6 Most Memorable Small Towns in Utah
Utah has one of the most unique natural landscapes of America's beautiful states. Mountain ranges, shining blue lakes, and tracts of brilliant red rock monuments stretch across the region, granting travelers an endless cavalcade of sights and fascinations. Dotting this landscape are some of the most memorable small towns in the world, with these being among the very best.
Fillmore
Fillmore is a town with deep connections to the history of the state of Utah. It was the first territorial capital of the region, even before Utah was a state. A grand statehouse to house the government in Fillmore was planned but not completed before the capital was moved to Salt Lake City, leaving only the first wing. This remains the oldest government building in the state and is open today as a must-visit museum.
The nearby Chalk Creek Canyon is another spot to experience the area's history, with old walking trails, caves, and, most interestingly, a series of hieroglyphics. The Blue Star and Wildlife Parks are great ways to experience the nature that engulfs the region around Fillmore.
Green River
Green River is a town in the red rocks of Eastern Utah. Sitting on the banks of the artery it shares its name with. The town is a perfect spot to experience all the region offers. The river offers many opportunities for rafting and swimming, including the spectacular sights of the Desolation and Gray canyons.
Visitors should not miss the John Wesley Powell Museum, where the boats used by the earliest explorers to the area can be seen, amongst other artifacts. Green River also stands out as a center of melon farming, existing in a perfect climate for a wide variety of fruits. The annual Melon Days Festival in September is the ideal time to experience the town and taste the sweet fruit at its height.
Kamas
Kamas is a small town in northern Utah known as "the Gateway to the Uinta Mountains." Located on Beaver Creek, the Uintas and the Wasatch Mountains surround the town, lending a particularly strong sense of rugged beauty. The small town is known for its quiet, safe atmosphere and local spots such as the Mirror Lake Diner, the Notch Pub, and the Samak Smoke House, which are ideal ways to experience the welcoming community.
What sets Kamas apart, however, is the magnitude of the natural beauty that engulfs it. The sublimity of the mountains and rivers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a hike or drive through the country should be at the top of everyone's to-do list.
Park City
Another of Utah's gorgeous mountain towns is Park City. The town perfectly intersects culture, history, excitement, and natural beauty. Historically a silver mining town, Park City is probably best known today for its dual role as a winter sports destination and locale for the renowned Sundance Film Festival. Over 400 downhill ski trails cover the surrounding peaks and countless opportunities for cross-country skiing and year-round hiking.
Historic Main Street is famous for its Victorian architecture and the plethora of dining and shopping experiences. January brings about Sundance, Robert Redford's world-famous film festival. However, there is something for filmmakers and film fans to enjoy at the Egyptian Theater, which serves as the epicenter of the festival.
Vernal
Out in Northeastern Utah is an entirely different kind of history. The town of Vernal is the perfect spot to experience the region known as "Dinosaurland." There are many ways to explore the Jurassic heritage of the area within the town, including, but not limited to, the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum and the nearby Dinosaur National Monument Quarry. There are opportunities for authentic, up-close interactions with dinosaur fossils and remains. The unique landscape surrounding Vernal is also beautiful, perhaps best exemplified in the McCoy Flats, a desert highland explorable by foot or bike. The Moonshine Arch and Steinaker State Park, located just north of town, are two more excellent ways to lose yourself in the area's nature.
Garden City
Sitting on the shores of Bear Lake, referred to by locals as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its bright aqua-blue water, Garden City is not the type of paradise you would expect out of Utah. A regional favorite, the town is an idyllic destination for those looking to fish, swim, or lounge on the beach in the summer. The Bear Lake State Park offers gorgeous lake access, and the nearby Limber Pine Nature Trail grants visitors stunning, verdant views of the surrounding forests. The winter months bring opportunities for skiing at the nearby Beaver Mountain Resort and the chance to ice fish on the lake.
The towns of Utah showcase a rich diversity of landscape and culture. From the histories that define Fillmore and Vernal to the ski slopes of Park City and the lakeside tranquility of Garden City, the state has experiences for every taste. As visitors navigate their way through this variety, they will quickly learn what makes these small towns so memorable.
