yet? Many folks will travel out of town this season, but due to high gas prices and airline tickets, others will staycations instead. There is a lot to see and do this year in the capitol city and I’m excited about visiting some of the new attractions.

‘Bug World’ is an immersive, larger-than-life world where insects reign supreme at the Natural History Museum of Utah just south of the U of U campus in Research Park.  This new exhibit has bugs the size of cars that helps show the real-life abilities of bugs. The traveling show was created by the Museum of New Zealand and was built by special effect masters who helped create The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. These replicas help show the superhero-like abilities of insects, from the lighting speed of dragonflies to the defense tactics of Japanese honeybees. There are actual bug specimens to explore and the whole show is a visual delight for adults and kids alike. Book tickets for museum the nhmu.utah.

The brand-new Museum of Utah will have its grand opening June 27. It’s located at 450 N. State Street behind the state capitol building, is free to the public and will be open seven days a week. Wait until you see the interior stained-glass dome with a history of Utah in 12 panels. In one of the new galleries, from Summer 2026 to Spring 2027 will be “The Past is Personal”, an exhibit that urges visitors to consider their role in our nation’s history as we mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Drawing upon the Utah Historical Society’s semi quincentennial project, the Peoples of Utah Revisited, this exhibit broadens the lens on Utah’s history and shares the stories of the past through the present. We, the people of Utah, own a lot of historical stuff, and this first state history museum is an extension of the Utah Historical Society who has helped collect our stuff and stories and there will be four floors of rotating displays in this new North Capitol Building. It was just announced that the Mormon Meteor III, a racing car legend on the Salt Flats will have a permanent home now at the museum. The 14,000-piece new stained glass dome of Utah landscapes will blow your mind with the beauty of glass.  Museumofutah.com

I recently discovered the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum under the 600 North viaduct (467 W. 600 N.).  Although it’s expensive, at $20 a person it’s a fun experience that celebrates the legacy of the Land Cruiser in both design and function with over 100 vehicles in a tight but user-friendly display. There are models from the 1950’s to the present, including the first car of its kind ever sold in the U.S., the first four-wheeled vehicle to traverse all seven continents, and right-hand drive diesel imports. If you’re a gear head, you will love this place! Landcruiserhm.com