Utah - The Beehive State

Utah

Utah

Welcome to Utah

Utah, located in the western United States, is known for its striking landscapes, diverse natural beauty, and unique cultural heritage. Bordered by Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada, it also shares a corner with New Mexico at the famous Four Corners region. Its capital, Salt Lake City, was founded by pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the state remains a center of religious and cultural influence.

Natural Beauty and Landmarks

Utah’s scenery is among the most dramatic in the nation. From the towering Wasatch Mountains to the red rock formations of southern Utah, the state offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Utah is home to five national parks—Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands—often called the “Mighty Five.” These parks feature stone arches, hoodoos, cliffs, and canyons that draw visitors from around the world.

People and Heritage

Utah’s population is a blend of pioneer descendants, Native American communities, and newcomers attracted by its booming economy and natural surroundings. Festivals, art, and traditions highlight the state’s blend of history and modern life. Whether exploring its scenic wonders or learning about its cultural roots, Utah offers visitors and residents a vibrant sense of place and discovery.

Utah Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Western United States, Mountain West
  1. Utah is home to the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
  2. The state has five famous national parks, often called the "Mighty Five": Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.
  3. Utah was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1847, led by Brigham Young, who declared "This is the place" upon arrival in the Salt Lake Valley.
  4. It is the only U.S. state where every county contains part of a national forest.
  5. Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats are so flat that they are used for land-speed racing records.
  6. The Golden Spike, completing the first U.S. transcontinental railroad, was driven at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869.
  7. Utah has the highest literacy rate in the United States.
  8. The beehive on Utah’s flag and nickname symbolize industry and community.
  9. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.
  10. The name “Utah” comes from the Ute tribe, meaning “people of the mountains.”
Population ≈ 3.4 million (2025 est.)
Area 84,899 sq mi (11th largest)
Statehood January 4, 1896 (45th state)
Capital City Salt Lake City
Largest City Salt Lake City
Abbreviation UT
Nickname The Beehive State
Geography Rocky Mountains, Great Salt Lake, deserts, plateaus, red rock canyons
Bordering States Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico (Four Corners), Arizona, Nevada
Economy Mining, tourism, aerospace, technology, agriculture, energy
State Tree Blue Spruce
State Bird California Gull
 

Our Content
Utah Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Utah Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Utah maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Utah map.

Utah History

History of Utah

Utah was first settled by Mormon pioneers in 1847, who sought religious freedom in the Salt Lake Valley. After decades of growth and development, it became the 45th U.S. state in 1896.
Philo T. Farnsworth

Famous People from Utah

Brigham Young, the pioneer leader, guided settlers to the Salt Lake Valley and helped establish Utah’s early communities. Philo T. Farnsworth, an inventor from Beaver, Utah, is remembered as a key figure in developing television technology.
Comprehension

Utah Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Utah Symbols Coloring

Fun Utah Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Utah-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Utah' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Fun Utah and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Utah or Not Utah, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.