Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BRIGHAM CITY — Brigham City is the jumping off point for some of Utah's unique attractions. It is also the home of some of Utah's best produce and most beloved restaurants. Brigham City is 60 miles north of Salt Lake City on Interstate 15 — far enough away for a change of scenery, but near enough for a day trip.
Here are some of Brigham City's top attractions:
1. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Established in 1927, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge has been an oasis in the desert for birds and other wildlife for decades. Its freshwater marshes on the northern end of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem make it an appealing stop for more than 250 species of migrating birds.
It is also an appealing stop for tourists and bird lovers. An attractive visitor center can be found off of I-15, just outside of Brigham City. The visitor center is filled with informative exhibits and bird viewing areas. A half-mile walk around the visitor center allows patrons an even better chance to see and photograph birds. The visitor center is open Monday through Saturday.
After a trip to the visitor center, take the self-guided auto tour. This 12-mile drive is open every day, year-round, during daylight hours. Download the audio tour from the Refuge's website for historical, biological and geographical information about the drive.
2. Golden Spike National Historic Site
In a day when it takes only a few hours to cross the country by airplane, it is difficult to appreciate what a monumental accomplishment the Transcontinental Railroad was. After many years and the loss of many lives, the Union and Central Pacific Railroads met in Utah in 1869, 30 miles west of Brigham City.
A plaque at the site says when the news of its completion was telegraphed across the United States, "the nation went wild. In city after city, church bells rang, trains hooted, fire engines howled, gongs clanged and cannons thundered. Citizens thronged the streets to watch parades. People sang The Star-Spangled Banner, prayed and shouted themselves hoarse. Countless orators hailed this as a ‘great day’ of national destiny."
Today, visitors to the monument will find a visitor center and replicas of the historical trains. Steam locomotive demonstrations occur daily during warm weather months. Reenactments of the Golden Spike ceremony are performed by local volunteers on Saturdays and holidays during warm weather months.
For families, a Junior Ranger program is available. Kids can complete selected activities and then be sworn in as Junior Rangers by one of the park rangers. They will receive a free, collectible Golden Spike badge.
3. Spiral Jetty
Spiral Jetty is an earthwork sculpture that has adorned the northern shore of the Great Salt Lake since 1970. At 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide, it is one of artist Robert Smithson's best known works.
Spiral Jetty is only visible when the water level of the Great Salt Lake is below 4,195 feet. Shortly after its creation, the jetty was submerged for about 30 years. However, because of the drought that began in the early 2000s the jetty has been visible for much of the past ten years.
Spiral Jetty is located a short distance from Golden Spike National Historic Site, via a dirt road. High clearance vehicles are recommended. For more information about Spiral Jetty, including driving directions and a link to current water level information, visit www.spiraljetty.org.
4. The Fruit Way
Late summer is peach season in Brigham City and the surrounding communities. Brigham City peaches are sweet and juicy, and it may be difficult not to buy an entire box from one of the fruit stands along Highway 89 between Brigham City and Willard.
Peaches are not the only produce that grows well in Brigham City. An abundant selection of other fruits and vegetables can be purchased from farm stands as well.
Brigham City Peach Days has been celebrated for more than 100 years. Peach Days will be held Sept. 4-7. Celebrations will include a parade, car show, melodrama and other entertainment.
5. Renowned Restaurants
Two of Utah's oldest and most beloved restaurants are located in Brigham City. Idle Isle Cafe on Main Street has been open since 1921, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Utah. The restaurant strives to maintain its old-fashioned appeal. The onyx soda fountain is original to the restaurant, and the menu is the definition of "comfort food." Idle Isle candies were made and sold in the restaurant for many years, but these are now sold at a separate store across the street.
Maddox Ranch House in Perry is so popular that many people travel for miles to eat there. Maddox has been serving high-quality, locally sourced meals since long before it was trendy. Don't expect any snobbishness here, though. Do expect hearty entrees all served with rolls, cornbread, raspberry honey butter, salad, potato and vegetables. Fresh beef and bison are the specialties of the house.
Brigham City is a special place. Whether you prefer the wildness and grace of the Bird Refuge, the history of Golden Spike, the unique art of Spiral Jetty, or good food, and lots of it, Brigham City is worth the trip. Allison Laypath is an expert on family travel and author of the family travel blog tipsforfamilytrips.com. With her family, Allison especially enjoys road trips, national parks and local field trips. Email Allison at allison@tipsforfamilytrips.com.
