The Heber Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Utah, and apparently, it's got a lot more going for it than just its incredible scenery. Recently, Home Beautiful named the 25 happiest small towns in America, and Heber was named #14!
The town of Heber was established in 1859; now it's home to about 12,000 residents.
School pride runs strong in Utah. Even if it has been years since you went to college, you likely still hold a special place in your heart for your alma mater. You may even go back and visit occasionally (like I do!). And while visiting your old college campus will flood you with memories, it is just the beginning of the fabulous places to visit and explore. Many Utah college towns are the perfect destination for exploration and adventure and the following five are ideal for your next weekend away.
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Editor’s Note: Please don’t think we have forgotten about the many colleges and universities along the Wasatch Front. We love these schools. We simply want you to explore some of the other charming destinations in Utah for a weekend getaway.
1.
Logan, Utah
Northern Utah (Logan canyon, Cache valley, Cache national forest, Wasatch front)
I may be a little biased but no list of the best college towns in Utah is complete without naming Logan (it is my alma mater after all). While Utah State University is a beautiful campus that sits at the mouth of Logan Canyon and features fantastic areas like the Quad and Old Main, it’s easy to spend a weekend exploring Cache Valley. If you only have a day or two, I suggest activities such as walking historic downtown, watching a performance at the Ellen Eccles Theater (which was built in 1923), and exploring Zootah, a charming small zoo. You’ll also want to spend some time in Logan Canyon (particularly in the autumn when the fall foliage is at its peak) and grab a frozen treat at Aggie Ice Cream.
2. Ephraim, Snow College
Not only is Ephraim absolutely beautiful but it is a small town that is packed with history. This town dates back to the 1850s and is nicknamed “Little Denmark” because of the diversity of people who live there. In addition to the historic buildings throughout the town, visit the Great Basin Station, a historical landmark in a renovated U.S. Forest Service research facility. I also recommend taking a scenic drive down Ephraim Canyon Road, going on a hike, and grabbing some dinner at one of the locally owned restaurants in town.
3. Price, Utah State University Eastern
An aerial view to Price, Utah in a sunny autumn day
Price is one Utah college town that is often overlooked, particularly for weekend adventures. While there are activities at Utah State University Eastern you can attend, this town is also home to the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. If you want to spend plenty of time outdoors, this is a delightful place to be as this town is near Goblin Valley State Park, the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Nine Mile Canyon, and the San Rafael Swell.
4. Cedar City, Southern Utah University
If you wish to venture down south, there’s nothing quite like a weekend adventure in Cedar City. This town is home to Southern Utah University (SUU) and there are always activities and events for you to enjoy throughout the year. If you wish to spend some time in town, learn at the Frontier Homestead State Park or admire masterpieces at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. I love to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument and hike the beautiful Red Hollow Trail. This college town is also near both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park if you want even more adventure.
5. St. George, Utah Tech University
St. George is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Utah, United States. Located in southwestern Utah on the Arizona border
Yes, I know that St. George is a city rather than a town but it deserved to be on this list as it makes for one incredible weekend getaway. In fact, here there is so much to see and do that you will barely scratch the surface of activities offered in a weekend. If the weather cooperates, I recommend exploring Red Hills Desert Garden, Pioneer Park, and Snow Canyon State Park. You can also go hiking at Red Cliffs Recreation Area and play in the water at Sand Hollow State Park. Spend some time shopping at Town Square or watch a performance at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. If you become hungry, make sure you visit Croshaw’s Gourmet Pie Shop.
What is your favorite college town in Utah? Did you attend any of the colleges or universities on our list? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.
Many of Utah's small towns are full of historical significance. Many of these historic towns in Utah were settled by early Mormon pioneers, and many have interesting histories of mining or farming. Spring City in Utah is a historic small town that every Utahn should visit at least once.
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The little town of Spring City is located in central Utah, near Ephraim.
James Allred and several of his family members founded the town. Later, immigrants from Denmark moved to Spring City and the town was nicknamed "Little Denmark." Today, the town is home to just under 1,000 people and 50 of the buildings here are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many of the historic buildings here are private homes, such as the Behunin-Beck House.
The original part of this house was built in 1875, with an addition added in 1892. Judge Johnson had two wives and served as both a circuit judge and US Congressman.
The Orson and Mary Ann Hyde House was home to one of the most distinguished members of the community.
Orson Hyde was one of the original 12 apostles (leaders) of the Mormon church. He had eight wives, and lived with Mary Ann and two of his other wives here. He hosted Brigham Young several times while living at this home at 209 S. Main Street.
One of Spring City's first homes, it was built in 1864 for Niels Borreson and his three wives. He served a couple six-month sentences at the Territorial Prison in Sugarhouse for polygamy, though he certainly wasn't the only resident of Spring City to have multiple wives.
This turn-of-the-century automotive showroom is an iconic fixture on Main Street Spring City.
These are just a few of the many historic buildings you'll find when you visit Spring City in Utah. Have you been to this charming small town? What are some of your favorite things to do in Spring City? Let us know in the comments.
When you take your day trip to Spring City, consider making it a longer getaway by staying at the historic Hollyhock House built in 1873.
