Northern Utah is full of little gems year-round, and it’s well worth a drive north of Ogden to find them. From outdoor art, to delicious ice cream, you’ll want to check out these 11 destinations:
- Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area
Hardware Ranch WMA/Facebook Every winter, hundreds of Rocky Mountain Elk migrate to this ranch for the winter. You can visit and take a sleigh ride to see them up close - visit between December and February for the elk viewing season. You’ll find the ranch 15 miles east of Hyrum. Blacksmith Fork Canyon Rd., Hyrum, UT 84319
- Zootah At Willow Park
Zootah At Willow Park Utah’s other zoo, Zootah at Willow Park is smaller than Hogle, but has its own sweet charm. You’ll see 80 species of animals here. To learn more about this zoo, click here.
- Golden Spike National Historic Site
J. Stephen Conn/flickr The first transcontinental railroad in the United States was completed in 1869, and the spot where it came together is commemorated at the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Promontory. The site is the home to two locomotives: The Jupiter and The No. 119.
- Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
USFWS Mountain Prairie/flickr This beautiful spot is home to millions of migratory birds throughout the year. The refuge covers 80,000 acres, and you’ll see tundra swans, bald eagles, prairie falcons, hawks, ducks and geese. 2155 W. Forest St., Brigham City, UT 84302
- Maddox Ranch House
Maddox Ranch House
Maddox Ranch House/Facebook Maddox Ranch House opened in 1949, so it’s one of Utah’s older restaurants. It serves up pillowy, delicious rolls, and tasty fried chicken. 1900 S. Hwy. 89, Perry, UT 84302. Read our article about this gem here.
- Bear Lake
Claudia F/Tripadvisor Known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, Bear Lake’s waters are an azure color that definitely looks tropical - even during winter months. In the summertime, you’ll want to paddle board and boat on the lake, and grab a raspberry shake in Garden City.
- Old Ephraim’s Grave
Erin A/Alltrails Old Ephraim was a legendary grizzly bear that terrorized sheep in Logan Canyon before he was shot and killed. He’s buried in Logan Canyon, and you can pay your respects at his memorial.
- Crystal Hot Springs
Crystal Hot Springs/Facebook Crystal Hot Spring opened way back in 1901, and it’s still a great spot to soak and splash year-round. The springs release 2.6 million gallons of water per day, at temperatures of between 120-134 degrees Fahrenheit. 8215 UT-38, Honeyville, UT 84314. Click here to read our article.
- Spiral Jetty
David Jameson/flickr Created in 1970 by artist Robert Smithson, this outdoor art sculpture is 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide. It’s a favorite spot for photographers (for obvious reasons), and also makes for a great family road trip.
- Angie’s Restaurant
Angie’s Restaurant/Google
Jason Woodruff/Google Angie’s has delicious breakfasts, burgers, and all kinds of comfort food, but you’ll particularly love the dessert. Order the Kitchen Sink and share it with a friend (or three). 690 Main St., Logan, UT 84321. Read our article about Angie’s Restaurant here.
- Wind Cave
Charles D/Tripadvisor Take a hike up Logan Canyon to Wind Cave. It’s about 1,000 feet up to the cave, but the views of the canyon are well worth the effort.
What’s your favorite northern Utah destination? Tell us in the comments!
Hardware Ranch WMA/Facebook
Every winter, hundreds of Rocky Mountain Elk migrate to this ranch for the winter. You can visit and take a sleigh ride to see them up close - visit between December and February for the elk viewing season. You’ll find the ranch 15 miles east of Hyrum. Blacksmith Fork Canyon Rd., Hyrum, UT 84319
Zootah At Willow Park
Utah’s other zoo, Zootah at Willow Park is smaller than Hogle, but has its own sweet charm. You’ll see 80 species of animals here. To learn more about this zoo, click here.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr
The first transcontinental railroad in the United States was completed in 1869, and the spot where it came together is commemorated at the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Promontory. The site is the home to two locomotives: The Jupiter and The No. 119.
USFWS Mountain Prairie/flickr
This beautiful spot is home to millions of migratory birds throughout the year. The refuge covers 80,000 acres, and you’ll see tundra swans, bald eagles, prairie falcons, hawks, ducks and geese. 2155 W. Forest St., Brigham City, UT 84302
Maddox Ranch House
Maddox Ranch House/Facebook
Maddox Ranch House opened in 1949, so it’s one of Utah’s older restaurants. It serves up pillowy, delicious rolls, and tasty fried chicken. 1900 S. Hwy. 89, Perry, UT 84302. Read our article about this gem here.
Claudia F/Tripadvisor
Known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, Bear Lake’s waters are an azure color that definitely looks tropical - even during winter months. In the summertime, you’ll want to paddle board and boat on the lake, and grab a raspberry shake in Garden City.
Erin A/Alltrails
Old Ephraim was a legendary grizzly bear that terrorized sheep in Logan Canyon before he was shot and killed. He’s buried in Logan Canyon, and you can pay your respects at his memorial.
Crystal Hot Springs/Facebook
Crystal Hot Spring opened way back in 1901, and it’s still a great spot to soak and splash year-round. The springs release 2.6 million gallons of water per day, at temperatures of between 120-134 degrees Fahrenheit. 8215 UT-38, Honeyville, UT 84314. Click here to read our article.
David Jameson/flickr
Created in 1970 by artist Robert Smithson, this outdoor art sculpture is 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide. It’s a favorite spot for photographers (for obvious reasons), and also makes for a great family road trip.
Angie’s Restaurant/Google
Jason Woodruff/Google
Angie’s has delicious breakfasts, burgers, and all kinds of comfort food, but you’ll particularly love the dessert. Order the Kitchen Sink and share it with a friend (or three). 690 Main St., Logan, UT 84321. Read our article about Angie’s Restaurant here.
Charles D/Tripadvisor
Take a hike up Logan Canyon to Wind Cave. It’s about 1,000 feet up to the cave, but the views of the canyon are well worth the effort.
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