The road trip adventures continue with this ongoing series of programs about the people and places of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA). “Discovery Road” features a 1977 Mercury Cougar with a fancy red and white exterior and a plush red velvet interior!

Hosted by series creator James Nelson, this show travels along U.S. Highway 89, All-American Road State Route 12, and Scenic Byway State Route 24. As the sporty car drives along these roads, viewers will “discover” the things that make the MPNHA worth driving to themselves.

“The MPNHA wants to tell a story and Discovery Road is one of the best ways we can do that. It takes people on a heritage journey just like they used to do with Sunday afternoon car rides,” said MPNHA Executive Director Monte Bona.

Using music, storytellers and the characters in the communities along the way, Discovery Road presents Utah’s history, scenery and culture in an entertaining, unique and educational manner. Discovery Road is viewed on the MPNHA website, the Utah Education Network, community platform stations and on cable stations in many states.

The Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area (MPNHA) is a federally designated area of central and southern Utah running along the beautiful and historic U. S. Highway 89 — including the All-American Road Utah State Route 12, and Capitol Reef Scenic Byway Utah State Route 24, which both intersect with U.S. 89 and together form the MPNHA’s Boulder Loop.

The area includes the counties of Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield and Kane. The Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance is the local coordinating entity of the MPNHA and receives annual funding from the National Park Service. Its purpose is to preserve, tell and interpret the stories, history and heritage of the area, and to promote its culture and value.