Road to Understanding: As drilling dips, Uintah County turns to tourism


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UINTAH COUNTY — As oil and gas go, so goes the Uintah Basin.

Duchesne, Daggett, and Uintah counties rely heavily on oil, which can make things challenging during the down years. But one county is trying to diversify their economy through tourism.

The Utah Field House of Natural History in Uintah County houses an extensive collection of fossils, full-sized dinosaur replicas and educational and cultural displays.

Uintah County Commissioner Bill Stringer said a lot has been reinvested into the community to continue to make it great for both residents and visitors.

The Field House also serves as the official Vernal Information Center, and will get a new visitors' center.

“We want to have a hub so people can come in and they know tourism is important to us,” said Uintah County tourism director Lesha Coltharp.

In mid-March, there were seven oil rigs working in the Basin — up from zero rigs just three months ago. Some oil workers look at the current number of rigs as a sign of recovery and employment opportunity. (Photo: KSL TV)
In mid-March, there were seven oil rigs working in the Basin — up from zero rigs just three months ago. Some oil workers look at the current number of rigs as a sign of recovery and employment opportunity. (Photo: KSL TV)

At the Field House, visitors can learn about restaurants in town, bike trails and the old movie theater that has been converted into a live theater.

A few miles south of the Field House, a diverse network of mountain bike trails known as the McCoy Flats awaits visitors. The trails will eventually connect to Vernal.

“This helped Uintah County get more involved in state conventions,” Stringer said.

Still, there are signs oil is picking up again.

In mid-March, there were seven oil rigs working in the Basin — up from zero rigs just three months ago. Although that’s still far away from the 42 oil rigs in 2008, some oil workers look at the current number of rigs as a sign of recovery and employment opportunity.

“We want to provide for our families,” said Chris Wilson, an oil worker. “We just want the opportunity like so many people else have got to provide."

Contributing: Yvette Cruz, Marc Giauque

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