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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Little did the Jensen Family know when they settled in the Cache Valley in 1917, that almost 100 years later their farm would be the center of a remarkable living history experience called the American West Heritage Center, located in Wellsville, Utah. The original family farm is mainly intact, including working tractors that are around 100 years old. In such mint working condition, they're worth a small fortune.
Mic Bowen, director of operations, says with the generosity of Utah State University and many other donors, this western working farm on hundreds of acres has untouched vistas that would easily take you back 150 years. Do yourself a favor and plan a summer outing to the beautiful Cache Valley so you can meet the wonderful staff and remarkable farm animals that will warm your heart at the American West Heritage Center.
You can meet characters like Jack the donkey, who is about 30 years old and loves children. And their wonderful pony, who is highly socialized and loves visitors. On this historical preserve they also have goats and pygmy goats (which they affectionately call "minis"), dairy cows and their calves, lambs and chickens. You'll see their working garden, not to mention the historic reserve of the Jensen Farm, including a replica of an original dugout and outdoor summer kitchen.
The American West Heritage Center hosts school groups throughout the year, and in the summer, they have camps for all ages of kids that vary in length from one to four days. Not to mention there are historic daily adventures from June through August so you can step into the past. The American West Heritage Center is also a popular corporate retreat with companies that book here every year.
Mic says as a non-profit organization with just 7 full-time employees, this treasure wouldn't be possible without the support of around 30,000 volunteer hours every year. USU alone brought in around 1,000 volunteers last fall. Under Mic's leadership and dedication, the American West Heritage Center has grown 40 percent in the last 5 years.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
American West Heritage Center 4025 S. Hwy 89/91 Wellsville, Utah 83449 435-245-6050 www.awhc.org
