PALISADE STATE PARK 32

In the 1860s, Daniel B. Funk, an early settler of the Sanpete Valley, had the idea to create a summer and weekend resort area. At that time, the valley was owned by a small group of Sanpitch Native Americans led by Chief Arapeen. Daniel B. Funk bargained with the chief and obtained a land patent from the government. He and his family then set about the arduous task of building a dam and diverting part of Sixmile Creek to fill the lake.

The lake quickly became a well-known pleasure resort, now called Palisade. The site opened to the public as a state park in 1962. Summer recreation includes camping, fishing, swimming, electric motor and non-motorized boating, golfing and hiking. Off-highway vehicle trails are accessible from the park. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent.

The 18-hole golf course on site has some of the best putting greens in the state. A PGA professional provides a full range of services and supplies at the newly remodeled pro shop. The park is located at 2200 E. Palisade Road, Sterling.

Manti Utah Temple 33

While only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may enter the church’s Manti Utah Temple, the grounds are open to visitors.

Located at 510 N. 200 East, Manti, this nearly 75,000-square-foot structure features two towers and walls made of cream-colored oolite limestone quarried from the hill where it stands. The temple is currently closed for renovation work and expected to reopen in early to mid-2024.

Located across the street from the Manti Utah Temple and next door to the Historic Manti Cemetery are the Pioneer Heritage Gardens.

Open to the public, the gardens offer a peaceful place to reflect and learn about the values that made the pioneers of central Utah successful in a world fraught with hardships. The 2.5-acre gardens include a reflecting pool for the temple, a small amphitheater and benches where visitors can sit and meditate.