This Historic Homestead Is One Of Utah’s Best Kept Secrets
Capitol Reef National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in Utah. It is known for its sandstone domes, natural arches, and monoliths. But, this national park is also home to one of the Beehive State’s best-kept secrets — Gifford Homestead.
Located in the Fruita area of Capitol Reef National Park is Gifford Farm, a historic farm that dates back to the early 1900s. Several families lived on the farm throughout the years but the Gifford family called it home from 1928 to 1969.
The farm was approximately 200 acres and featured a garden, pasture, and smokehouse. But, it was best known for its orchards filled with hundreds of fruit trees including cherry, peach, and apple trees.
The farmhouse was built in 1908 by Calvin Pendleton. At the time, the house included a front room and kitchen, as well as two small bedrooms that could only be accessed by an outside ladder. When the Gifford family moved into the home, they added a kitchen, bathroom, utility room, and carport.
Today, you can visit this historic farmhouse and take a step back in time. The former kitchen of the home has been transformed into a small store where you can purchase handmade items such as quilts, candles, toys, and jams. Most of the items are handmade and created by local artists.
However, one item that you won’t want to leave without is the pie. The Gifford Homestead is known for selling locally baked fruit pies in a variety of flavors including apple, cherry, peach, pumpkin, and more.
Add some homemade ice cream on top and you have the perfect sweet treat! Even better, around the Gifford Homestead you will find shaded areas where you can sit and enjoy your pie, fresh air, and stunning national park views. That's a perfect afternoon in one of the best national parks in Utah.
The Gifford Homestead is typically open between March and November each year. You can learn more about this historic destination, as well as its seasonal dates and hours, on the Capitol Reef National Park website.
Have you been to the Gifford Homestead in Capitol Reef National Park? Did you try a slice of pie? Share with us your experiences in the comments. And, if you want to learn more about this area, including the orchards, check out our feature article on Fruita, Utah.
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Address: Gifford Homestead, Capitol Reef National Park, Scenic Dr, Teasdale, UT 84773, USA
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