Silver Reef Museum

Smithsonian Exhibit | Crossroads
2024-04-24 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-25 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-26 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-27 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
See our Smithsonian Exhibit | Crossroads page for more information.

Lawmen & Muddy River Gang - Old Wild West Shootout Shows
2024-05-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States

Lawmen & Muddy River Gang Wild West Shootout Show
2024-05-11 12:00 - 12:30 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States

Pine Valley Mountain Flora
2024-05-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
SILVER REEF MUSEUM
Cosmopolitan Event Saturday, May 25 and June 1, 2024 -10am
Pine Valley Mountain Flora;
Highest Plant Diversity in Utah-Part 1 and Part 2
The unique geology, elevation range, and convergence of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert ecogeographic regions, has set the stage for the greatest plant diversity in the state of Utah. Approximately 39% of all Utah native plant species populate the foothills to the highest elevations of Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness Area, Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness Area, north Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, and the surrounding Dixie National Forest.
About The Presenter: DEL WILLIAM SMITH
Del grew up a surf rat and high school athlete, in Huntington Beach, California. After high school, he worked his way up to an engineering position in military aerospace, building plane and missile parts, and medical electronics, building heart pacers. At 27 years old, he left south- ern California for college. He received his bachelor’s degree, in biology, with minors in chemistry, geology, botany, and zoology, from Southern Utah University. He chose to attend graduate school at Brigham Young University, and research black bears. The opportunity opened up to research the symbiotic relationships between plants and lichens in Cedar Breaks and Ashdown Gorge, completing a master’s degree, in botany. He continued his research at Brigham Young University, with the relationships between plants, rocks, soils, and lichens, in Cedar Breaks and Ashdown Gorge, and completed a doctorate degree, in botany, with a minor in statistics. Del has taught biology and coached basketball, softball, and baseball at the high school level, winning league championships with his Varsity Softball team and JV Basketball team. He has taught plant taxonomy, botany, biology, geology, and environmental science, for 37 years, at BYU, UVU, Pierce College, West Hills College, and Modesto College, and has spent the last 17 years at Dixie State University. Del also received the 2014 Dixie State University Teacher of the Year Award.
Reservations suggested: https://form.jotform.com/231907888548171 or 435.879.2254
Donations appreciated!

Silver Reef’s Chinese Residents: Archaeology of Chinatown
2024-06-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
Silver Reef’s Chinese Residents: Archaeology of Chinatown – Chris Merritt

Old Wild West Shootout Shows
2024-08-10 11:00 - 11:30 | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
Lawmen & Muddy River Gang – Old Wild West Shootout Shows (kid friendly)
1st show: 11am
2nd show: 12pm

“The Spanish Trail in Washington County”
2024-08-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
“The Spanish Trail in Washington County” – Steve Heath

Old Wild West Shootout Shows
2024-09-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
Lawmen & Muddy River Gang – Old Wild West Shootout Shows
1st show: 11am
2nd show: 12pm

“When Hollywood Came to Silver Reef”
2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
“When Hollywood Came to Silver Reef” – Ken Howell

Last Shootout of 2024!
2024-10-05 12:00 - 13:00 | UT
The Muddy River Gang will be doing their last two shootout shows of 2024!
12pm and 1pm

Ghost Nights
2024-10-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States

“Birds of Prey” Southwest Wildlife Foundation
2024-11-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
“Birds of Prey” Southwest Wildlife Foundation – Martin Tyner

Join us at our Southwest Wildlife Foundation event for a fun and unforgettable experience with amazing birds of prey! You’ll have the chance to learn from the wonderful Master Falconer Martin Tyner, who will share fascinating insights about these incredible creatures, their hunting habits, nesting behaviors, and why they are so important to our environment. We can’t wait to see you there!

Location: SILVER REEF MUSEUM (Cosmopolitan Building)
Saturday, Nov 23, 2024
10am & 1pm shows
$6.00/Person

Reservations can be made by calling (435) 879-2254 or by signing up online at
https://tinyurl.com/BirdsofPrey11-23-2024

Martin Tyner of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation of Utah will be presenting on the birds of prey in the Southwestern US. His presentation will have several live raptors including his
golden eagle named Scout.

At age twelve, Martin Tyner started caring for the sick, injured and orphaned creatures in his home town of Simi Valley, CA. At age nineteen, Tyner was hired as curator of birds of prey at Busch Gardens, CA. He worked in the movie and television industry training big cats, elephants, primates, sea mammals, and raptors.

