Category: Historical Sites
Explore Historical Sites including the Oregon Trail and Mormon Pioneer homes, lodging and businesses.
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On this route, travelers can retrace some steps of Idaho's pioneers and follow the path taken by early-day Yellowstone Park visitors. From Franklin, Idaho's oldest settlement, it follows US Hwy 91 north to Preston, then Idaho State Hwy 34 north through Thatcher and Grace to US Hwy 30. It then goes east…
View moreThis tabernacle was once used as a meeting house by early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). It was built in 1908 and reflects Mormon architecture at the beginning of the twentieth century. Its Gothic English architecture and chapel with balcony, wooden benches and slanting…
View moreOn August 13, 1896, Butch Cassidy and two other men robbed the Montpelier Bank, the first bank in southeastern Idaho. Located in Montpelier's historic downtown, the Butch Cassidy Museum is located in the original bank and allows visitors to walk through and see the vault! The museum has free admission,…
View moreBuilt from 1903 to 1905, the historic Old Hyrum First Ward Meetinghouse is a striking example of late Gothic Revival Style, and remains a prominent feature of the Hyrum landscape. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this building represents the local community in its materials and work ethic.
View moreThis monument honors the birthplace of Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore. Borglum was born in St. Charles, Idaho in 1867. His marble head sculpture of Abraham Lincoln is on display in the Capitol Rotunda. Gutzon Borglum's Wars of America, a bronze sculpture of 42 humans and two horses,…
View moreThe town of Corinne, Utah, was established in 1869 and for about a decade, it was known as “The Gentile Capital of Utah.” In Utah, the common use of the term “gentile” usually refers to non-Mormons rather than non-Jews, though it is used both ways. The town was established to…
View moreThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple is an easily visible icon of the Cache Valley landscape. The edifice was designed by Mormon architect Truman O. Angell, and built from 1877-1884 by the donated labor of early pioneers. The modified Gothic building rests on a terrace of the ancient Lake Bonneville, and…
View moreOn May 10, 1869, the final spike was driven, completing the transcontinental railroad and revolutionizing travel across North America. Visit Golden Spike National Historic Site, and witness historic reenactments and locomotive demonstrations, and participate in ranger programs and films. You can take a self-guided auto tour over historic railroad grades. Within…
View moreLocated in Logan Canyon, Ricks Spring is a karst spring, meaning it is a natural water outflow from a cave. This spring features informational signs that describe its history as well as a warning not to drink the water. You can explore a smaller cave off to the side, or…
View moreThis is a geological site with ancient volcanic flows and rhyolite domes. This area also features farmland and sagebrush steppe. The best time to visit is during spring and fall and is a great birdwatching spot. This is a stop along the Pioneer Historic National Scenic Byway.
View moreMany beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and buildings are located in Logan. You won’t want to miss the Bluebird Café, the Logan Tabernacle, or the Episcopal Church. A 45-minute downtown walking tour guide can be picked up at tourist information center located in the Historic County Courthouse. The Logan Center Street Historic…
View moreMalad Valley Heritage Square is a wonderful collection of Pioneer era cabins, an old fashioned Ice Cream store, covered wagons and farm machinery. It includes the Osmond Family Homestead. Free Self Guided Tours daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. They hold several old…
View moreFree, clear sparkling soda water still is available in a beautiful Soda Springs city park located two miles north from the center of town. A prime attraction for more than 160 years, soda water from these springs was known nationally after rail service reached this resort area in 1882. W.H….
View moreVisit “Old Town” Montpelier, take photos of the wooden carved bears, where signs in front of the buildings describe the history of the area. Look for the Bank of Montpelier, which was robbed by Butch Cassidy in 1896. Cassidy and his pals got away with over $16,000. The Montpelier Historic…
View moreThe Oregon California Trail led thousands of emigrants through eastern Idaho. The trail led them to what is known as Big Hill, which pioneers considered the steepest and longest descent on their journey West. The Big Hill Monument details their trials and points out landscape features such as wheel ruts…
View moreThe Hyrum City Museum has a historic tour of Hyrum, Utah, available on their website. Follow this map to see and learn about the historic houses, churches, and landmarks in Hyrum.
View moreThis small museum hosts historic artifacts and photos from Paris, Idaho area. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, you can call Janelle Mattson at 208-945-2549 or Ann Massey at 208-945-2047.
