11 Must-Visit Small Towns in Utah

Heber City, nestled among the scenic Wasatch Mountains, is where you step back to yesteryear and learn about life on the Western Frontier. Swing by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum to understand the hardships early settlers faced inhabiting the valley. Follow that with a ride on the hop-on-hop-off Heber Valley Historic railroad line. This well-preserved piece of history provides spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.

Outdoor enthusiasts will not be disappointed as the town offers a host of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, paddleboarding, and fishing. Visit in October to catch the renowned Heber Valley Western Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering – a country music staple.

Midway is a pristine alpine town just 3 miles west of Heber City. Settled by Swiss immigrants in the 18^th century, the town celebrates this heritage by hosting the colourful Swiss Days summer festival every August. Thousands come to enjoy the parade, traditional food, and live entertainment.

A highlight in town is the Homestead Caldera, a 40-ft deep natural geothermal pool. Hikers can tackle the Dutch Hollow Trailhead, accessible within a 10-minute drive from downtown. In winter, Midway becomes a snowy wonderland with snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tubing among the town’s most popular activities.

Kanab is a diverse desert oasis that attracts Hollywood film crews and those looking to explore southern Utah’s red rock landscape. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, as well as Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, are just a short drive north of town.

Take a Wild West-inspired horseback riding tour with one of the local ranchers or rent an ATV to go deep into the arid landscape. Keep your camera close as the vistas are very impressive. You might even stumble upon famous actors shooting an upcoming blockbuster movie. Don’t forget sturdy shoes and sunscreen as you will spend the majority of your time in the sun.

Fillmore is an excellent I-15 stop-off on your way to Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, halfway between Salt Lake City and St. George. The Utah Territorial Statehouse is the town’s centrepiece, honouring its legacy as the original capital of Utah.

Hundreds of miles of ATV trails serve as the town’s main attraction. There’s even an annual festival every June dedicated to ATV riding – the National ATV Jamboree. ATV rental companies dominate Main Street, offering options for all skill levels.

Mount Pleasant is a high-valley town that lives up to its name, with vintage turn-of-the-century homes graced with large grassy lawns. Most of the buildings on Main Street have been preserved to reflect the pioneer era. Check out the Fairview Museum of History and Art to revel in interesting stories of the region’s past, before checking out the ornate Church of Latter-Day Saints in the centre of town.

A stroll down the street, popping into the numerous thriving local businesses is a perfect fall-afternoon activity. Once cut-off from civilization, Mount Pleasant is a wealthy, flourishing town in the Indianola Valley – it even has its own winery, which is uncommon in Utah.

Charming Springdale is more than just a stopover destination for those on the way to Zion National Park. This small town has a strong sense of community and a thriving art and food scene that complement its surrounding natural beauty.

Take a walk down the main drag and explore the eclectic array of restaurants, galleries, and cafes. Book a stay at the Desert Pearl Inn if you're feeling fancy or check out one of the numerous cute B&B’s in town. To get to Springdale, you can rent a car at the St. George Regional Airport or take a road trip south from Salt Lake City

Green River is an often overlooked town right along I-70 in eastern Utah. Built along the banks of its namesake body of water, the town is great for getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering serene river beauty and laidback vibes.

Adventure rafting along the Green River with a local outfit is a must-do. Desolation and Gray Canyons are just a few miles north of town. Visit the John Wesley Powell Museum to learn how centuries-old boats used to explore the waterways of the state. Don’t leave without trying the local melon, said to be one of the tastiest in the world.

Panguitch is a remote, old-timey town surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and lakes with rainbow trout. Fishing is a centuries-old activity here, influencing the Native American name of the area, pauite, meaning ‘big fish’.

Legend has it the early settlers of the town had to navigate knee-deep snow in the middle of winter in search of food. Their perseverance saved the settlement, so every year locals wrap themselves in thick quilts to honour these pioneers at the Quilt Walk Festival. Make sure not to miss the Wild West-themed main strip, lined with numerous antique shops, galleries, and local craft stores. 

Garden City lies on the shores of Bear Lake, with mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop Combined with a frontier spirit, a love for raspberries, and dramatic vistas, this north-eastern Utah town should be on your road trip itinerary.

The 18-mile-long Bear Lake State Park is the town’s main attraction, offering an abundance of water sport adventures like jet skiing and wakeboarding. Make sure to visit Garden City in August to catch the Raspberry Days Festival, when you can sample some of the best raspberries in the West.

Kamas is a lovely mountain town full of wonders to explore, from wide-open spaces to handcrafted local goods. The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, starting east of town, takes you on a 42-mile adventure into the Uinta Mountains and down into Wyoming. 

If a break from city life is what you’re after, Kamas has plenty of fishing and camping areas available to calm the mind. The town’s main export is cattle, so the locals have perfected their jerky recipes – stop at Samak Smoke House for the best in town.

Moab is synonymous with outdoor adventure, especially mountain biking. Located in eastern Utah, this small, off-the-beaten-path town provides you with a plethora of outdoor activities. Explore rugged nature at the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, kayak the intimidating Colorado River, or walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trails.

You can live out your cowboy (or cowgirl) dreams at one of the numerous local ranches in Moab. Utah may not be known for its alcohol, but don’t leave the town without visiting its excellent microbrewery and winery.