Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point was conceived as a gesture of thanksgiving for the wonders and beauties of nature by local business leaders and philanthropists, Alan and Karen Ashton. The Ashtons purchased a 350 acre farm on the Jordan River in 1995 with the idea of creating a garden and small farm, celebrating the sights, sounds smells and tastes of the world in which we live. From this humble beginning, the idea grew to a national attraction welcoming over a million visitors a year to its expansive botanical display gardens, Johnny Miller signature golf course, Museum of Ancient Life, event center, nursery, greenhouse, tree farm, petting zoo, boutique shops and a farmers market.

MGB+A was critical in shaping the Thanksgiving Point concept into its current evolution. Leonard Grassli, MGB+A’s founder, worked closely with the owners to analyze the site’s potential and brainstorm countless different uses, garden themes, and master plan layouts before establishing the current design. The gem of the project is an 80-acre display garden, featuring a 125’ tall waterfall, lakes and streams, fifteen themed gardens, 4,000 seat amphitheater, and chapel. These gardens were designed by MGB+A from conception to construction to meticulous standards and holding true to the Ashton’s vision.