Martin Tyner is a federally licensed falconer, eagle falconer, wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife propagator, and wildlife and environmental educator. He has been providing wildlife and environmental programs throughout the western United States, to schools, scouts and community groups for over forty years. Martin Tyner provides intergenerational Road Scholars programs through Dixie State College, has taught summer classes at Southern Utah University, The Ancient Art of Falconry and Shakespeare, and performed in the Green Show with his raptors for the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Martin Tyner is the founder of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, wildlife rescue, wildlife and environmental education organization.

Reservations suggested:
https://tinyurl.com/BirdsofPrey11-23-2024
or call 435.879.2254

http://www.silverreefutah.org

Funded by
Utah Legislature
Utah Division of
Arts & Museums

Silver Reef Museum
1903 Wells Fargo Rd
Leeds, UT 84746
SILVER REEF
UTAH

FREE ADMISSION WEEK
2024-12-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
🎄✨ **Merry Christmas from the Silver Reef Museum!** ✨🎄
This holiday season, we’re sharing the spirit of giving with our wonderful Washington County community. From **December 9-14**, **admission to the museum is FREE** as our special gift to you!
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Silver Reef during this festive season. While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by our **gift shop** for unique Christmas gifts and treasures that you won’t find anywhere else!
🕰️ **Hours of Operation**:
– **Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday**
**10:00 AM – 3:00 PM**
Celebrate the season with us and make history part of your holidays. We look forward to welcoming you!

FREE ADMISSION WEEK
2024-12-13 10:00 - 15:00 | UT

Paleontology and Public Fascination with Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Life
2024-12-28 10:00 - 11:00 | UT
Presenter: Andrew Peterson
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Cosmopolitan Building next to the Silver Reef Museum

Arts to Zion North ART HUB
2025-01-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
Discover talented artists from Leeds and Toquerville, UT, as they showcase their captivating works, perform live demos, and offer art for sale.
Date: January 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT 84746
Reservations suggested:
https://form.jotform.com/250117088470151

Arts to Zion
2025-01-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States

Stories from the AZ Strip
2025-02-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
Stories from the AZ Strip – Milt Hokanson & Greg Woodall

The Geological History of Arches National Park and Surrounding Regions
2025-03-22 10:00 | Silver Reef Cosmopolitan, 903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
The Geological History of Arches National Park and Surrounding Regions – Marc Deshowitz
Cosmopolitan Event
Saturday, Mar 22, 2025
10 AM
The Geological History of Arches National Park and Surrounding Regions
Arches National Park (ANP) contains the highest concentration of natural arches on Earth, with over 2,000 spread across its stunning landscape. This abundance is due to unique geologic conditions that have shaped not only ANP but also the surrounding region. If you’ve ever wondered why so many arches are found in this area or why oil and gas are produced here, this presentation will provide answers by exploring the subsurface geology that contributed to these formations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the processes that created this incredible landscape. ANP’s beauty is so iconic that Delicate Arch proudly represents our state on one of our license plate options!
About The Presenter
Marc Deshowitz
Marc, originally from the Boston area, pursued graduate studies in Geology before beginning a nearly 30-year career with Shell Oil Company. After decades of visiting southern Utah, he and his wife, Chrystal, decided to leave the Gulf Coast region and settle in Ivins, Utah.
Both Marc and Chrystal worked with Road Scholar, leading educational expeditions across the Colorado Plateau and beyond. In addition to his time with Road Scholar, Marc spent years as a consultant and continues to pro- vide educational experiences for Road Scholar participants today.
Reservations suggested:
https://tinyurl.com/GeologicalHistoryofArches
or 435.879.2254
Donations appreciated!
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Mining-Then and Now
2025-05-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
SILVER REEF MUSEUM
Cosmopolitan Event Saturday, May 24, 2025
10 AM
Mining-Then and Now
Silver Reef was a bustling mining town in the 1870’s and 1880’s, with over 7.5 million ounces in silver bullion worth over 250 million dollars today mined from the sandstone ores extracted from over 400 mine openings in the area. Men and mules were the prime movers in its history. Come learn more about the means and the men involved at the Saturday, May 24 presentation at 10 a.m. at the Silver Reef Museum’s Cosmopolitan building.
Glen Zumwalt will describe the methods involved in silver mining in the 1800’s and Brian Somers, president of the Utah Mining Assn., will talk about present day mining in Utah.

