Visitors choosing to stay in Murray can get to know the city through several distinct themes: its museum and historical development, its trails and parks, and its sports and recreational activities. The following places offer specific points of reference to help you plan.
City History in the Museum and Across the City
The Murray Museum is housed in the historic Cahoon Mansion at 4872 S. Poplar Street in Murray. It documents, preserves, researches, and shares the city's history through exhibits, collections, public programs, and research. Its work goes beyond individual artifacts: preserving and researching local history are also expressly part of the museum's mission.
The Murray Downtown Residential Historic District illustrates the historical development of the downtown residential area. The Pony Express Trail offers another historical connection: it ran through Murray City Park. These two connections highlight different aspects—the district focuses on the development of a residential area, while the historic trail follows a route through the park.
Trails Along the Jordan River Parkway
The Murray section of the Jordan River Parkway runs from 6625 S. Murray Bluffs Drive (1200 West) to 593 W. 4800 S. This section has an approximately five-mile paved trail, with markers spaced every 0.1 miles. Its approximate total length and regularly spaced markers give you an overview of the trail's extent and how it is divided.
An equestrian trail also runs perpendicular to the paved trail. The two trails differ in both direction and use: one is paved, while the other is intended for horseback riding. If you are planning a walk or a horseback ride, you can consider these as separate options rather than treating them as a single route.
Parks, Plants and Concerts
Murray Park covers 63 acres of green space, with walking paths, sports fields, pickleball courts, picnic areas, an arboretum, and a rose garden. It brings together a range of interests, from exercise and sports to spending time in a park setting. An outdoor amphitheater in the park hosts seasonal concerts.
The Arts in the Park series features free lunchtime concerts held every Tuesday from June through July at Murray Park Pavilion No. 5, except during the week of July 4. Since the schedule may change, check event dates before your visit. The specific timing is also useful for planning: the concerts take place around midday and are scheduled on particular days of the week and during particular months.
The Murray City Arboretum showcases plants from around the world. It also tests tree species and varieties to see how they adapt to Murray's soil and climate. The arboretum thus combines an international plant collection with a specific focus on the local adaptability of trees.
Sports and Swimming
Murray Parkway Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course. It measures 6,900 yards from the back tees. Several details are therefore important for comparison: the number of holes and par describe the course, while the stated length specifically applies to those tee positions.
The swimming facilities also differ in their features. The Park Center has an eight-lane, 25-yard competition pool. Murray Outdoor Pool has a large, four-story waterslide, two one-meter diving boards, a beach-style area with a gradual entry, and water-play features. Murray Parkway has accessible areas and is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
You can therefore organize your plans for a stay in Murray around specific interests: city history at the museum and in the historic district, a paved trail or an equestrian trail along the Jordan River Parkway, parks and gardens, or golf and swimming.
Explore more destinations: South Jordan, Taylorsville, Draper, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City, Alta, Midvale.
For the broader travel overview: Salt Lake.
