Hutchings Museum Institute

"My husband and I, and my young kids, visited the museum for the lantern light tour on November 15, 2025. The website states that you can come anytime between 6-8pm to "experience the museum by lantern light and a storytelling tour of the exhibits."

Leading up to the event, we told family and friends that for my son's birthday we were going to surprise him with a special experience where we walk through a museum in darkness but can still see the exhibits because we will have lanterns. We thought it was a really cool idea and were excited for something new and unique, as opposed to another party at a trampoline park or roller rink.

The museum workers are knowledgeable and kind. We were also informed that this is the museum's second year putting this lantern light tour on and they are still "retooling and refining it."

Unfortunately, at least this year, you aren't able to walk around the museum and look at the exhibits through lantern light. It's a storytelling block, five different stories, and the story tellers have the lanterns.

The stories are too dark, content wise. I had a seven and nine year old with me and all of the stories involved some kind of death but some even involved demons, murder, tarot, ghosts, poisoning, guns, etc. I think there should be two different stories, one default one (the scary one) when there are all adults in the group and then a lesser scary, but still fun, story when kids join the group.

I also really think that for next year, the museum could think of ways to actually allow people to explore the museum in darkness with lantern light. Not sure how many lanterns y'all have, nor how attended this one night a year even is, but get more lanterns and have maybe two, or just one, museum workers in each exhibit room to act as mild security and resource in case people are getting rowdy or a little lost. I think the storytelling should happen in one room, and be an option for people who pay the ticket price.

At the end of the tour, I went to the lobby and spoke with some incredibly nice people about my experience and then agreed that the actual museum is easier to experience during the day and were more than happy to provide our family a one-time use pass so that we can come back. And we will be back.

I promise you guys that if you take the time to refine and retool the experience for next year, you won't have any unsatisfied attendees and the word of mouth will grow and it will be amazing. Focus on the setting. Allow the patrons to explore the exhibits with lanterns. Maintain mild security so nothing gets out of hand. And offer the stories but don't make it mandatory.

We really enjoyed the night. It was unique and we could tell everyone involved put a lot of effort into it."

Dillan Conrad

"The museum has such a wide variety of things. I especially like the exhibits that are focused on local stuff."

Jacob Paulsen

"Wayyy better than their website makes it seem. If you like random things from history, authentic antiques, archeology items, culture, etc this place is well worth the time and you can't beat the entry fee. Plan a good 2 hours to get the full experience, but if you need to make it shorter you can. Very kid-friendly, they have a whole treasure hunt and map thing to do with explorer backpacks. Both the kids and adults loved it.

Mostly history of Utah, but there are a number of historical things from outside of Utah.

Very friendly staff, plenty of accessible parking,"

Nate