About The Presenters
Glen Zumwalt is a retired mining engineer and executive who currently volunteers on the Silver Reef Museum board of directors. A resident of Leeds since 2010, he designed and directed the construction of the mock silver mine in the basement of the Wells Fargo building.
Brian Somers has been president of the Utah Mining assn. since 2019. He has over 20 years experience in various organization in strategic communications roles in the private sector as well
as servicing in Gov. Gary Herbert’s administration. The mining association advocates for and advances the mineral resource and related industries in Utah.
Reservations suggested:
https://tinyurl.com/MiningThenAndNow
Make Reservations
or 435.879.2254 Donations appreciated!

Dinosaurs & Fossils in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
2025-06-28 10:00 - 11:00 | UT
SILVER REEF MUSEUM
Cosmopolitan Event
Saturday, June 28, 2025 – 10 AM
Dinosaurs & Fossils in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Discover the fascinating prehistoric world preserved in the rocks of Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (RCNCA) and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (RCDR). Lead Paleontologist Andrew Milner will highlight over 100 fossil sites in the area, many showcasing rare dinosaur tracks and traces from 200 million years ago. Some of these unique fossil localities provide valuable information about dinosaur behaviors and other animals that live alongside them.
Andrew Milner is the lead Paleontologist & Curator, at St George Dinosaur Discovery
Andrew has studied fossils in Utah since 2001, publishing over 70 scientific papers. His work focuses on ancient trackways and early dinosaurs of the American Southwest. He’s conducted fieldwork across North America-from Utah and Quebec to British Columbia’s Burgess Shale and works closely with federal and state agencies to protect fossil sites. His recent discovery of a rare Early Jurassic bonebed in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is considered his most significant find to date.
Reservations suggested:
https://tinyurl.com/DinosaurTravels
or 435.879.2254 Donations appreciated!
Home

Funded by
Utah Legislature
Utah Division of
Arts & Museums
Silver Reef Museum
1903 Wells Fargo Rd
Leeds, UT 84746

Lost Boy Rescued Lecture - July 26, 2025
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
SILVER REEF MUSEUM
Cosmopolitan Event Saturday, July 26, 2025 – 10 AM
Lost Boy Rescued: A Miraculous Rescue in the Hidden Treasure Mine This September marks the 36th anniversary of ten-year-old Joshua Dennis’s dramatic rescue from Tooele County’s Hidden Treasure Mine. Join us at Silver Reef’s Cosmo as Josh and his rescuer, John Skinner, share their unforgettable journey-one of faith, courage, and life- changing lessons they’ve learned since.

About the presenters:
John Skinner is a historian dedicated to preserving the history of the Ophir Mining District and surrounding ghost towns in Tooele County, Utah. His expertise in old mining maps proved pivotal in 1989 when he helped rescue ten-year-old Josh Dennis after five days lost in the Hidden Treasure Mine. John and his wife, Chris, have two grown children and divide their time between Ophir and Ivins, Utah, while he continues to write and share the rich stories of the region’s past.
Josh Dennis, a devoted husband and father of four, lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Johana. A talented graphic designer for church magazines, Josh has also served in various leadership roles within his church community, where his efforts have made a lasting impact. His incredible story of survival as a young boy in the mine is a testament to
faith, courage, and miracles-one he now shares to inspire hope and resilience in others.
Reservations suggested:
https://tinyurl.com/LostBoyRescued
or 435.879.2254 Donations appreciated! http://silverreef.org
SILVER REEF
Silver Reef Museum 1903 Wells Fargo Rd Leeds, UT 84746
Funded by
Utah Legislature
Utah Division of
Arts & Museums

LIDAR - (Light Detection & Ranging) - Lecture
2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Silver Reef Museum, 1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT, 84746, United States
SILVER REEF MUSEUM
Cosmopolitan Event
Saturday, September 27, 2025
10:00 AM
About the presenter:
Tyler Knudsen is a Senior Geologist with the Utah Geological Survey’s Geologic Hazards Program in Cedar City. He holds a B.S. degree in geology from the University of Utah, a M.S. degree in geology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and joined the UGS in 2006. Tyler has authored or co-authored several studies and maps on the geologic hazards of the St. George basin, Zion National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Other contributions include: paleoseismic investigations on the active Sevier and Washington faults, ground subsidence and earth fissure mapping in southwestern Utah, and emergency response to damaging rockfalls in Rockville and Zion National Park. Recent projects include quaternary geologic mapping of the mineral mountains west and opal mound fault zones at the Utah FORGE site near Milford and comprehensive geologic-hazard mapping of the Bryce Canyon and Cedar City-Enoch areas.
