Three Utah Counites

UTAH COUNTIES

WORTH STAYCATIONING

By Kristen Clay

Box Elder County

Box Elder County sits at the northwest corner of Utah, and is full of surprises in its diversity of offerings. There is something for everyone, including science lovers, history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and patrons of the arts. “We have a taste of the country and a taste of the city. We love and embrace the cowboy life, ranching and farming spirit. We are very connected to the land,” longtime resident, Jennilyn McKinnon, says. A favorite family event for the McKinnon’s is to go watch the annual sheepherding drives. The public roads are closed off, so that sheep, by the hundreds, can be driven to the meadows for grazing. For history buffs, the Golden Spike National Historical Park is open yearround. Replicas of Victorian era steam engines, walks or drives exploring historic rails, programs for children and adults, along with a museum, and reenactments of the Golden Spike ceremony in the summer months are only a few of the offerings at the Park. For science lovers, the (Morton Thiokol) ATK Rocket Garden boasts a rocket launcher for the space shuttle as well as other rockets and engines that are manufactured at their facility. The Bear River Migratory Bird refuge will delight nature enthusiasts. Seasonally, these 80,000 acres of marshes, open water, uplands, and alkali mudflats feature over 250 species of migrating birds as well as 67 species of nesting birds. A 12-mile auto tour route is ideal for observing wildlife, birding, and photography. The Wildlife Education Center is the best place to begin your adventure.

World famous land art, including the Spiral Jetty and Sun Tunnels are must-sees for anyone seeking a unique discovery. Cultural arts are alive and well here. Heritage Theatre and the Old Barn feature live musicals and plays, and The Brigham City Fine Arts Center offers a wide range of artistic performances and classes. Crystal Hot Springs, with the highest mineral content in the world, is the perfect place to soak and relax after enjoying all Box Elder has to offer.

Cache County

“Cache County is unique,” explains Gina Worthen, Northeast District County Chair of Cache County. “It is both country and urban. Full of agriculture and open space, hiking trails and areas for recreation. It has a hometown feel,” she continues. “Each city has its own annual celebrations aimed at keeping their traditions alive.” Antique homes and buildings grace the streets of its many small towns, which, as the state’s leader in agriculture, farms and ranches, encompasses many charming towns. Home of Utah State University, education, sports, and the arts are readily accessible both at the university and within the community. With over thirteen theaters, opera houses, and other live performing arts venues, one can enjoy the finest of theater, opera, dance, or jam to any genre of live music. Seven museums including the American West Heritage Center Living-museum, and even a zoo, are bound to educate, entertain, or pique the interest of visitors and locals alike. Aggie’s famous cheeses and ice cream made at USU, as well as Gossner Foods cheese factory, will tickle the tongues of any turophile. Culinary visitors will enjoy the many local eateries including Angie’s, Beehive Pub and Grill, the Bluebird, and many more. The grandest feature of Cache County is the great outdoors. Bear Lake State Park, often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Logan Canyon offer endless beauty and recreation. Year-round outdoor recreation can be experienced in all its forms. Skiing, watersports, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, exploring on ATV’S or UTV’s, or riding upon a horse drawn wagon are just some of them. Locals will tell you that this is “God’s Country”, and many, including Gina Worthen, will tell you that Logan Canyon “rivals Yellowstone.” National Geographic writer, Michael Sweeney, describes Logan Canyon as America’s “Last Spoiled Place” in his book by the same name.

Gossner Cheese Factory

Morgan County

Nested in a beautiful agricultural valley in the center of the Rocky Mountain region, lays the smallest county in Utah, Morgan County, with a total land mass of 610 sq. miles. But don’t let the small area fool you. Morgan sports an abundance of activity, wildlife, and recreation. According to “Mama Lake,” aka Theresa Lake, owner of the Morgan Mercantile, where you will experience a sampling of local arts, culture, and the world’s best cinnamon rolls, “It is the people who make Morgan County special. The people reach out and take care of each other.” Fishing, camping, hiking, golfing, rodeos, demolition derbies, horseback riding, boating, swimming, historical landmarks, wildlife viewing and a geographical oddity, are only a few of the delights you’ll find in this idyllic community. Morgan County includes part of Cache National Forest and the Wasatch National Forest. East Canyon State Park attracts visitors from around the nation, and East Canyon Dam provides year-round water activities, including fishing and ice fishing. Lost Creek State Park and Round Valley Wildlife Management Area are beautifully preserved places for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities throughout the year. The part of the Weber river that runs through Morgan County draws families and individuals out for rafting and tubing adventures. And obviously, fishing and fly fishing are perfect on this stretch of river. One of the more unique landmarks in Morgan county is the geological formation of Devil’s Slide, or Devil’s Blade, according to Native American tradition. It has the appearance of a gargantuan playground slide as parallel limestone rocks about 25 feet apart extend up the mountainside. Located off I-84 between mile markers 110 and 111, there are pull-offs on both sides of the freeway for viewing. “Morgan County is such a wonderful place. There is so much beauty and so many things to do. People often come to visit, and they like it so much, they move here,” states Carol Brooks of the Morgan Business Association.