If you’re staying at Newpark Resort, you’ve got an easy win literally just outside the door: Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter.
No driving. No parking stress. Just a quick walk over to wetlands, wildlife, hands-on exhibits, and one of the most peaceful “reset buttons” in Park City.
Swaner is a protected 1,200-acre preserve with trails, birdwatching, family-friendly learning, and an EcoCenter that’s genuinely fun (yes, even for adults who pretend they’re “just here for the kids”).
The Quick Version: Choose Your Swaner Visit
Option 1: The 45-Minute “Fresh Air + Views” Reset
Perfect between coffee and whatever your group wants to do next.
- Step into the EcoCenter for exhibits and interactive displays
- Walk the boardwalk over the wetlands
- Climb the observation tower for big views (and better odds of spotting birds)
Option 2: The 1-Hour Family Win
Low effort. High payoff. Minimal whining.
- Hands-on exhibits inside
- Seasonal kid activities (check what’s running that week)
- Quick stop in the gift shop for eco-minded, locally-inspired finds
Option 3: The Morning Nature Mission
For walkers, joggers, birders, and “I need a trail” people.
- Head to Swaner’s trail access area and roam the uplands paths
- Expect open views, sagebrush terrain, and fewer crowds than the resort-core trails
Walk the Trails and See Wildlife
One of the biggest draws at Swaner are miles of public trails that wind around the Preserve with opportunities to view wetlands, uplands, and wildlife. The Preserve protects 850 acres of wetlands that are vital for migratory birds and other species, plus about 350 acres of sagebrush uplands with roughly 10 miles of hiking and biking paths to explore from the Spring Creek Trailhead on the north side of I-80.
A Paradise for Birdwatchers
Birdwatching is one of the most rewarding activities at Swaner. The wetlands serve as a haven for resident and migratory birds, including sandhill cranes and waterfowl, making it a prime spot for bird lovers of all levels. Special guided birding tours — like the Avian Adventures series — give guests the chance to observe and identify feathered residents with expert help and provided binoculars.
Visit the Swaner EcoCenter
The heart of Swaner’s visitor experience is the EcoCenter, a sustainably designed environmental education facility that’s free to enter (suggested $5 donation). Inside, you’ll find engaging exhibits and interactive displays that highlight Park City’s local environment.
Step outside onto the 400-foot boardwalk to take in sweeping views of the wetlands or climb the four-story observation tower for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding Preserve.
Current and upcoming exhibitions bring additional learning opportunities to life — like the Life on the Edge science exhibit, which lets visitors explore extreme environments on Earth and beyond with hands-on, kid-friendly science activities through May 10, 2026, or Wetland Supermarket, a Swaner-designed grocery store style exhibit for children. Visit Swaner’s exhibition web page to see what’s on display and for pricing, special exhibit events, and more.
Activities for All Ages
Swaner offers a variety of programs and experiences that appeal to every interest:
- Sunday Crafts — Free weekly upcycled craft activities for kids inspired by nature.
- Snowshoe and Preserve Tours — Seasonal ways to explore the landscape with a knowledgeable guide. Weekly set tours on Saturday mornings are offered or private tours can be arranged.
- Geocaching Adventures — A fun outdoor treasure hunt for families and explorers.
- Demonstration Garden & LEED Building Tour — Discover sustainable design and native plants right at the EcoCenter.
- Gift Shop — Find items with sustainability and nature in mind, many of which are locally sourced.
- Special Events — From monthly family nature days to birding outings and volunteer habitat restoration events, there’s always something special on the calendar.
Environmental Education and Community
Beyond outdoor recreation, Swaner is committed to education and conservation. Youth and family programs — including summer camps, field trips, and seasonal adult workshops — enrich understanding of science, stewardship, and the natural world.
Plan Your Visit
The Swaner EcoCenter, part of Utah State University Extension, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, with free admission and a suggested donation.
Staying at Newpark? This Is the Easiest “Yes” Activity
Because Swaner is right next to Newpark, it’s one of the most convenient ways to add something memorable to your stay—whether you want a quiet nature break, a family-friendly activity, or an easy trail walk with big views.
If you want to make it even easier: ask the front desk what’s currently happening at Swaner during your dates, and which route is best for walking over.
Want the best seat in the house?
Book one of our 2-bedroom townhomes and unwind in your private outdoor hot tub while you watch wildlife at Swaner—nature’s basically your next-door neighbor.
