“The Butterfly Biosphere is unlike any other experience in Utah,” stated
Mike L Washburn
, Thanksgiving Point President and CEO. “We are focused on bringing the very best museum experiences and attractions from around the world to Thanksgiving Point.
Who started Thanksgiving Point?
Thanksgiving Point was founded twenty-five years ago when
Alan Ashton
, former WordPerfect founder and CEO, purchased the Fox Family Farm for his wife Karen, with the intent to build a large garden as a way to give thanks to the community for the many blessings they had been given.
Who is the owner of Thanksgiving Point?
Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Alan C. Ashton
(born May 7, 1942) is the co-founder of WordPerfect Corporation and a former professor at Brigham Young University (BYU). Ashton worked for a time with Novell after the company bought WordPerfect, and subsequently founded Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah.
Is Thanksgiving Point owned by the LDS Church?
The property at Thanksgiving Point
was purchased by the Church
with a small portion donated by the Ashton family.
Who owns Ashton Gardens Utah?
It has been 20 years since
Alan and Karen Ashton
founded Thanksgiving Point and, partially to commemorate that event, Thanksgiving Point Institute directors renamed the 55-acre estate gardens as Ashton Gardens.
Who is Mike Washburn?
Mike is
the Director of Engagement for the community of practice and social learning platform Participate
. In his prior role as a Computer Science teacher, he created a custom-made curriculum, using elements of game design and game-based learning, to captivate and engage his students.
Why is Thanksgiving Point called that?
They considered the land a blessing that they were thankful for
, hence the name “Thanksgiving Point.” In gratitude, the Ashtons wanted to give back to the community by creating a family-friendly atmosphere where you can learn together, laugh together, and play together.
How much does Thanksgiving Point cost?
Normal admission ranges from
$7 to $20 per person
. Because of the pandemic, the following safety guidelines are in place at Thanksgiving Point: Limited tickets available. Guest capacity timed and limited to 1/3 normal occupancy.
How long has Thanksgiving Point been around?
Thanksgiving Point was
founded in 1995
by Karen Jackman Ashton and Alan C. Ashton. Alan Ashton co-founded software company WordPerfect with Bruce Bastian in Provo, Utah in 1979. In 1994, WordPerfect was sold to Utah-based Novell for nearly a billion dollars.
Who did the sculptures at Thanksgiving Point?
Created by
Utah artist Angela Johnson
, the garden includes a total of 15 scenes and 35 statues, with 14 scenes from the New Testament and one LDS Church-inspired scene depicting Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
When was Ashton Gardens built?
After over a year and a half of planning, brainstorming and building, Ashton Gardens opened its first location in
February 2005
with 80 events on the books and roughly 20 employees. “I remember being there for the first event and running around with a hammer making sure everything was set,” remembers Grey.
What is Luminaria Utah?
Luminaria is
a holiday light display that runs late November to early January in the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point
. This enchanting mile walk will transport you into a magical holiday world as you make your way through a magnificent display of vibrant color.
How much is a wedding at Ashton Gardens?
Venue notes
The rental fee ranges from
$2,100 to $5,700 for ceremony and reception
and includes 6 hours of event time excluding set up and clean up. The rental fee ranges from $800 to $2,200 for ceremony only. There is a food and beverage minimum applied to all events.
Is there anything free at Thanksgiving Point?
Regular Season Admission
Remember that
Thanksgiving Point members receive unlimited free admission!
Can you walk around Thanksgiving Point for free?
Guided Garden Walks
Included with
Ashton Garden admission
and FREE for Thanksgiving Point members. Advance ticket reservation required. Learn about Ashton Gardens, its history, and the plants within. Led by our garden docents, this walking tour takes about 1.5 hours and is included with regular venue admission.
Are dogs allowed at Thanksgiving Point?
Well behaved,
leashed dogs are welcome to visit the 50 acre gardens
. The gardens are open from 9am to 8pm and advanced tickets are required. While there are a couple dog water bowls, consider bringing a collapsible bowl with you to fill using one of the many human water fountains around the gardens.
