7 of the Most Hospitable Small Towns in Utah
With its stunning desert and mountain scenery, it’s little wonder that Utah attracts close to 20 million tourists every year. The other big draws for visitors to the “Beehive State” are its rich culture and the wonderfully warm people who live here.
And forget Salt Lake City (as nice as it is). To really get to know this Western United States destination, plan on visiting at least a few of the wonderful small towns that serve as gateways to some of the best things to do in Utah. From the historical heritage of Brigham City to the state’s adventure capital of Moab, these seven most hospitable small towns in Utah encapsulate the very best that the state has to offer… including an especially warm welcome.
Bicknell
Despite its tiny size – it’s home to only around 300 souls – Bicknell is a must-visit for adventurous types considering a Utah getaway. In addition to its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park, this small town serves as an ideal base for adventurers and nature lovers alike to access the stunning red rock landscapes, canyons, and unique geological formations that the park is known for, as well as endless hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities.
Visitors will also be welcomed by superb views of the Waterpocket Fold, a striking geologic monocline extending nearly 100 miles, as well as the historic Fruita District. In town highlights include the historic Bicknell Theater, built in 1947 and featuring movies, live performances, and cultural events.
Brigham City
Brigham City’s pretty setting in the foothills of the Wellsville Mountains, part of the Wasatch Range, makes it a must-visit. And it’s not only the human visitors that are warmly received here. Thanks to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a sprawling 79,000-acre property on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, millions of birds representing many hundreds of species can safely stop and rest here during their migration. No surprise, too, that the refuge is a popular spot for bird watchers, nature photographers, and conservationists.
Brigham City also celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Peach Days festival, a tradition that draws more than 50,000 visitors each September. This lively event features a parade, car show, concerts, and, of course, the opportunity to taste and purchase some of the best peaches in the country.
Huntsville
One of 20 communities in the USA to bear the name, Utah’s very own Huntsville is one of the more interesting. Located in the Ogden Valley just a 45-minute drive north of Salt Lake City, the town was established in 1860 and makes for a great day trip from the state capital. Among the top attractions in Huntsville is the Pineview Reservoir, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports during the summer months.
Come winter, the attention shifts to Snowbasin Resort, one of the oldest continuously operating ski resorts in the United States. In addition to its well-groomed slopes, high-speed lifts, and luxurious lodge accommodations, Snowbasin famously hosted the downhill and super-G events during the 2002 Winter Olympics. In-town highlights include Huntsville Square, home to the pioneer-era Huntsville LDS Ward Chapel.
Midway
Midway is a pretty 45-mile drive east of Salt Lake City. Settled by immigrants from Switzerland, this European connection is celebrated each summer with the annual Swiss Days Festival, a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend full of crafts, food, and entertainment. Other big draws include the Homestead Crater, a geothermal spring hidden within a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock. This unique natural wonder can be enjoyed with a swim, snorkeling, or scuba diving in its warm, mineral-rich waters.
The town's proximity to Wasatch Mountain State Park is another plus. Popular for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the summer, come winter the area transforms into a snowy wonderland that’s handily close to Park City's world-class ski resorts.
Moab
There likely isn’t an outdoor enthusiast in the USA who hasn’t heard of Moab, an adventure hub that attracts outdoor types from around the world with its stunning landscapes and unique red-rock geological formations. The star attraction here is Arches National Park with its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the incredible Delicate Arch. Other features include its hundreds of soaring pinnacles, giant fins, and balanced rocks, all of which can be explored through a network of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Canyonlands National Park, divided into four districts by the Colorado River and its tributaries, is another must-visit. Here, the landscape consists of deep canyons, towering mesas, and buttes carved by the river over millions of years. The Island in the Sky district offers breathtaking panoramic views from high above the surrounding terrain, while the Needles district presents a more up-close experience with its colorful sandstone spires and extensive trail system.
Panguitch
Situated in southern Utah, Panguitch is a picturesque town named after the Paiute word for “big fish” in recognition of the abundant fish populations in nearby lakes and streams. In addition to being a big draw for anglers, Panguitch is an ideal base from which to explore some of Utah’s most scenic landscapes, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
This welcoming town is itself steeped in pioneer history, with its charming Main Street lined with colorful, well-preserved buildings dating from the late 19th century, many of them listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Those visiting during the annual Quilt Walk Festival receive an especially warm welcome as they help celebrate the town's founding pioneers who survived a harsh winter by laying quilts over the snow to cross mountainous terrain for food supplies.
Spring City
Our last stop is Spring City. Located in the center of Utah, this historic town boasts many fine examples of well-preserved 19th-century architecture in its National Historic District, many of them original Mormon pioneer homes and buildings constructed from local limestone. A walking tour of Spring City is a great way to see some of the best examples, as well as other landmarks including the Spring City Old School built in 1899, the LDS Chapel (1902), and the Spring City Hall (1852).
Art and culture flourish in Spring City, too, with numerous artists and crafts folk calling it home. The town celebrates this cultural heritage at the annual Spring City Arts Studio Tour which showcases the work of local artists in various mediums.
The Final Word
This journey through Utah's small towns reveals no end of great excuses to wander off the beaten trail to really experience the state’s hospitality and warmheartedness. From Bicknell's proximity to the rugged landscapes of Capitol Reef to the historical streets of Spring City, each of these charming towns offers a unique insight into the state’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination. Reading through this list of seven of the most hospitable small towns in Utah will inspire visitors to broaden their travel horizons.