View moreThis small pioneer building is over 125 years old and in its early days functioned as a school, local chapel, and meeting hall. In 1966, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave the building to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers who renovated it to create a pioneer relic…
View moreThis old store in Henry, Idaho, was originally built as a trading post for Native Americans, trappers, and later gold miners from Caribou Mountain. It is also known as Chester Store by locals after one of the owners. The original building was destroyed by fire, and the current building was…
View moreBuilt on “Sagebrush Hill,” on a site chosen in 1865 by Brigham Young himself, this tabernacle took nearly fifteen years to build, then it was gutted by fire in 1896. The formerly somewhat plain building was rebuilt with a Gothic Revival tower and sixteen pinnacles. Free guided tours are available…
View moreThis 1895 Gothic style church in Soda Springs Idaho is built of local lava rock. In 1895 Captain John Codman donated the land, and a house, to the effort, and this building was raised. Total cost of the construction and furnishing of the church amounted to $3,671.35. The church is still…
View moreThis Presbyterian Church began in Malad in 1876 when Reverend Duncan James McMillan came to the town and started a Sunday School. This church was built in 1882 as a chapel and is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the city.
View moreMendon, Utah, is located in Northern Cache Valley. Surrounded by mountains, Mendon is a beautiful, small community with many heritage events including a May Day celebration. Mendon's website contains information about the history of Mendon, Utah, produced by local historian Rodney Sorenson.
View moreInterested in horse-drawn vehicles? Western filmmakers are! You won’t want to miss the largest private collection in the West. By appointment only, but their website hosts a virtual tour as well.
View moreThe Largilliere Carriage House is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is located in downtown Soda Springs, Idaho. It was built in 1899 by August Largilliere, a wealthy immigrant who built and started multiple businesses in Soda Springs; this historic home is one of the few remaining…
View moreThis is a small house with a big story. The Old Rock House, built in 1896 from rocks originally quarried for a railroad round house, was saved from eventual destruction by the loving care and hard work of its latest owner, Anna Beauregard. The house was built by William Hopkins….
View morePrintable walking tour of historic sites and buildings in the city of Providence, Utah. Download their walking tour brochure.
View moreLocated on Main Street in Tremonton, Utah, this museum features exhibits on the history of Bear River Valley as well as current artists from the area. Highlights include an exhibit on the Candy Bomber and the Bolgstrom Brothers as well as the Main Street Playhouse that is located above the…
View moreHistory comes to life in this museum where you can interact with costumed guides depicting some of the thousands who traversed the 2,000 miles of the Oregon/California Trails. Take an interactive and informative staged journey down the Oregon trail including a ride in the bumping covered wagon simulator. Visit Peg…
View moreThe Shoshone Indians used this trail system to cross the mountains between Cache Valley and Bear Lake Valley and on into Wyoming. When Mormon settlers came, they used the trail to take mail between the valleys. A marker commemorating the pioneer mail route is located up Cub River Road (County…
View moreBuilt in 1930, having a rich history in Preston, Idaho, the Worm Creek Opera House, formerly known as The Grand Theatre, and provides movies and live performances in Franklin County, Idaho. In 1986, the Theatre was a vacant building that had not been used for several years. Under the direction…
View moreJust outside Grace, Idaho, is the Niter Ice Cave. Formed around 500,000 years ago, this cave is a result of lava flows. Early settlers would use the cave for refrigeration. The cave has some graffiti, but it is a great lava tube for exploring.
View moreThis beautifully restored building, built in the early 1900s, was always known as the Rock Store in Laketown, and for many years served the community as its general store. It was saved from demolition in 2005 and underwent a complete renovation to its present use as a first class lodging…
View moreThe Whittier School was built in 1908 and holds school day memories for many locals. It was purchased from Logan School district in 1992 and has undergone various rehabilitative projects. Each year, another goal is met in keeping up with building standards to make sure that the Whittier School is…
View moreOctagon Spring is one of the hundreds of mineral springs in Soda Springs. This spring, like others in the area, is naturally carbonated. The Idan-ha Hotel used to be across the street before it burned down in 1921 making this a popular site for visitors. The water is carbonated and…
View moreIn 1920 the Morgan Pea Factory, located on the west side of Main Street in Smithfield, began business. It was later bought by Del Monte Foods and has since been turned into a can-making factory. Look for the brick building with the original name built into the masonry.
