american west heritage center

I had my kids/ nieces ages 7-13. They enjoyed the corn maze, pumpkin launching, tomahawk throw, super slide, and fun historical crafts (candle dipping and fire starting were favorites!). There was so much to do- and lots of green space- the kids I had never been here before, but we enjoyed it so much we bought a membership to come back when they do the Baby Animal Days.

It was very quiet when we were there, which was a shame for everyone involved but I understand it can get very busy on special theme days. If you enjoy social history, this place is a must! The volunteer staff are amazing; full of knowledge and can make history come to life, especially as they are dressed in period costume. There is something of interest for everyone from toddlers to seniors! The demonstration by Grandpappy in the farm workshop was excellent, he’s quite a showman! The house, built in the 1920s was fascinating. We watched as Mum and daughters baked and were then shown around the house by the 2 delightful daughters. We were able to try our hand at milking a goat. It was possible to go into Charles Nibley’s actual ‘dug-out’ where we were told a lot about its history and the Homestead Act of 1862. There is so much more that I could tell you about this attraction! Opening hours were limited when we were there, so find out before arriving.

Went to this in October on an impromptu vacation. They were advertising a Corn Maze so thought we'd let the kids do it. Turns out that the corn maze was just one of many attractions all included in the entrance price. We ended up staying and playing for several hours. We had kids ranging from 3 years old to 17 and they all found fun things to do. In addition to the activities, there were plenty of museum-type displays including my favorite, a working steam-driven tractor. Incidentally, the corn maze was very well done and actually quite enjoyable.The volunteers were always very friendly and helpful if not terribly knowledgeable.I would highly recommend the experience to anyone.

We went to Baby Animal Days on April 4, 2013 and I'm being honest when I say I've encountered smaller crowds at Disneyland. We arrived 15 minutes before opening time and had to wait in a line to park. We were directed to the furthest point on the paved parking area (they were also having people park in surrounding fields) and walked to the line to get tickets. We finally purchased tickets 45 minutes later. They only had 4 stations where you could buy tickets, but could have easily used double that amount. I noticed a very small line where you were supposed to stand if you'd bought tickets online. I didn't even know that was an option, but it would be a good tip for anyone planning to go. Alright, so we made it through the first line and into the park. We were given a tip by a woman in line to go straight to the baby bears. We did this and waited an additional 30 minutes to see the bears. They were cute and half way through the line they had little turtles that you could hold. After we got out of the bear line, we could see that the line was easily double the size of when we got in it and when we walked by it 30 minutes later, it was triple the size.We went on a hayride and watched some little kids ride sheep. Then we went to milk a cow, which my daughter enjoyed very much. Outside the cow barn, there were more lines for the opportunity to hold chicks, ducks and rabbits. Then we waited in line to pet sheep, goats, a donkey, baby calves, and baby pigs. There were baby lambs that weren't more than a day or two old, and baby quail hatched the day before. Darling!You can picnic on the grounds, if you can find a spot. There was a train to ride, but the line looked like it was easily 40+ minutes wait. There were also pony rides, which would have been at least the same amount of time. There were people in period costumes roaming the grounds with more animals to pet. They were really good to answer questions and stay in character. There is a mountain man camp, a general store, a farm house, a root cellar, a smokehouse and a blacksmith shop all in working order.We were there for 4.5 hours. It was $8 for adults and $6 for children with a $1 discount when you brought a can of food for the food bank.Some things were wonderful but some things could be much improved. My daughter had a fantastic time. Even with the crowds, she was in heaven. I thought they could have done a better job with crowd management, like maybe advertising better that you could buy tickets online. Their map also could have been better and they could coordinate the special events so that you're not walking back and forth so much. I think it would be difficult for a person with a physical disability to navigate everything, as every spot was very crowded. They don't have any real bathrooms, but there are several port-a-potties on site. The grounds were clean and the staff was polite and helpful. Taking all that into consideration, I'd say we're at a "4". They can certainly improve, but the goal was to see baby animals and we saw lots of them and had a fun time holding and petting every one!

Geared for the kids to see baby animals. Most they can touch or hold. Last spring they advertised too much and it was way too crowded, but we went for 4 years prior and lvoed it!

The bear cubs were the best, and you even get to touch them. Hundreds of geese, chicks, ducks, horses, cows, all kinds of farm animals.Also other special events: Mountain Man Rendezvous, a mud run, chuck wagon dinners

I used to volunteer there. Great for kids to experience the pioneer village. Volunteers bake in the ovens, horse drawn wagons etc. Halloween is very fun, also a good wedding venue.

Very much enjoyed the varied and fun activities geared for the younger members of our family and which allowed each of us to return, for a moment, to the better days of our youth.

I liked the actors who staffed each of the historical areas, the blacksmith the mountain man, the pioneer girls were all very cordial and fun. I thought the antique tractors were worth the visit plus they had a small working train for you to ride along with ponies and wagons. I wasn't expecting to enjoy myself but I did and I may come back with the grand kids.

What a great place to take your family. There are demonstrations all throughout the day. You participate in just about every activity. Very authentic and one of the best parts was panning for gold. My little one loved the pony rides and the shooting of the Gatling guns.

Quaint local center that takes you back in time. There are many festivals throughout the year that offer a look back to early settler time-butter making, goat milking, cider making etc. Pet the animals, eat funnel cakes etc. Just depends on the time of year. They have have a man vs mud run in the fall.

