The Museum of the San Rafael Swell
This free local museum has many great stories to tell. There are three main exhibits at the museum. The first, Early Man, explores the history of man in Emery County, from the recent pioneers all the way back to the Fremont People, including many interesting and unique artifacts, such as numerous pottery, figurines, etc.
Right: The San Rafael Swell is an amazing, picturesque place. Start with the museum, but be sure to explore on your own as well!
Another of the permanent exhibits is the Animals exhibit, that focuses on the natural life that lives in the area. You can see stuffed examples of many of these creatures, including Red Fox, Mountain Lion, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, and many others!
Left: An artist's rendition of a group of Ichyosaurus, one of several fossils seen at the museum (source: carnivaforum.com)
The museum also has an intriguing Dinosaur exhibit, with the fossils and recreations of numerous different dinosaurs and other ancient creatures that have been discovered to have once lived in the area millions of years ago. From the plodding Nodosaur to the fearsome Albertosaurus, you'll see many interesting examples of creautres that once called this place home.
Of course, other little treasures await at the San Rafael Swell Museum, and while there you can learn about nearby places worth visiting! So feel free to drop by, and learn some more about Castle Country, as the locals call it!
Address:
70 N 100 E
Castle Dale, UT 84513
(435) 381-5252
http://www.emerycounty.com/sanrafaelmuseum/
Hours:
10-4 Monday - Friday,
10-2 Saturday, closed Sunday.
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are gladly accepted!!
Note: Kitty-corner is found the Pioneer History Museum, which is also worth a visit! This museum, occupying the second floor of the historic Castle Dale City Hall, houses a large collection of pioneer artifacts including furniture, clothes, a handcart, kitchen wares, tools, schoolhouse items and much more. There are also several large colorful murals, an area devoted to San Rafael Country’s colorful outlaws such as Butch Cassidy, and a large pioneer table where you can sit and read the collected memories and stories of San Rafael Country’s hardy, resourceful and industrious pioneer settlers.
Source: http://www.emerycounty.com/sanrafaelmuseum/, adapted by josephaw