Updated: March 25, 2026
Beyond world-class skiing, Park City hides unique gems like dark sky stargazing and historic jail cells. You will also find Olympic freestyle shows, peaceful alpine lakes, and scenic farmstead trails. This guide highlights five lesser-known activities that make Utah’s mountain town a perfect year-round destination for your next adventure.
Have you experienced the magic of Park City yet? If so, you are probably aware that we are the top winter destination in the entire state of Utah. There is a reason why the skiing Olympic development program can be found here. Everyone knows about our incredible winter sports but Park City also has quite a bit to offer beyond that.
You can find all kinds of unique activities and attractions found off the beaten path. Here are five things to do in Park City you probably did not know you could do here:
Contents
- Stargazing at Jordanelle State Park
- Stop by McPolin Farmstead
- Historic Jail at Park City Museum
- Freestyle Shows at Olympic Park
- Bloods Lake
- Park City Is Home All Year Round
Stargazing at Jordanelle State Park
The surrounding area of Park City offers an incredible spot where you can easily take in the night sky without overwhelming light pollution getting in the way. This is the joy of smaller areas but Park City has grown in size making stargazing a little harder when staying in town. During your next visit come over to Jordanelle State Park where you can find the perfect space for stargazing.
Jordanelle State Park is an officially designated International Dark Sky Park, ensuring the highest level of preservation for night sky viewing. Most events occur at the Rock Cliff Nature Center, which is tucked away from the brighter lights of the main marina. Bring your telescope if you happen to have one on hand and simply be amazed by the cosmos. Getting to Jordanelle State Park is a simple short drive from your vacation rental.
Stop by McPolin Farmstead
Whenever you drive in and out of Park City you are sure to see a picture perfect white barn sitting on the hills. McPolin Farmstead, also known as the more simple White Barn, is a picturesque spot where it is frequented by visitors to snap a new Instagram worthy picture at. While the barn is popular itself the surrounding trails are less well known about.
These scenic walking trails are the perfect destination when you are looking to avoid the crowds of Main Street. Bring a picnic and sit among the hills to have incredible mountain views in front of you. The iconic White Barn was erected around 1921 using no nails. Purchased by the citizens of Park City in 1990, it now serves as an 8,000-square-foot historical landmark preserved for public use.
Historic Jail at Park City Museum
Visiting the local museum when you travel somewhere new is a fun way to see the rich history of your destination. Museums provide authentic displays and exhibits where you can have a fun and educational experience. Park City is home to our very own Park City Museum that is well known and frequently visited throughout the year. It is on the smaller side and will take approximately one to two hours to see in full.
While the museum is popular there is one section that is frequently overlooked and that is the Historic Jail. This is the actual jail cell of Historic Park City from back during the mining boom. This immersive exhibit is a great way to see how robbers and criminals from over 100 years ago would stay when caught by the law. It is a fascinating experience that is quickly overlooked.
Freestyle Shows at Olympic Park
Here in Park City we are known for our Utah Olympic Park where you will find training programs happening throughout the year. Some of the biggest winter sport athletes come from Park City and it is easy to see why. The Utah Olympic Park is one of the biggest attractions of the year where you can find plenty of sporting facilities.
During the summer, you can watch the Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show. These professional athletes utilize the Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool to perform incredible stunts that mimic winter competition conditions. It is a thrilling experience and a family friendly activity for everyone to come see!
Bloods Lake
You will find plenty of hiking trails to explore in Park City all throughout the year. The summer months allow the winter snows to melt and open up vast areas to explore. One such area is Bloods Lake that is a nearby alpine lake found near Guardsmen Pass.
This quiet lake is accessed through a moderately easy trail that has you exploring open meadows and vast forests. It is a less popular trail so expect a quiet afternoon being surrounded by natural beauty. The lake is a great spot for a picnic and to snap pictures of to help remember your trip by.
Note that parking is strictly prohibited on Guardsman Pass Road; you must use the dedicated Bloods Lake trailhead parking lot or your vehicle may be ticketed.
Park City Is Home All Year Round
These hidden activities are a great way to plan for your Park City adventure getaway. Make sure to reserve one of our vacation rentals here in the area to prepare. These are luxury homes by the mountains that have no equal here in Park City.
If you love these mountain escapes but also crave the ocean breeze, consider visiting the East Coast. Village Realty OBX offers stunning vacation rentals in the Outer Banks, providing the perfect coastal balance to your high altitude Utah adventures.
