5 Spots for History Buffs to Explore Nature in Utah

By: Mike Fitzgerald

The State of Utah is anything but ordinary with its mountainous beauty, Great Salt Lakes, ski resorts, and even home to one of the best college stadiums–but it is also the home to numerous historical sites bridging the East and West Coast. There are plenty of historic landmarks all throughout Utah that would pique the interest of anyone who loves history. Check out these five spots for history buffs to explore nature while visiting Utah:

1. Golden Spike National Historic Site

Visit the very place where the last spike was driven into the ground completing the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Golden Spike National Historic Site offers a view into the railroad and how important this connection was for the entire country in moving goods across the land. The area is located near Brigham City in a remote spot with only one paved road offering access to the site. The Golden Spike National Historic Site consists of 2,735 acres of land in a remote valley at the north part of the Great Salt Lake. Those in RV’s should be especially cautious during winter when the road can easily be covered in snow or ice.

2. St. George Temple

Utah is a prominent location for the Mormon faith and there are many temples that belong to the church throughout the state. St. George Temple is by far one of the most beautiful and offers a peek into the world of the religion. Non-members aren’t allowed inside the temple but there is a very informative Visitor’s Center that history buffs will enjoy. Learn all about this religion and their trek to make Utah their headquarters.

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3. Bluff Fort Historic Site

This refuge was an important stop for pioneers who were traveling over the Hole in the Rock Trail. Bluff Fort has been beautifully restored and offers friendly and knowledgeable staff that can help tell the tale of these early settlers and all that they endured. The Barton Cabin is one of the original cabins that are still on the site as well as replicas of other buildings inside the fort. Visitors can learn all about pioneer life in 1880s and what is was like to endure a “short cut” trail that was expected to take only 6 weeks but ended up taking over 6 months.

4. Panguitch

If you are looking for a quaint little town to enjoy despite our modern world look no further than Panguitch, Utah that was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. The entire town features 19^th century buildings that are undisturbed as well as only a few hundred households. Life in Panguitch is both simple and beautiful and offers a look back into a slower pace of life that so many don’t have today.

5. Bingham Canyon Copper Mine

Known as the “richest hole on earth” the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine is more than ¾ mile deep and has produced about 16 million tons of copper while it has been open. Gold is also found in the mine and visitors can learn a lot from the visitor center exhibits. The mine is still active and is operated by the Kennecott Company where visitors can witness the large machinery used to dig and carry the large amount of copper found in the mine.

There are so many great historic stops to make along your way through the Beehive State. Utah has natural historic spots as well as manmade options for those history buffs who want a little bit of everything. Be sure to check out these five spots for history buffs to explore nature in Utah during your next trip through the state.

About the Author: Mike Fitzgerald is an outdoor living expert and explorer with his sidekick dog, Champion. When he’s not traveling to nature’s most well-known beauty spots, he tends to the greenery surrounding his home.