View moreCorrigan Park is located in downtown Soda Springs, Idaho, on the north side of US Highway 30/State Highway 34. It is a pleasant spot to stop and have lunch. While there, you can visit the Galloping Goose and the Dinky Engine, two locomotives that have a part in the history…
View moreThis block housed the first department store in Idaho, the Evans Co-op, which was part of the Mormon cooperative movement of the 1860s, in which local production and purchasing was encouraged through cooperatives. The block, including both the co-op building and the old J.N. Ireland Bank, is on the National…
View moreThe first designated historic district in Utah, the Willard district reflects the Welsh heritage of many of the earliest settlers. The main builder of the homes was Shadrach Jones, a Welsh stonemason, and the homes are mainly Greek Revival and Gothic in style, forming the largest grouping of pioneer stone…
View moreThe Caribou County Courthouse in Soda Springs, Idaho, was built in 1919. It is in Classical Revival style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are historical artifacts on display on the second floor including a large collection of arrowheads.
View moreUtah State University was founded as a land grant agricultural college in 1888 and has developed into a major research university, especially in agriculture, natural resources, and space dynamics. The campus is filled with historic buildings and attractive landscaping. The oldest building on campus is Old Main, on the western…
View moreThe Tabernacle was completed in 1891 and is a striking example of an early Mormon pioneer public meetinghouse. A beautiful pipe organ was installed in 1908 and the building is used for Church conferences, community concerts, and other presentations. An extensive genealogy library is located in the basement of the…
View moreLocated in the historic Cache County Courthouse, the Visitors Bureau and Gift Shop is the perfect place to discover local events, products, and sights. They host a range of products from sweatshirts to books to games as well as brochures for every historical site and spot of interest in and…
View moreDress as pioneers decked in a bonnet or hat of the times and pull handcarts to 20 campsites where you learn interesting pioneer history and reenact actual pioneer experiences. For example: getting caught in a cloudburst, scrubbing clothing on a wash board, negotiate with Native Americans for buffalo jerky, shaking…
View moreThe Hyrum City museum is in the beautiful new Hyrum City Library/Museum complex. The building was completed in May of 2007. Learn about the history of the Hyrum Utah area. Call for more information or to arrange a visit.
View moreThis 30-room early commercial style hotel was built in 1917 and restored in 2001. It still runs as a hotel today! Guests will enjoy the authentic architecture and décor throughout, as well as a gift shop and the Enders Museum. Most rooms provide an excellent view of the Soda Springs…
View moreThis old Mormon meetinghouse is built of local stone and nestled in the pleasant community of Providence, just south of Logan. Built in 1871, the Old Rock Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is affectionately known as the Old Rock Church. An addition to the Old Rock Church,…
View moreDragongoose Farm is an interesting site, featuring an historic home and granary built in 1875. Settler Niels Bergeson planted a box elder tree around 1874 that is listed as a Utah Champion Box Elder. Part of the historic home was used as the Bergeson Maternity Home from 1939-1949. When you…
View moreThe Daughters of Utah Pioneers built this museum in 1983. It features pioneer artifacts, Native American artifacts, and other relics found in the area left by the travelers on the Oregon Trail which went through Soda Springs.
View moreFounded in 1970, the Brigham City Museum of Art & History is a regional art and history center. The important pioneer history of Brigham City is told with hands-on exhibits and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers' artifacts. Eliza's Attic is an introduction to the settlement's lifestyle while the interactive tool area…
View moreOn January 29, 1863, Colonel Patrick E. Connor led a group of California Volunteers from Fort Douglas (Salt Lake City) in search of Shoshone Indians responsible for raids on settlers. The Indians had been pushed out of more and more of their lands in northern Utah, and some of them…
View moreGeneral Patrick Edward Connor, with California and Nevada volunteers, was ordered by President Lincoln to protect the overland travel routes in the West. (This is the same Connor who led his troops to slaughter upwards of 300 Shoshone Indians at the Bear River Massacre in January, 1863. Please see the…
View moreOriginally built as a meeting place for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Smithfield Tabernacle now acts as a recreational Youth Center for the town. It has a new gym with seating and a kitchen for events. Construction on the tabernacle started in 1883 but…
View moreFive miles west of Soda Springs is a great stone bluff rising several hundred feet above the Bear River. This is the point at which the Bear makes its sweeping left turn, around the base of Sheep Rock, and heads back south toward the Great Salt Lake. Geologically, it marks…
View moreThe Oregon Short Line Company was established in 1878 to provide the Union Pacific Railroad access to the Pacific Northwest. The company announced in 1906 that it would construct a modern new depot in Brigham City. The depot was completed and opened to the public on May 19, 1907.
