Published March 24, 2026
Visit the Museum of Utah, opening June 27 on the Utah Capitol Complex.
If you grew up in Utah, you might have heard the legendary rumor of two whales living in the Great Salt Lake. As the story goes, an English entrepreneur named James Wickham brought the whales to Utah in the 1870s and released them into the lake, where they thrived on brine shrimp and even gave birth to calves—or so the Utah Enquirer reported. The truth? It was an elaborate hoax designed to drum up readership!
In reality, whales could never survive in the Great Salt Lake because it’s far too salty—three to eight times saltier than the ocean, in fact. Plus, transporting full-grown, live whales across land and sea via an 1870s train is logistically impossible. Still, it’s fun to dream! And today, Utah does finally have a beloved whale of its own at the 9th and 9th roundabout in Salt Lake City.
While the Great Salt Lake whales are just a myth, one thing is for sure: the Museum of Utah opens June 27, 2026. Discover the real stories behind Utah’s history at our state’s first dedicated history museum this summer.
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Cover photo: Utah Historical Society, George M. Ottinger Photograph Collection.
Whale photo: Courtesy of Deseret News.
This summer, as the nation reflects on 250 years of American history, Utahns are unwrapping a gift of their own. On Saturday, June 27, the Museum of Utah officially opens its doors. Join us on the Utah Capitol Complex from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a full day of celebration, including live music, food trucks, activities, and more. Be among the first to explore our galleries and immerse yourself in the stories that shape our state. Learn more.
