2025's Most Underrated Towns In Utah
Utah is known for its stunning national parks and vibrant cities like Salt Lake City and Provo, but beyond these popular destinations lie countless small towns brimming with charm and character. Despite their rich history, picturesque landscapes, and inviting local culture, these towns often remain beneath the tourist radar. Whether the underrated status is due to their remote locations, proximity to better-known attractions, or simply a lack of awareness, the eight towns profiled here deserve a spot on your 2025 travel itinerary. From cultural festivals to scenic hikes, you will find plenty to discover in these hidden gems.
Spring City
Nestled in the heart of rural Sanpete County, Spring City is a beautifully preserved pioneer town that is often ignored due to its isolated location. However, the town boasts an amazing collection of historic stone homes, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Art lovers will enjoy the Spring City Arts Gallery, showcasing the works of local artists. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Horseshoe Mountain offers hiking and mountain biking trails with stunning views. Plan your visit around Spring City Heritage Day in May 2025, featuring historic home tours, craft demonstrations, and community celebrations.
Helper
Located in Carbon County, Helper was once a bustling coal mining hub, and its faded industrial past can obscure the reality of its modern resurgence as an artistic haven. The town has reinvented itself as a cultural hotspot, with galleries, studios, and public murals lining the historic Main Street. For a great history lesson, visit the Helper Museum (also known as the Western Mining and Railroad Museum) to learn about Helper's coal-mining heritage. Nature lovers can explore nearby Price Canyon Recreation Area for hiking and fishing. And try not to miss the Helper Arts Festival in August 2025, a vibrant celebration of local creativity and talent.
Kanab
While many travelers pass through Kanab on their way to famous national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon, too few of them stop to experience the town's own charms. Known as "Little Hollywood" for its history as a filming location for Westerns, Kanab boasts the Little Hollywood Museum and guided tours of movie sites. Enjoy a scenic hike through the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park for a unique desert landscape. In late summer 2025, you can attend the Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival, celebrating Kanab's cowboy culture with live music, rodeos, and storytelling.
Panguitch
Situated just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, the little town of Panguitch often goes unnoticed as tourists flock directly to the park. Yet the town itself is rich in history, with well-preserved 19th-century brick buildings that tell the story of its pioneer past. Stop by the Panguitch Historic District for a self-guided walking tour. For outdoor recreation, the nearby Panguitch Lake in Dixie National Forest offers fishing, boating, and camping. Time your visit so you can attend the annual Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally in June 2025, when colorful hot air balloons fill the sky over the scenic valley.
Moab
While Moab is best known as the gateway to a pair of national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, the town still does not receive its full due as a fantastic destination in its own right. Unbeknownst to many travelers, Moab has a thriving arts scene, with galleries and local craft shops. Visit the Moab Museum to explore exhibits on the region's geology and Indigenous history. For a thrilling outdoor experience, experienced mountain bikers can take on the renowned Slickrock Trail. In May 2025, the Moab Arts Festival brings together regional artists, live music, and artisan foods in a festive celebration of the town's creative spirit.
Cedar City
Tucked away in southern Utah, some travelers assume Cedar City is nothing but a stopover along Interstate 15 on the way to the bright lights and big city of Las Vegas. However, the town’s vibrant arts and cultural scene make it well worth a visit. Cedar City is home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival, held in 2025 from June into October, which draws theater lovers from across the country. History enthusiasts can explore the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum, which includes costumed re-enactors as well as hiking trails and picnic groves. For additional outdoor adventurers, Cedar Breaks National Monument provides stunning vistas and challenging hiking trails.
Monticello
Situated in the southeastern corner of Utah, Monticello is even more remote and more ignored by tourists than Moab, its “neighbor” located 50 miles to the north. However, this small town of under 2,000 residents offers unique attractions and a gateway to natural wonders. To gain insight into the area’s fascinating pioneer and Native American history, check out the Monticello Frontier Museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Abajo Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. In August 2025, experience the San Juan County Fair, featuring rodeos, livestock shows, and community celebrations.
Brigham City
Just an hour north of Salt Lake City, Brigham City—a town of under 25,000, despite its name—is often bypassed by travelers heading to the state’s larger urban areas. Yet this right-sized, conveniently located town offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and community spirit. Stop by the Brigham City Museum of Art & History to explore regional exhibits. Nature lovers definitely need to visit the nearby Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, home to hundreds of bird species. In September 2025, experience the annual Peach Days Festival, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage with parades, carnival rides, and delicious peach treats.
Plan Your Utah Adventure
To be sure, no trip to Utah is complete without visiting at least a few of its stunning national parks and vibrant cities. But the eight often-overlooked towns profiled here offer an authentic glimpse into Utah's diverse cultural and natural landscape. By venturing off the beaten path, you will uncover charming communities, fascinating history, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you are exploring pioneer architecture, attending vibrant festivals, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, these underrated Utah towns provide unforgettable experiences. Make 2025 the year you discover the hidden treasures of the Beehive State!
