<== Site Review (2023-06-07) ==>

Top Attractions in Carbon County - According to AI

Pundits have labeled a new breed of comptuer program "Artificial Intelligence." These programs employ a language model that allows them to analyze and generate human readable text. The programs have access to a web crawl. So, you can ask the programs a question and receive a response based on queries to the web crawl. This creates the appearance of intelligence.

To test AI I decided to ask ChatGPT and Google Bard to list the top ten attractions of the different counties in Utah.

Some of the answers were reasonable. Some were not. For example, Google Bard thought that the Shakespeare Festival takes place in Washington County. You would think The Bard would know all about Shakespeare.

Top Attractions in Carbon County by ChatGPT

ChatGPT provided a reasonable list. The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry was renamed Jurassic National Monument in 2019. It is in Emery County.

1. Carbon County Historical Society Museum: Located in Price, this museum showcases the history and heritage of Carbon County through exhibits, artifacts, and photographs.
2. Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum: This museum in Price features a remarkable collection of dinosaur fossils, including a complete Allosaurus skeleton. Visitors can explore exhibits on ancient life and the geology of the region.
3. Helper Historic District: The town of Helper is known for its well-preserved historic district, featuring beautifully restored buildings from the early 20th century. It's a great place to stroll and soak up the atmosphere.
4. Nine Mile Canyon: Dubbed the "world's longest art gallery," Nine Mile Canyon is famous for its extensive collection of ancient rock art and petroglyphs. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the canyon's archaeological wonders.
5. Scofield State Park: Situated near the town of Scofield, this state park offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The picturesque Scofield Reservoir is a popular spot for water-based adventures.
6. Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry*: Located near the town of Cleveland, this dinosaur quarry is known for its dense concentration of Jurassic dinosaur bones. It's a fascinating site for paleontology enthusiasts.
7. The Western Mining & Railroad Museum: Housed in Helper, this museum delves into the mining and railroad history of the region. It showcases mining equipment, historical artifacts, and offers insights into the challenges faced by early miners.
8. Carbon County Fairgrounds: The fairgrounds in Price host various events and activities throughout the year, including the Carbon County Fair. It's a great place to experience local culture, entertainment, and community events.
9. Wellington Pioneer Museum: Situated in the town of Wellington, this museum provides a glimpse into the pioneer era through exhibits that highlight the early settlers' lives, agriculture, and local industries.
10. Price Canyon Recreation Area: Offering scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, Price Canyon is a popular spot for camping, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The canyon is particularly picturesque during the fall season.

Top Carbon County Attractions According to Google Bard

Google Bard put the Wedge Overlook and the Swell in Carbon County. The bulk of the Swell is in Emery County.

1. Prehistoric Museum, Utah State University Eastern. This museum houses a collection of dinosaur fossils and artifacts from the Jurassic period.
2. Western Mining & Railroad Museum. This museum tells the story of the coal mining and railroad industries in Carbon County.
3. Big John Statue. This statue is a tribute to Big John, a 100-ton steam shovel that was used in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
4. Eastern Utah Tourism and History Association. This association offers a variety of tours and activities, including dinosaur tours, ghost town tours, and train rides.
5. The Wedge. This natural rock formation is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.
6. Basso Dino Mine Park. This park offers visitors the opportunity to pan for fossils and minerals.
7. Carbon Country Club Golf Course. This golf course offers stunning views of the San Rafael Swell.
8. Price Chapel. This historic chapel was built in 1893 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
9. Helper Main Street. This historic Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
10. The San Rafael Swell. This vast geologic wonder is home to towering sandstone cliffs, canyons, and arches.

Conclusion

ChatGPT and Google Bard are interesting in that they provide insight into the way that the Internet sees the local community. I intentionally asked about county as county borders were set before the exploration of the state are are somewhat arbitrary. The two AIs provided interesting lists for the Price/Helper region of Utah.