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Many kids have a fascination with dinosaurs. Take a 5-year-old to a dinosaur museum and chances are he or she will likely know more of the names of the ancient critters than adults.
That's why Vernal's Original Adventure campaign might draw even more families to eastern Utah, where the quarry at Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah Fieldhouse of Natural History Museum offer all things dinosaurs.
Add to that the area's beauty with places such as Flaming Gorge, Steinaker Reservoir, the Red Cloud Loop, Red Fleet Reservoir, mountain-biking trails, birding and rafting on the Green River, American Indian history, fascinating geology and the High Uintas wilderness area, and there is plenty to keep travelers busy in Dinosaurland.
The new campaign encourages families and their kids to go on adventures with cartoon dinosaurs Vern and Al, including a scavenger hunt with a prize of a free treat from a popular local sweet shop. A free short children's book featuring the two cartoon characters is available at visitor centers and hotels throughout Vernal.
"So many of us came here as kids, were amazed by the Wall of Bones and felt that childlike excitement about these ancient creatures," said Lesha Coltharp, tourism director of the Uintah County Travel and Tourism Office. "Now is the time to bring your own kids back and experience that all over again, with the help of Vern and Al."
Other good dinosaur destinations in Utah include museums in Price, Huntington, Moab, Blanding, Lehi, Salt Lake City and Grand Junction, Colo., an area known as the Dinosaur Diamond.
For information or a chance to win a trip to Dinosaurland, visit dinoland.com.