8 Small Towns in Utah With Big Charm
On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young and his fellow Mormon travelers completed their journey. They were looking to settle outside the American territories. At that time, Utah had been under the control of Mexico. In 1848, the Treaty of Hidalgo marked the end of the Mexican-American War. This treaty ceded Utah and other areas in the region to the Americans. By January 4, 1896, Utah joined the American Union as its 45th state.
The town celebrates the anniversary of the Mormon settlers arriving in the region with the July 24th Pioneer Day festivities. Today, the event is a statewide celebration. Many communities add their own unique taste. For example, Salt Lake City commemorates the event with the Days of '47 Parade.
Today, Utah is considered a dry climate, with one of the lowest humidity rates in the country. On average, the state has over 220 sunny days per year. The state is also home to five national parks, each providing its own unique appeal.
With this in mind, there are plenty of adventures to be had in Utah. There are regions of natural wonder like the Red Canyon, just outside of Panguitch. The town of Park City is also home to the Sundance Film Festival, one of the Premiere cinematic events in America. The following eight towns in Utah provide a charming experience for all who yearn to make the trip.
Panguitch
Although settlers first arrived in the town of Panguitch in 1864, they eventually briefly fled the region due to the Black Hawk War. In 1871, Brigham Young proclaimed it was time to resettle the region. By 1899, the incorporation of Panguitch as a city occurred.
Southeast of Panguitch takes visitors to the Red Canyon. It is a region defined by its large geological formations, making it a perfect setting for photographs. Scenic Byway 12 is where visitors can spot the canyon, a roadway known for its scenery. There are many trails within the region, providing opportunities for exploration. Southwest of town lies Panguitch Lake. The lake is one of the best trout fishing locations in the state of Utah.
The Quilt Walk Memorial is another important landmark in Panguitch that commemorates the heroic journey of early Panguitch residents. Seven men faced harsh conditions, venturing over mountain regions on a journey for needed supplies. As the men stopped to pray, they realized the quilts they knelt on protected them from falling into the snow. Today, a memorial stands at Quilt Walk Park, commemorating the seven men who made the trek. The Quilt Walk Festival is an annual celebration of the 1863 journey. Each year, residents celebrate with parades, a chocolate fest, and tours of historic homes. The festivities take place the second week of June.
Kanab
The town of Kanab is a town that was isolated for many years due to its geography, after Mormon settlers moved into the region in 1870. However, today, its natural scenery has helped make Kanab a scenic tourist locale.
For those interested in visiting Kanab during a truly lively time of year, the Balloons and Tunes Festival is an annual event held in town. Each year, around 40 Hot Air Balloons launch over the Coral Cliffs Golf Course. Over the multiple-day period, launches occur, starting at 7:30 AM, followed by a Vendor Fair and live entertainment. The 2024 festivities take place February 16th to 18th.
This Balloon Festival is not the only mark of entertainment in Kanab. As the Hollywood industry was growing, there was a need for the perfect Western setting. The geographical features of Kanab eventually caught the eye of Hollywood. Over time, the region would earn the title of "Little Hollywood." Over 100 films have been shot in Little Hollywood since 1920, from Stagecoach to El Dorado.
To view some of Kanab's history, check out the Kanab Heritage House, which is the restored home of the first local pioneers. In 1894, Henry Bowman and his new wife Mary moved into their completed home. It's considered one of the first modern homes in the region. In 1975, long-time resident George Aiken convinced the citizens to restore the monument. Today, visitors can plan a visit to the property by booking a guided or private tour.
Midway
The town of Midway is around three miles west of Herber City and was incorporated as a city on June 1, 1891. Midway grew over the years and established its own identity as a city. With that said, it still honors its past and the influence of the early Swiss pioneers at the annual Swiss Days celebration.
During the annual Swiss Days celebration attendees visit the town square for the event, where they take in the festivities, from shopping to the anticipated parade on Saturday. The event takes place on the Friday and Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
Another unique feature in Midway is The Homestead Crater of the Homestead Resort in Utah. It is a geothermal pool located deep within a 55-foot-tall limestone cave. The water is warm and maintained at 90-96 degrees. Over time, it has become popular for tourist activities. Available amenities include scuba diving and a paddleboard yoga class.
Anyone interested in history will love visiting Huber Grove, which is a historic site 3.2 miles northwest of downtown Midway. The building was home to Swiss immigrant Johannes Huber and his family. Wasatch Mountain State Park would eventually buy the property and commit to preserving it.
Memorial Hill is another historic sight in town that commemorates Wasatch County residents who served in the United States Military. The memorial features flags as well as a monument with all the veteran's names.
Brigham City
Brigham City is in Box Elder County and was first settled in 1851. It was then incorporated as a city in 1867. Over the 1950s, the community grew in size due to the construction of the Thiokol Chemical Corporation.
Every year, over 50,000 visitors attend the annual Brigham City Peach Day Festivities. The event first occurred in 1904 and is one of the oldest continuous harvest festivals in the state. Visitors can shop at over 200 vendors at the event. In 2024, the event will be taking place from September 4th to 7th.
