6 Storybook Towns In Utah

When we think of a town having a “storybook” quality, we’ll most likely conjure up images of those classic medieval-era communities that still thrive across Europe. But in Utah, the concept of a storybook town takes on a quite different meaning. Here in the “Beehive State,” while some towns might feature an occasional fairytale-like structure, the real magic comes from the stunning scenery. From seemingly endless desert panoramas to stunning mountain backdrops, as well as that ubiquitous red soil, there’s a unique charm to these smaller Utah communities that evokes a bygone era when cowboys, prospectors, and pioneers roamed the West looking for a place to call home. Find out more with our list of six of the best storybook towns in Utah.

Springdale

Springdale’s magic is rooted in its location near the entrance of Zion National Park. Serving as the gateway to the park’s spectacular towering red rock cliffs, sightseers from across the United States descend on this town to explore nearly 230 square miles of scenic trails. Most adventures will start at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, where they can grab maps and check the park’s shuttle schedule. For an especially magical experience, sign-up for one of the park’s stargazing programs for a guided tour of the nighttime sky.

The town’s main street is a delight to explore. Surrounded by those rugged red rock walls that seem to change in color and tone as the day progresses, you’ll want to wander the pedestrian-friendly walkways as you explore this picture-perfect community. For an added dose of magic, time your visit to coincide with the Zion Canyon Music Festival, held in late September and a hive of musicians, performers, art vendors, and food stands. For a peek at the Old West, head to the nearby Grafton Ghost Town, where the remaining buildings will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.

Midway

Located in pretty Heber Valley just 50 minutes away from Salt Lake City, Midway certainly boasts a fairytale like quality thanks to its European-style architecture. To get a real taste of this pretty town’s Swiss roots, time a visit for the Labor Day weekend. If you do, you’ll get to participate in the town’s popular Swiss Days celebration with its live music, craft vendors, and traditional food demonstrations all centered around the downtown area. Visit any time of year and enjoy a Euro-style pastry at the Midway Swiss Days Cannery, and maybe even join a guided tour for a deeper-dive into the town’s Swiss influence.

Midway’s at its most magical, though, in the winter months when snow settles on the surrounding peaks, giving the Swiss-style architecture of hotels and other commercial buildings a truly storybook appeal. It’s also a great time to visit for the famous Midway Ice Castles, spectacular creations featuring hand-placed icicles with LED lighting that produce a truly magical setting. The town’s appeal is enhanced further by the surrounding countryside, with the Wasatch Mountain State Park offering hiking, camping, and golf. The nearby Homestead Crater, a geothermal hot spring inside a limestone dome, is another must-visit (and yes, you can swim in it).

Heber City

For those who remember classic kids' storybooks like The Polar Express or Thomas The Tank Engine, Heber City is a must-visit. It’s here you’ll find the Heber Valley Railroad, a year-round attraction that takes passengers on choo-choo rides on vintage coaches through the pretty countryside. And if that’s not magic enough, special themed excursions such as the Pumpkin Train in October and the North Pole Express at Christmastime provide a fun experience for young and old alike.

Downtown Heber is also quite special, particularly when summer concerts are being hosted in the town square. For a dose of cowboy culture, pay a visit in late October when the Heber Valley Western Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering celebrates the area’s ranching history through musical performances and poetry readings. For outdoor fun, head to nearby Deer Creek Reservoir for water sports such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, or enjoy a spot of fishing on the Provo River. When the snow flies, you can explore the snow-covered scenery while enjoying cross-country skiing.

Moab

Moab attracts a steady flow of travelers due to its location near the majestic Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Its central street features tour operators specializing in off-road trails, river rafting, and mountain bike adventures, their excursions an easy sell thanks to the town’s magical backdrop of tall rock formations and those endless blue Utah skies. If you own a Jeep (or want to rent one for the occasion), April’s Easter Jeep Safari features organized trail rides on the area’s famous slickrock and attracts off-road enthusiasts from around the globe.

Away from the main parks, destinations like the La Sal Mountain Loop Road offer spectacular views of forested peaks in one direction and desert plateaus in the other. Dead Horse Point State Park also provides a popular photo stop at its Colorado River overlook. Cultural events such as the Moab Music Festival, typically held from late August to early September, is another great time to visit for those who enjoy concerts in the great outdoors.

Kanab

Located in southern Utah and butting up against the state border with Arizona, Kanab is known for its proximity to major natural attractions including Bryce Canyon and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. But for anyone who has ever watched a Western movie or TV show, the real magic stems from its having been a favorite shooting locale for Hollywood film for decades. The surrounding sandstone formations proved an ideal backdrop for classic cowboy movies, a fact celebrated at the Little Hollywood Museum where parts of old film sets can be seen. Set in an old mansion that looks like it popped out of the pages of a classic fairytale, the Kanab Heritage House Museum features exhibits about the area’s architecture as well as its cultural heritage.

For a truly magical experience, February sees the Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup come to town. Around 40 hot air balloons participate, providing a colorful spectacle as they float up and over the rugged landscapes to the accompaniment of live music and a festival atmosphere. Other magic moments can be enjoyed at Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, both close by and offering guided trips throughout the year.

Cedar City

Home to Southern Utah University, Cedar City is a must-visit for those seeking a spot in Old-England. Visit from late June through October for a chance to participate in the Utah Shakespeare Festival, a celebration of the “Bard” that includes theater productions in venues on and off campus. Fascinating backstage tours and seminars are also available. The magnificently designed Southern Utah Museum of Art is also a big draw, and even if you don’t go in, its canyon-inspired exterior is certainly photo-worthy and wouldn’t be out of place in a sci-fi story.

Prefer an outdoor storybook setting? Head to Cedar Breaks National Monument, where Mother Nature has created a spectacular and magical natural amphitheater. Cedar City also holds a great July Fourth celebration, complete with a parade and fireworks, while the Cedar Livestock & Heritage Festival in October highlights the area’s ranching traditions with exhibits and events.

The Final Word

One of the most visited of America’s 50 states, beautiful Utah offers no end of great reasons for wanting to visit. This picture-perfect setting also serves as a magical backdrop to some of the West’s most interesting small towns, each boasting at least a handful of attractions that give them a fun storybook-like appeal. Whether you’re enjoying a cross-country road trip or find yourself passing by on your way to explore one or more of the prominent national parks located close by, be sure to pull over and get to know these six storybook towns in Utah.