FUN GUIDE Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
UTAH COUNTIES
WORTH STAYCATIONING
By Kristen Clay
Box Elder County Box Elder County sits at the northwest corner of Utah, and is full of surprises in its diversity of offerings. There is something for everyone, including science lovers, history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and patrons of the arts. “We have a taste of the country and a taste of the city. We love and embrace the cowboy life, ranching and farming spirit. We are very connected to the land,” longtime resident, Jennilyn McKinnon, says. A favorite family event for the McKinnon’s is to go watch the annual sheepherding drives. The public roads are closed off, so that sheep, by the hundreds, can be driven to the meadows for grazing. For history buffs, the Golden Spike National Historical Park is open yearround. Replicas of Victorian era steam
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engines, walks or drives exploring historic rails, programs for children and adults, along with a museum, and reenactments of the Golden Spike ceremony in the summer months are only a few of the offerings at the Park. For science lovers, the (Morton Thiokol) ATK Rocket Garden boasts a rocket launcher for the space shuttle as well as other rockets and engines that are manufactured at their facility. The Bear River Migratory Bird refuge will delight nature enthusiasts. Seasonally, these 80,000 acres of marshes, open water, uplands, and alkali mudflats feature over 250 species of migrating birds as well as 67 species of nesting birds. A 12-mile auto tour route is ideal for observing wildlife, birding, and photography. The Wildlife Education Center is the best place to begin your adventure.
