Vernal's main drag, US 40, seems to be little more than a string of motels, fast food eateries, various dinosaur promotions and a few old buildings containing its commercial establishments. The Vernal Walking Tour proves that there is more to Dinosaurland than meets the eye. There is history here and a proud Mormon pioneer heritage.
This tour will not require the entire day, but you should allow a few hours to visit some of the museums along the way. You may choose to walk or drive the route, depending upon your time and inclination.
The tour begins with its most interesting spot - the Utah Field House of Natural History. From here, walk down Main Street to the heart of downtown Vernal. Along the way, take time to read the signs describing the various buildings which are noted in the Walking Tour brochure. They provide tidbits of local color and encourage you to imagine this town in days gone by.
Another tour highlight is the Bank of Vernal, an unassuming red brick building with an interesting history. In 1919, the U.S. Postal Service charged only $1.05/lb for parcel post packages. Railroad freight charges were $1.70/lb. The bricks used to construct this building were shipped parcel post from Salt Lake City. The 50-lb. packages were shipped in mailings of no more than 500 lbs to multiple addresses in Vernal to comply with Postal regulations. The packages were carried by rail and horse drawn wagon along a circuitous route to their final destination. The ordeal resulted in a change in Postal regulations.
Just off Main Street, you will notice a tall spire topped with a golden angel. This is Vernal's L.D.S. Temple. The original tabernacle here was dedicated in 1909. It took two years to renovate this site and create the Temple which stands here now. This thoroughly modern building takes up a city block and is clearly the spiritual center of the town.