The Natural History Museum of Utah’s Third Annual Explorer Corps Concluded with Two Sweepstakes Winners – Both Utahns!

SALT LAKE CITY – October 24, 2023 – The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) has announced two winners of its Ultimate Utah Road Trip Sweepstakes; each will receive a free weeklong rental of a state-of-the-art Winnebago from Kellville Vans to redeem during summer 2024. The sweepstakes increased awareness and incentivized participation in year three of Explorer Corps, NHMU’s adventure program highlighting lesser-known Utah natural and cultural history gems that make the state the amazing destination it is.

“I was so surprised and excited to receive the email that I had won the Ultimate Utah Road Trip Sweepstakes,” said Mark Coulson of Pleasant Grove, Utah. “We usually go on a Utah road trip for my birthday in June, so the opportunity to take that trip in a nice vehicle will be a real treat.”

Designed to celebrate Utah’s diverse natural history throughout the state, Explorer Corps offers drive-by sightseeing, easy park-and-walk overlooks, a bit of off-roading and hiking, and some idyllic summer recreation spots to enjoy. Most markers will likely take explorers to places they’ve never been before, creating lasting memories and many chances to learn something new along the way.

"I am thrilled to have won the Ultimate Utah Road Trip Sweepstakes!” said Lydia Keenan of Salt Lake City. “My husband and I love to explore our wonderful state of Utah and support all the great work that NHMU does – so it is the best of both worlds!"

Explorer Corps by the numbers

From May 30 to September 4, 2023:

·       1,976 entered the Ultimate Utah Road Trip Sweepstakes

·       More than 955 people entered our 18 weekly social media giveaways.

·       382 users created an account in our updated Explorer Corps app, with users from 10 different states.

·       We know of at least 3 more participants who’ve made it to all 29 county markers!

“Explorer Corps really hit its stride in the summer of 2023, the program’s third big season,” said Jason Cryan, executive director of the Natural History Museum of Utah. “The new NHMU Explorer Corps app was quite well received, and we were thrilled to ship rewards to our summer explorers. But I’m particularly happy for Mark and Lydia, who will be on the road for a week next summer in their Kellville vans. We can’t wait to see photos from their Explorer Corps adventures.”

“This year, Kellville is pleased to offer Ultimate Utah Road Trip Sweepstakes winners their choice of our five RV rentals to provide an even more customized experience,” said Teisa Linscott of Kellville Vans. “We are proud to partner with the Natural History Museum of Utah to encourage road trips across Utah.”

While the Ultimate Utah Road Trip concluded just after Labor Day weekend, each county’s marker remains in place indefinitely and the museum is encouraging adventurers to continue to explore places they’ve never been before and learn more fun facts about the state.

Special thanks to the Union Pacific for their support of Explorer Corps 2023, as well as Kellville Vans, Klymit, Solomon, and Albion for their generous in-kind contributions.

For more information on the program and to find out how to get involved, visit nhmu.utah.edu/explorer-corps.

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About the Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million specimens and objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.