CEDAR CITY — This Father’s Day, give the gift that every dad is sure to enjoy: meaningful time spent together experiencing adventure, culture, history and recreation.
Southern Utah University’s community programs offer expert-led adventures and classes that cover a variety of interests and hobbies, and while not exclusively limited to fathers, they do offer a great opportunity to give dad something more than a tie or a new power tool.
“The classes and experiences we’ve created make it easier than ever to spend quality time with those you love while learning something new,” said Susie Knudsen, assistant director of SUU Community Education, in a news release from SUU.
On the morning of Father’s Day, enjoy Sunday brunch together as you hear the incredible story of Old Iron Town and its significance in Southern Utah’s historic mining industry. This is the first in a series offering presentations and conversation with SUU and regional history experts over brunch. The series runs for five consecutive weeks at Iron Springs Adventure Resort, and dads who love learning about local history can attend just one brunch or the full series.
“We’re excited to kick off this Sunday morning brunch series on Father’s Day,” said Brian Nichols, owner and operator of Iron Springs Adventure Resort. “What a fun way to enjoy the day with your dad or grandpa with great food and interesting conversation.”
Presented by SUU Community Education, Summer Experience is also offering two driving tours.
The two-day Migrant Trail Driving Tour & Dinner makes stops along the Old Spanish Trail with a local historian and includes dinner at Iron Springs Adventure Resort. Experience the history of the American West during the “Petroglyph Crawl” to visit local rock art sites before heading to Bowman’s Cowboy Kitchen for a cowboy dinner and wagon ride.
If geology and hiking are on your dad’s list of hobbies, give the experience of backpacking down Ashdown Gorge with an expert geologist. This overnight experience takes you through high tundra-like meadows, aspen forests, sculpted narrows and waterfalls. Or spend a morning hiking on trails around the unique Three Peaks range west of Cedar City.
Learn about the geologic events that formed the granite domes and iron-rich ore bodies of the Iron Springs mining district.
If he might enjoy learning a new sport with kids or grandkids, SUU Community Education’s badminton class teaches the art of serving, returning and shuttling over the net, and game strategy. Or learn the basic skills of paddleboarding during a one-day course that includes standing, balancing, falling off and getting back on your board. This one is great for any dad who loves the water.
There are two art classes perfect for an artsy dad. Explore pastel painting during a plein air art experience in New Harmony. With a view of the “Five Fingers of Kolob,” learn new composition techniques and enjoy a picnic dinner with a guest speaker. Or express your creative side with a one-day acrylic pouring class.
If traveling internationally is on his bucket list, give the gift of travel with SUU’s community travel program. SUU Community on the Go will be taking art and theater lovers on an unforgettable holiday trip in December.
Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before with “Christmas in London.” This community trip is led by SUU faculty experts who have traveled to London and know all the historic landmarks, museums, galleries, theaters and hidden treasures.
To register for classes click here or call SUU Community Education at 435-865-8259. For those who need assistance enrolling in a class, drop by their office at 136 W. University Blvd., Suite 003, Cedar City, Utah.
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