Ogden

In 1869, workers for the Central Pacific and Union Pacific drove the ceremonial “golden spike” into the ground connecting the First Transcontinental Railroad. Nearby Ogden experienced the economic prosperity, fame and a colorful reputation so often found in Western cities following an influx of money. At the height of the boom, Ogden was home to more millionaires per capita than any other place in the country. During prohibition, hidden tunnels allowed booze to flow in the speakeasies and brothels along 25th Street. So prevalent was vice and avarice in these days that even the notorious gangster Al Capone allegedly found Ogden to be too rough and lawless for his taste. Things are different today.

In the last 20 years the city has advanced a reputation as an outdoor recreation mecca. Companies like Amer Sports (Salomon, Wilson, Atomic, Arc’teryx), Scott Sports, ENVE and QBP have established operations in the city and lured employees with the city’s enticing mountain biking, skiing and hiking trails only minutes from downtown — also essential for outdoor industry product testing. Ogden is an a great city stay for visitors to the trails and uncrowded powder at the city’s three ski resorts: Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley.

Along the way, Ogden has worked to restore its historic architecture and buildings and blend in new development toward a charming and vibrant downtown. A few walkable blocks north of the city, a $6 million restoration project cleaned up the Ogden River Parkway, creating a peaceful urban fishery with kayaking, floating, and running trails.

In fact, Ogden’s downtown is very pedestrian friendly and a short stroll from both the modern and adventurous Salomon Center, which features an indoor climbing wall, surfing wave and skydiving complex, and the restaurants, art galleries and bars that line historic 25^th Street. Many of the businesses today pay tribute to Ogden’s notorious past. Alleged, a nightclub on 25th Street, names each of their signature cocktails after the colorful characters who used to frequent the area.

Less well known are Ogden’s unique attractions for kids and families. The Treehouse Museum is an interactive wonderland for kids 2–10 to make music, dress up in costumes and romp through the dozens of mini exhibits that range from a Mongolian yurt to a 50s diner. Younger kids will also love the Eccles Dinosaur Park and Museum, where life-size (and life-like) dinosaur statues prowl the gardens and kids can run around and climb on many of the statues.

One of the best-kept secrets in Utah, Ogden offers a diverse range of activities for travelers with numerous restaurants, bars and amenities to allow you to tailor your visit to the needs of just about any traveler. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the openings to the underground tunnels. Who knows what secrets lie beneath the city’s streets?

Getting Here

Ogden is a quick, 45-minute drive along I-15 from Salt Lake City and Salt Lake International Airport. Ogden is also near the junction of I-84, an east-west interstate that begins in Portland, Oregon and terminates at the junction with I-80. While Ogden is a destination in its own right, it is also a convenient stop for visitors traveling northward to Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks.

Things to Do in Ogden

Ogden River and Parkway

Thanks to a unique cooperative partnership among Ogden City, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and river advocacy groups, the Ogden River Restoration Project created the only urban blue-ribbon fishery west of the Mississippi River. This is pocket-water, wet-wading, 3-weight fly-fishing at its best. In addition to great fishing, you can float and kayak the water or bike, walk and run miles of paved trails on the adjacent parkway.

Mount Ogden Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata (Italian for "iron road") is a protected mountain climb that lets less-experienced climbers enjoy views and experience adrenaline rushes from rugged Mount Ogden that are usually only available to elite climbers. If you can climb a ladder, you can climb the Via Ferrata. You're always attached to the safety cable. No ropes or knots required. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and you’ll enjoy the guided adventure. Reserve an individual, private or group climb.

Historic Union Station

Maybe you've come to Ogden for its proximity to three incredible ski resorts. Maybe you're enjoying a great meal downtown during a stopover en route to Bear Lake or Yellowstone. Whatever your itinerary, you must plan a stop at iFly Utah Indoor Skydiving. Great instructors get you oriented to the unique sensation of indoor skydiving, then set you and your family free to feel the rush in a controlled environment.

Hill Aerospace Museum

Airplane buffs will love the Hill Aerospace Museum near Hill Air Force Base. Part of the United States Air Force Heritage Program, the museum features more than 90 military aircraft, missiles and aerospace vehicles from around the world. Knowledgeable volunteers support well-maintained exhibits tracing the history of flight starting from the beginning and moving through World War II, Dawn of the Jet Age, The Cold War, and Keeping the Peace.

Nearby Destinations

Antelope Island State Park

Spectacular birding, free-range bison and convenient wildlife viewing on the craggy Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake are accessible via a scenic causeway. Several trails popular with hikers and mountain bikers traverse the mountainous island and the park serves as a great launch point to explore the Great Salt Lake by boat or kayak. Historic Fielding Garr ranch house is a well-preserved and entertaining pioneer ranch house.

Brigham City Fruitway

In late summer, northern Utah’s famous peaches reach their peak and many of the finest make their way to the fruit stands along Highway 89, just south of Brigham City. Epicureans will enjoy eating their way through the many fruit, homemade pie and preserves from vendors along the drive.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Also near Brigham City, the Great Salt Lake is one of the premier migratory bird flight paths in North America. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is among the finest spots in the area for bird watching, including the American white pelican, blacknecked stilt, American avocet, white-faced ibis and snowy plover. As many of 200 species of birds make a seasonal stop in Bear River.

Spiral Jetty

The massive earthwork sculpture Spiral Jetty by famed artist Robert Smithson is in a remote but accessible area of the Great Salt Lake. The earth art is popular with photographers and travelers who enjoy exploring off the beaten path and is an internationally known earth art piece.

For more information on attractions, accommodations and dining, go to Visit Ogden www.visitogden.com