Helper
Read the Stories
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A Rural Community Leading the Way in Stewardship and Preservation
The three-day SPX Fest in Central Utah aims to promote stewardship, preservation and responsible exploration.
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A Walking Tour of Helper, Utah
Guarded by the 18-foot fiberglass coal miner "Big John" and hugged by railroad tracks, Helper, Utah, is a historic town with blue-collar roots that has grown into a walkable epicenter of art and culture with easy access to trails and river recreation.
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A Weekend Well Spent at Scofield State Park
Enjoy some of the best trout fishing in Utah while spending a quiet weekend nestled in the spectacular Manti-La Sal Mountains at Scofield State Park. Sitting at 7,600 feet above sea level it a great spot to enjoy cooler temps in the summer with splashing around in the reservoir.
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Discover the Shape of Utah's Coffee Community
See coffee shops in Salt Lake City on this short video tour of some of the best coffee shops in Utah.
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Filmed in Utah: 7 Itineraries Through Hollywood's Most Iconic Settings
Whether hitting the Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City in January or visiting Utah throughout the year, you’ll find yourself near some Utah’s most iconic and most filmed places.
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Gravity and Water: Mark Making in a Winter’s Desert with Anne Kaferle
Finding Helper at a time when she “needed it the most,” landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape.
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How to Support Local On Your Utah Road Trip
Many small businesses in Utah rely on tourism for survival. These expert tips help road trippers make a real difference in communities by supporting local.
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Meet the Women Fostering the Arts in Central Utah
Women lead the way in Utah’s regional art galleries and exhibitions.
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Off-Roading in Central Utah: Exploring the OHV Trails of the Carbon Corridor
As the sport of off-roading explodes across Utah, the Carbon Corridor features some of the state’s best options, with challenging terrain, incredible views — and few people.
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Resiliency Road Trip
The emergence of small Utah towns like Moab and Helper offer an inspiring backdrop for a road trip focused on reinvention.
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The 46 Miles of Nine Mile Canyon
Follow Nine Mile Canyon Road into the rugged and remote Book Cliffs, where messages from the ancients interface with settlers of the West and modern ways of thinking.
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The 7 Best Trails in the Carbon Corridor Trail System
Take in the amazing scenery at locations only accessible with four-wheel drive.
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The Unknown & Otherworldly Near Vernal, Utah
UFOs, dinosaur bones, ghosts — there’s a chance to see all of them in the wild, weird and existential landscapes of Northeastern Utah.
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Turning Carbon Into Culture
Helper, UT has a future, and it is one built by the community, through hard work, love for place and a touch of serendipity.
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Utah Female Artists Explore the Sublime Through Art
See how Utah women artists are creatively interpreting a dramatic landscape into art.
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Where to See Women's Art in Utah
There’s no shortage of art galleries in Salt Lake City and across Utah's Wasatch Front. Beyond the major metropolitan areas, there are also small artist communities across the state where artists seeking a slower pace have flocked for decades. Here are a few recommendations for where you can experience art in Utah.
Things to do
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Balanced Rock Eatery and Pub
Named after a nearby rock formation and hike, this restaurant has lasted the test of time with its down-home cooking, charm and large portions. Soak in the artwork lining the walls, if/while you wait for a table.
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Castle Gate RV Park
Castle Gate RV Park has 106 sites including RV hookups, tents and full-service cabins. On 13 acres on the south end of Helper, the RV park offers a wide range of amenities and Price River access.
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Happiness Within Coffee Shop
Happiness Within is not just a feeling in Helper. It’s an oasis of great coffee in central Utah, a welcoming shop with an upbeat vibe that builds from and feeds the unique community.
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Main Street
Many art galleries and must-sees are found along Helper's Main Street. Stroll with your mind wide-opened to the history, livelihoods and industry that created this town.
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Stargazing
After dark, be sure to look up! The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has certified Helper City as an International Dark Sky Community. Helper is the second community in Utah and the 25th in the world to be designated. Witnessing a star-show in the heavens is guaranteed to conclude your day with a healthy dose of inspiration. More information on stargazing in Utah
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The Helper Riverwalk
The Helper Riverwalk runs through the heart of town, beginning at the Helper River Beach, located at the corner of Ivy St. and S 100 W. The river's restoration has been several years in the making and has phases yet ahead. Walk, jog or take a bike ride down the several miles of river walk and find easy access points to the water, a sandstone labyrinth, benches for resting or birdwatching and charming bridges. Several beaches and swimming holes have been placed along the river allowing for swimming, wading and habitat creation for native fish.
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Western Mining and Railroad Museum
The best place for a quick overview of Helper's incredible history. It’s all here: major events such as the United Mine room, Castlegate Mine explosion room and personal mining items such as lanterns, lamps and bird cages. Butch Cassidy even makes an appearance.
What's Nearby
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Fishing Scofield State Park
Scofield State Park is a peaceful, scenic reservoir with an uncanny ability to produce big fish in quick fashion.
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Green River Floating and Rafting
Fun for families, couples, and solo explorers, the West’s iconic Green River beckons to be discovered.
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Manti-La Sal National Forest
The Manti-La Sal National Forest consists of three blocks located in central, eastern and southeastern Utah. The area has an abundance of lakes and is great for fishing, hiking and more.
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Price
Price sits close to the northern section of the San Rafael Swell, which is home to vast deserts, yawning canyons, and fascinating rock formations. The area is known for its coal mining, as well as its recreational opportunities.
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Scofield Reservoir State Park
From boating in the summer to ice fishing in the winter, learn more about why Scofield State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Where to Stay in Helper
Helper is a destination perfect for travelers looking to enjoy it's local artistry and stay for the night. In town there are a few rental options on Airbnb, including the beautifully restored Lincoln Hotel located on Historic Main Street. Another unique Airbnb option includes the town's iconic Conoco gas station, which has been converted into a spacious apartment. Other accommadtion options can be found at Caste Gate RV Park, which has RV, campervan and tent sites, as well as 6 cabins. There is a main building where you check in and out, as well as a general store and coin-operated laundry machines. Guests also have the option to rent tubes and float the nearby river.
Downtown Helper
Downtown Helper
Follow one of our writers on his walking tour through Helper.
To familiarize yourself with the art scene in Helper, watch a seven minute PBS video showcasing the history, growth and current state
Turning Carbon Into Culture
Helper, UT has a future, and it is one built by the community, through hard work, love for place and a touch of serendipity.