View moreThe Idan-ha theatre was originally built in 1924 as a vaudeville house and has undergone significant renovations since. It is now a working theater showing popular films. Across the street are many other historic buildings like the Enders Hotel which features a museum about the area. They also have historic…
View moreThe village of Franklin is the oldest European-American settlement in Idaho, having been established in April, 1860 by Mormon pioneers moving northward from Utah. The Relic Hall, a museum of local history, is housed in a log building that was built as a museum in 1937 as homage to the…
View moreThe old Village Hall and Jail are part of the Franklin Historic District in the small town of Franklin, Idaho.
View moreThe Hatch house is a Greek Revival style house built with local limestone in 1872 by Lorenzo H. Hatch, one of the earliest settlers of Franklin. A carpenter and farmer, he was the first Mormon Idaho legislator and served as mayor and Mormon bishop of Franklin. Since Hatch was the local bishop, he built…
View moreOriginally known as Hull's Crossing because of the placement of the Hull family farms, Whitney was settled by families from Franklin who had need of extra land for crops. Prior to the building of their homes in 1869, they planted the crops and started farming. In 1888, after the railroad came through, the town…
View moreThe museum has one of the largest permanent collections in the Intermountain Region, featuring western and international artists, a fine ceramics collection, and Native American Artwork. Regularly changing exhibits bring a variety of fine arts and crafts to patrons.
View moreIn the 1860s, Brigham Young instituted what came to be known as the “cooperative movement” in Utah. With the new transcontinental railroad came goods made elsewhere, and the church leaders feared that materialism and covetousness would grow among the Mormons. A system of businesses owned cooperatively was created, with existing…
View moreThis Romanesque-style Mormon tabernacle was constructed in 1889 of red sandstone from a quarry 18 miles away. This place of worship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is still used by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A small museum houses heirlooms…
View moreThe Oneida Stake Academy was one of many schools founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was started in 1888 in Franklin, Idaho. When the time came in 1889 to build a building for the academy, Preston was chosen as the location because it was centrally…
View moreOutside of Weston, Idaho, and on the way to the Weston Reservoir, there is a historical site known as the Pass of the Standing Rock. This site was sacred to the Shoshone and other Native American tribes and became a landmark for early pioneers. The giant rock stands nearly 100…
View moreIn 1881-1882, Mormon settlers came to this area north of Bancroft at the invitation of their friend and relative Chester Call, who had established a ranch nearby. Their hope was to build a thriving community, but in 1882, the Oregon Short Line Railroad was built through Bancroft instead of their…
View moreThis Utah Century Farm, established in 1904 by William Zollinger, a Swiss-German immigrant to Cache Valley, was always known as a fruit farm throughout the years. William Zollinger established one of the first apple orchards in Cache Valley. When grandson Ron Zollinger took over the the management of the family…
View moreBuilt by Thomas Sleight in 1863, this is the only remaining cabin from the first winter pioneers spent in the area. The cabin was moved from its original location and now serves as a public park. Come see the historic cabin and enjoy Paris' historic downtown.
View moreThe James and Drusilla Hendrick's Camp Relic Hall is run by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Early Mormon, Native American, and other local history artifacts are preserved in this museum. Originally built for a Latter-day Saint Stake President as an office, the building is now owned by the city. The…
View moreHere you can picnic in a place traversed by Oregon Trail travelers. The Oregon Trail, marked by white trail markers, heads up from Alexander Reservoir and crosses the road that leads down into the park.
View moreThis local museum is housed in a building that was built in 1914 as a drug store. The original safe and pressed-tin ceiling are still intact. The museum had its origins in a collection of mementos gathered by Miss Hattie Morgan and the Native Daughters of the Idaho Pioneers group…
View moreThe Richmond Relief Society Hall is a historic Latter-day Saint building in Richmond, Utah. It was built during 1880 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the oldest known Relief Society Halls still remaining in Utah. Currently, the building is closed for remodeling.
View moreLocal and regional railroad history and artifacts. Located downstairs in the National Oregon/California Trail Center.