Brigham is not just great because of its festivities; it is also the location of an incredible bird refuge. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge covers 74,000 acres of land. Visitors can tour the twelve-mile area in their automobiles. The drive offers many spots for visitors to take photographs of the wildlife.
In Brigham City, the local temple is a shining architectural development. The dedication of the temple occurred in 2012. Visitors today can still see the statue of the Angel Moroni on the top of the building. The temple was the fourteenth temple built in Utah and the first one built in Box County.
Brigham also offers a great educational experience for visitors at The Box Elder Museum of Natural History, which is home to a wide variety of natural wonders. Inside the Museum, there are exhibits dedicated to the region's fossils.
Lehi
Lehi is a town filled with an extensive history, which makes sense as it was incorporated in February of 1852. It is named after the prophet Lehi in the Book of Mormon. Today, Lehi is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country, having more than doubled in size since 2006.
Early settlers each did their part in the construction of the Lehi Fort Wall, which was a wall built to protect citizens. Today, a monument has been erected to commemorate the legacy.
Another historic element found in Lehi is The Thomas Cutler Mansion, which began construction in 1900. It was once the home of prominent businessman Thomas R. Cutler. The building became listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life is yet another opportunity to learn about history as it takes visitors back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. Inside the building are 60 displays of dinosaur skeletons, as well as hands-on activities. The Museum houses a 150 million-year-old Barosaurus as well.
After looking at the creatures of the past, visit the Butterfly Biosphere, which is home to over a thousand live butterflies. The adjoining insectarium also houses many creatures, like a 120,000-ant colony of female leafcutters. The climate-controlled environment is a unique experience for visitors while exploring the premises.
Vernal
Settlers first arrived in the town of Vernal in 1861 when President Lincoln declared the area a Uintah Indian reservation. In 1897, the community was incorporated as a city. Today, the community attracts many tourists because of its location. This is in part due to its proximity to many dinosaur fossils discovered in the area.
To start, a fascinating collection of ancient petroglyphs is located at the McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs, which is northwest of Vernal. There are several trails where visitors can observe the ancient inscriptions as they travel.
Vernal is also local to Uintah County Western Park. It is an event complex with a convention center and two indoor and two outdoor arenas. The Park is home to the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, one of the best of its kind. Other events, such as the Uintah County Fair, take place within the Park as well.
Finally, The Fantasy Canyon is a unique geological structure that shows the wonder of nature. Visitors can access a 0.6-mile rock trail with signs to educate them about the area.
Green River
The town of Green River lies in Emery County and features the Green River, a lengthy river of the same name. It was once a stomping ground for outlaw Butch Cassidy. He made ventures across the Utah-Wyoming Border into Green River. Today, the town is home to decades of local history and is situated about an hour away from Canyonlands State Park.
The John Wesley Powell Museum is an homage to the region and the days of early Western exploration. In 1988, the community set out with the desire to build this structure of cultural significance. One exhibit highlights the travels of Major John Wesley Powell, who is the namesake of the museum.
Visitors can plan for a day outside as well if they are interested in hitting the links at the local 9-hole golf course at Green River State Park. The park is also a great place for canoeing and kayaking.
Another great outdoor destination is Swasey's Beach, which is located just north of Green River. It's a great time for families as they get to spend time in the shallow water. Upstream, there are rapids, which provide a challenge for those who would like to kayak.
Park City
Park City is located in Summit County and was originally incorporated in 1884. On June 19, 1898, tragedy struck the community with a devastating fire. This tragedy ultimately brought the community together, and by the 1920s, the rebuild had been completed. Over time, Park City developed as a recreational paradise. Several events were even scheduled in Park City for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
Olympic Park in Park City served as one of the locations during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. This park is still active today, and people can test their athletic prowess in fields from Bobsled to extreme tubing. The history of the 2002 Olympics is shown through the Eccles 2002 Winter Olympics Museum. The Park is also a designated United States Olympic Training site, with six ski jumps.
At 7,300 acres, Park City Moutain Resort is the largest ski resort in the United States and offers another great opportunity for winter activities. The region has over 346 ski trails and over 40 lifts. Afterward, choose from any number of great restaurants for a memorable dining experience.
Anyone who's interested in a different kind of park can visit the Park Silly Sunday Market, which is an open-air artist market and street festival. It has 17 years of history within the local community. Visitors can take in live performances and shop at one of many local small businesses.
Finally, perhaps the most renowned annual event in Park City is The Sundance Film Festival. The festival aims to showcase original stories and gain fresh perspectives. Many films that premiered at the Sundance Festival have received critical acclaim. The list includes Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and the 2004 classic film Napoleon Dynamite.
Many adventures await you in Utah. The list includes the Quilt Walk Memorial in Panguitch and the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. The state's annual events, like the Balloons and Tunes Festival in Kanab, add a colorful and vibrant dimension to its already beautiful landscapes and historical towns. Whether you're drawn by the call of adventure, the allure of film, or the charm of local celebrations, Utah promises an unforgettable journey through its scenic wonders and cultural treasures.
