Getting There
Lehi is bisected by Interstate 15, making highway travel straightforward. Exit 284 drops you off right at the Thanksgiving Point entrance, while Exit 279 leads to downtown Main Street. For those preferring rail, the FrontRunner commuter line stops in Lehi with hourly weekday service and slightly less frequent weekend runs. Fares range from $2.50 to $10.30 depending on distance. As a suggestion, drivers should choose the I‑15 exit that matches their first attraction—284 for the Thanksgiving Point cluster—especially if they plan to visit multiple sites. Travelers arriving by train might find FrontRunner a low‑stress, inexpensive entry point, particularly if they are staying in Salt Lake City or Provo. Before you set out, verify the latest FrontRunner timetable and fare tables for your travel dates, and check real‑time I‑15 traffic reports during peak commuting hours.
Getting Around Within Lehi
Lehi’s downtown core is accessed via Exit 279 and Main Street, but the three main Thanksgiving Point venues are all clustered near Exit 284. No dedicated local bus routes are listed in the source, so visitors should plan to park at each venue if they are driving. Parking fees may apply at Thanksgiving Point and downtown, so it is wise to budget for them. If you prefer not to drive, consider rideshare services or a rental car for flexibility, and investigate any UTA bus routes that might link the FrontRunner station to the attractions. As a practical tip, confirm the presence and cost of any paid parking areas at each site ahead of time, and keep an eye on any local transit schedule updates that could affect your movement between stops.
Thanksgiving Point Farm Country
Farm Country offers a classic petting‑zoo experience with peacocks, rabbits, and seasonal pony and wagon rides. A small museum on milk production and a gift shop round out the indoor component. The venue is classified as a cultural, historic indoor attraction, making it comfortable year‑round. Families with children will find the open‑air animal encounters especially engaging, and the suggestion is to arrive early in the morning to beat the mid‑day crowds and secure a spot for the pony rides, which can fill quickly. Pairing Farm Country with the other Thanksgiving Point sites reduces travel time between venues. Before you go, visit the official Thanksgiving Point website to confirm current operating hours, ticket prices, and whether advance purchase or reservation is required for the pony rides.
Ashton Gardens
Ashton Gardens is a large, sculpted garden set in a valley bowl, featuring a Children’s Discovery Garden with a Noah’s Ark fountain and a modest maze. The Trellis Café, open from 11 AM to 3 PM with a $5‑$10 menu, provides a convenient lunch spot. The gardens are an outdoor attraction reachable via I‑15 Exit 284, then Club House Drive and Garden Drive. Visitors should allocate one to two hours to wander the landscaped paths and let children explore the play area. A practical suggestion is to schedule the garden visit after the morning petting‑zoo session, allowing a relaxed lunch at the café during its limited hours. Check the garden’s official site for exact opening times, any entry fees, and whether the café requires a reservation.
Thanksgiving Point Museum of Ancient Life
The Museum of Ancient Life houses extensive dinosaur displays, interactive exhibits for kids, and an IMAX theater that screens 3‑D movies. The Expedition Café inside the museum offers snacks and drinks. Classified as a cultural, historic indoor venue, it works well for a mid‑day or afternoon visit. Travelers are advised to align their museum arrival with the IMAX showtimes, which can be confirmed on the museum’s website. Combining the museum with Farm Country and Ashton Gardens creates a full‑day Thanksgiving Point experience without backtracking. Prior to arrival, verify museum hours, any COVID‑related restrictions, and whether tickets—including IMAX seats—can be purchased online to avoid lines.
Dining Options
Within the Thanksgiving Point campus you have two primary food venues. The Trellis Café in Ashton Gardens serves quick meals between 11 AM and 3 PM at modest prices, making it ideal for a midday break after strolling the gardens. The Expedition Café inside the Museum of Ancient Life offers snacks and beverages for a later pause. If you prefer more flexibility, packing a picnic is an option, especially for the outdoor garden area. As a suggestion, check each café’s current operating hours and any seating limits before you travel, and see whether reservations are accepted or if walk‑ins are the norm.
Suggested Day Itinerary
Because Farm Country, Ashton Gardens, and the Museum of Ancient Life sit together near I‑15 Exit 284, a driving itinerary offers the smoothest flow. Begin the day at Farm Country when it opens, allowing children to enjoy the petting zoo and secure pony rides before crowds build. Mid‑morning, head to Ashton Gardens for a leisurely walk and a lunch at the Trellis Café before it closes at 3 PM. After lunch, move on to the Museum of Ancient Life, timing your arrival to catch an IMAX showing that fits your schedule. Build in buffer time for parking and short walks between venues. As a practical tip, purchase tickets for each attraction in advance where possible, confirm the IMAX schedule, and verify any parking fees at each site before you set out.
™