View moreDiscover what western life was like from 1820 to 1920 at this 160-acre living history center. Learn to spin wool, weave rugs, milk a cow or just enjoy the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery on a wagon ride around the site. The center offers hands-on learning as you visit…
View moreSamaria, about 9 miles southwest of Malad, was once the largest town in the Malad Valley. Settled in 1868 by homesteaders, the town did well until the railroad was routed through Malad. After that, the primary businesses developed around the railroad terminal, and Samaria remained a farming community. A number…
View moreListed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Elite Hall in Hyrum, Utah, is a historic dance hall built to host a variety of community events. Although it was built in 1915 and is still in the process of restoration, the hall hosts a variety of events, from swing…
View moreCome visit the world's only captive geyser! This park features information about the geyser and the history of the park. This geyser goes off every hour on the hour and sprays water at a cooler degree meaning you can touch the water! Experience the geyser and Soda Springs' historic downtown.
View moreThe intersection of US Hwy 89 and US Hwy 30 at Montpelier is the site of the attractive National Oregon-California Trail Center dedicated to the history and scenic wonders of the 2000-mile Oregon-California Trail, part of the largest voluntary migration ever. The sites in this area are documented in diaries of the emigrants, in military records,…
View moreThis rich hand-dipped chocolate candy shouldn’t be missed! The company has been in business since 1914. A second location is in the Albertsons shopping center at 49 East 400 North, just north of Juniper Take-out and east of Zion's bank.
View moreThis is a branch of the Oregon Trail. On July 19, 1849, Benoni M. Hudspeth, captain of a wagon train headed for California, and John Myers, the wagon train’s guide, decided to open a new wagon route to shorten the northern and more established route through Fort Hall. Instead of…
View moreThe Thatcher-Young Mansion was built in 1878 by G.W. Thatcher and his wife Mary Ann Angell-Young. The designer of the home is believed to be Mary Ann’s cousin, Truman Angell Jr., who designed the LDS tabernacles in Brigham City and Coalville, Utah, and in Paris, Idaho, as well as the…
View moreThis jailhouse, built in about 1870, was originally Bear Lake County Jail, and was located in Paris. About thirty years ago, the owners of Bear Lake Handicrafts moved the historic building to this site in St. Charles in order to help preserve its history and provide a home for the…
View moreThis old-time mercantile was owned by Mary and Kim Thomas, who took over the business from Kim's parents. The Swan Lake post office was inside and they had a large selection of fabrics and tools for quilting. The owners say that Thomas Mercantile has had the same phone number since…
View moreIn Lewiston, Utah, there is the historic Wheeler Cabin run by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. To tour the cabin, you can call the phone numbers listed.
View moreThis three-cell jail was built in 1880 of plank and five tons of spikes. Operated by the local chapter of Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the museum is a log cabin near the jail, and both sites are owned and operated by the organization.
View moreThis is an Art Deco brick veneer building built in 1939 as part of a WPA project. It has an elaborate terra cotta entry.
View moreThis two room log cabin houses artifacts and information about early Mormon leaders. Wilford Woodruff, the third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lived here. The building now serves as a visitors information centers. Tours of the cabin are available.
View moreThis building was built in 1883, designed by Truman O. Angell, Jr., who also designed the Logan Tabernacle and the Logan Temple. It is the oldest county building in Utah still being used for its original purpose.
View moreWithout the extensive networks of irrigation canals created by settlers of this region, farming as it now exists would have been impossible in this arid area. Residents created cooperatives to organize the use of the water, with families owning shares that gave them the right to irrigate their land on…
View moreThe town of Malad got its name from the fact that when Donald McKenzie brought a party of trappers through the area between 1818 and 1821, they drank the river water and got sick. The Frenchmen named the river the Malad, meaning illness. The town was settled in 1862, after…
View moreDrive north from Brigham City along Highway 38 and you will see many late-nineteenth-century stone houses built from locally-quarried stone and generally reflecting vernacular building styles of the period. These charming private residences were built by pioneers and are now a part of the picturesque scenery on the drive between…
View moreIn business since 1914, this historic café has seen much business done over a cup of coffee and a handshake. Stop in for a cool drink at the old soda fountain. A mural in the back room depicts local history and predictions for Logan’s future. Temporarily closed for renovation.
View moreArtifacts from the early history of Paradise and southern Cache Valley are preserved in this museum which is housed in the old Mormon tithing office.
View moreThis old cemetery is home to several interesting graves. The Wagon Box Grave is the 1861 burial site of an Oregon Trail emigrant family of seven killed by Indians and buried together in the wagon box from their covered wagon. You can also find a Morrisite headstone. The Morrisites were…
View moreThis building was built of local lava rock in 1902. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently used as the local Scout House for boys and girls.
View moreMartin Harris is an important figure in the history and heritage of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as LDS or Mormon). Martin Harris was one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon, meaning he swore to seeing the gold plates from which the…
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