We went expecting a small and simple museum but we were totally blown away. This place is simply fantastic. There is a barnyard with horses, goats, a donkey, and sheep that are all very used to people and enjoy a petting. There is a small farm homestead with all the essentials of living in the late 1800s. There's a root cellar, grainery, smokehouse, blacksmith shop, and of course a house. You are encouraged to explore everywhere to see what living was like and all the volunteers(dressed in appropriate attire) are great when answering any questions. There is a train ride and pony rides that are free with admission. On the other side of a little creek are two cabins and a cowboy camp. Here you can make candles and the kids can make little dolls. And be sure to go into the wood working barn where an older gentlemen is absolutely hilarious while being very educational. Oh and there is a Shoshone camp and a mountain man camp that are both fantastic. We spent three and a half hours there but easily could have spent another hour. Simply wonderful!

We held our family reunion (14 adults and 25 children 13 yrs and under) at AWHC. We spent 2 days at Daily Adventures and camped for 3 nights. Two full days at the museum was perfect for us. We saw new things every day and didn't have to rush through it. I was surprised that the crowds were minimal (hardly anyone was there), but at the same time we loved the extra attention! The front desk didn't have all the answers like they perhaps should have, but we did like the "old-fashioned handshake hospitality"! (and no contracts to sign.) The volunteers/staff members at the venues were very enthusiastic about what they were doing and we learned a lot from them. Camp Rendezvous has 2 campsites. We stayed at Camp Willow which is nicer and has a lot of shade. Camp Washakie, although bigger, is without shade & not quite as nice. We all had a great "western adventure" at AWHC & Camp Rendezvous!

We had a family reunion at the American West Heritage Center in Wellsville Utah. I should have followed my first impression which was that they were a little unorganized. The staff members kept telling me different things that were and were not included. Each time I would call, I'd get a different story. For example, there was confusion on whether or not tea parties and wagon rides were included. Then, one staff member told me there was air conditioning in the Livery Stable, the next person said no. (There was! And thank goodness.) Anyway, the staff members didn't seem to be on the same page to begin with. However, I called a few weeks before our visit and it seemed that they were expecting us. We got there and I think our party of 115 people had an enjoyable time. The problem comes when trying to get my deposit back. I paid $150 above and beyond the $375 to rent the Livery Stable, plus $515 to participate in the daily adventures. The $150 was supposed to be refunded after the event so long as we followed the rules in the contract we signed. We did and they refuse to refund my deposit stating that we failed to follow the parking guidelines. Now, there was no map sent to us with the contract and we had never been there. We did exactly what the girl at the front desk told us to do which was enter from the service entrance off the highway. The contract specifically states: "Up to three vehicles may be allowed admission to the sight (they probably meant site). Vehicles may be on sight long enough to unload, but then must park near the service entrance. Vehicles must stay on the roads and may not at any time be on the grass. All other vehicles must use the main parking area. AWHC will retain the security deposit if vehicle admittance rules are violated." NOW, YOU MUST KNOW THAT WE FOLLOWED THESE INSTRUCTIONS WITH EXACTNESS! THEY ASKED US TO MOVE OUR CAR, WHICH WE DID. WE TOOK 8 MINUTES TO UNLOAD AND THEN MOVED IT BACK TO THE PARKING AT THE SERVICE ENTRANCE. WE ONLY HAD MY CAR AND MY ONE OTHER CAR THAT DROPPED WERE USED TO DELIVER OUR THINGS. NOW THEY ARE SAYING THAT YOU CAN ONLY UNLOAD BEFORE 10:00 AM AND AFTER 5:00 PM. THIS IS NOT MENTIONED ANYWHERE IN THE CONTRACT NOR WAS IT MENTIONED ANYTIME DURING OUR VISIT! WE ONLY HAD THE LIVERY STABLE RENTED FOR 3 HOURS 11:30 TO 2:30. SO IF I HADN'T HAD MY THINGS OUT BY 2:30 THEY STILL WOULD HAVE KEPT MY DEPOSIT FOR A VIOLATION OF TIME! WE ARE UNSURE WHAT THEY WERE EXPECTING. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE GIVEN THEM NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. WE DON'T UNDERSTAND AT ALL HOW THEY ARE TRYING TO PIN THIS ON US. IT IS TOO BAD TO HAVE TO GIVE THIS KIND OF REVIEW, BUT AS A CONSUMER, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE PLACE THAT I AM GOING TO PATRONIZE HAS A REPUTATION OF NOT ABIDING BY THEIR OWN CONTRACT. WE WERE COMPLETELY SHOCKED BY THIS WHOLE ORDEAL AND DIDN'T SEE IT COMING!SHELLY WATSON

American West Heritage Centerには展示室の他，牧場，農園などもあり，小学生向けの体験学習プログラムも用意してある。訪れた日には，ちょうど小学校３年生のグループと出会い，解説員が昔の服装で身を包み，西部開拓者のカッコで子供たちに接し，当時の生活情景をリアルに再現していた。子どもたちはトウモロコシの剥きとり，脱穀，リンゴジュース搾取などを楽しく体験しながら，クイズ活動にも積極的に発表していた。やはり，社会，歴史などの教科はは座学より，自らの体験をして勉強することは学習意欲を高めるのみならず，基礎学力を応用する能力の向上にもつながると思うので，お子様連れの御家族には是非お勧めのアメリカ西部に関する学習観光である。