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Brigham City | Marc Piscotty

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Small Town Charm in Box Elder County: Orchards, Birding and Train History

2 Days • 190 Miles

Small Town Charm in Box Elder County: Orchards, Birding and Train History

Explore the charming landscapes and rich history of Box Elder County, from its abundant fruit orchards and diverse birdlife to the iconic Golden Spike National Historical Park.

Box Elder County sits in the far northwest corner of Utah, bordered by Idaho to the north and Nevada to the west. Brigham City, the county seat and the base for this trip, is about an hour north of Salt Lake City on I-15.

Here, find miles and miles of fruit orchards running between small towns, with the Wellsville Mountains casting long shadows over the valley to the east. To the west, some of the world's best birding awaits at the vast wetlands of the Great Salt Lake.

But the county is steeped in history and artistic flair, too. Stand at the very spot where the first transcontinental railroad was completed at Golden Spike National Historical Park, walk out to Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty on the lakeshore, or stroll through Tremonton, where colorful murals bring a dose of unexpected creativity to Main Street. Come for the scenery, the history or the slow pace. This corner of Northern Utah rewards those who make the drive.

View of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge — **Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge** | Matt Morgan

Day 1

Take the Fruit Way to the Bird Refuge

76 Miles

Every great journey begins with the right fuel — food. The best place to stock up is at Apple Creek Amish Market, a specialty store located in Willard, Utah, that sells a variety of Amish-made food products. In addition to their staples: jams, old-fashioned candy, butters, deli meats and cheeses, you’ll also find some unique products such as pickled spicy quail eggs, beet and okra chips, cherry cider, Amish remedies and even rustic furniture. Order a sandwich from the deli and hit the road. We’ve got a full day ahead!

As you make your way up “Utah’s Famous Fruit Way,” an agricultural corridor between Willard and Perry on Highway 89, take time to stop at the various roadside farm stands, including Tagge's Famous Fruit And Veggie Farms. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find apricots, pears, melons, apples, cherries and the region’s most famous fruit: peaches.

Just a few miles past Perry you’ll arrive at the historic town of Brigham City, one of the first cities settled by Mormon pioneers in Utah and a great base for your Box Elder County adventure. Right outside town is the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge visitor center where you can learn about the 74,000 acres of pristine wetlands stretching across the valley. Over 200 bird species have been identified in the refuge and nearly 70 species use it to nest. The main attraction is the 12-mile auto tour that takes you on a large loop through the wetlands. Make sure to bring binoculars and note the tour can take about 1.5 hours to complete.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, a short drive east through the mountains leads to the serene Mantua Reservoir. Kayaking, boating and fishing are popular summer pastimes, and there are multiple hiking trails along the mountains and around the lake.

For dinner and a taste of nostalgia, head to Peach City, a beloved Brigham City drive-in that’s been serving up classic American fare since 1937. Skip the parking bay and step inside, where retro red-and-white diner booths and tabletop jukeboxes set the scene. A burger with fries is the staple, but it’s the homemade ice cream that truly shines. And if you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the legendary peach shake — made with locally harvested peaches.

Brigham’s Main Street, three blocks down the road, is a great place to walk off the meal and wander through the various shops. And a box of hand-dipped chocolates from Idle Isle Candy, one of Utah’s oldest businesses that opened in 1921, is a perfect souvenir or late-night snack.

Where to Stay: Brigham City, where you'll find some recognizable hotel and motel options.

View of Spiral Jetty — **Spiral Jetty** | Sandra Salvas

Day 2

Golden Spike to Spiral Jetty

114 Miles

Start your day with an early drive to Golden Spike National Historical Park, just 30 miles west of Brigham City. It was here, on May 10, 1869, that the first transcontinental railroad was completed — an achievement that united the East and West Coasts and changed the course of American history. At Promontory Summit, you can walk along the original rail line and stand at the very spot where the golden spike was driven. Plan your visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day to witness a locomotive steam demonstration followed by a reenactment of this iconic moment.

One of the most mesmerizing sights in Box Elder County is the iconic Spiral Jetty, which is about a 30-minute drive down a rugged dirt road southwest of Promontory Summit — a route that also happens to be great for mountain biking. As you make your final turn along the lake, you might notice the waters magically change color. Sometimes this part of the Great Salt Lake is pink, red or purple due to the types of microorganisms. The spiral sculpture, constructed from 6,500 tons of rock and earth, appears otherworldly as it shifts with the lake’s changing water levels. Pack plenty of food and water as there are no facilities nearby.

On your drive back toward town along State Route 83, keep an eye out for an unexpected roadside gem that will intrigue science and history buffs: the Northrop Grumman Rocket Garden. This free visitor site showcases a fascinating collection of rockets and missiles outside the company's desert testing facility.

From here, head slightly north to the small city of Tremonton, where you'll discover an open-air gallery of large, vibrant murals painted on several buildings, showcasing the city’s history and culture. One mural honors Chief Sagwitch and the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, commemorating their struggle for survival after the Bear River Massacre in 1863, another depicts the oldest rodeo in the state.

No trip to Box Elder is complete without dining at Maddox Ranch House, a family-style restaurant that proudly claims the title of Utah’s original steakhouse since 1949. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the cozy charm of a warm log cabin atmosphere. The hospitality is immediately evident as your waiter places a fresh bowl of hot homemade ranch rolls on the table, accompanied by honey and raspberry butter. Maddox Ranch House serves up savory specials, from their famous fried chicken to prime rib. Reservations are highly recommended, and don't forget to indulge in a slice of their delicious cream pie to complete the experience.

Where to Stay: Brigham City

The Golden Spike National Historic Park allows visitors to relive history with exhibits and demonstrations.

At the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge visitor center, visitors can learn about the 74,000 acres of pristine wetlands stretching across the valley.

Photo: Rob Canfield

Peach City is a beloved Brigham City drive-in that’s been serving up classic American fare since 1937.

Photo: Marc Piscotty

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, a short drive east through the mountains leads to the serene Mantua Reservoir.

Photo: Rob Canfield

While an abundance of fruit is grown in Box Elder, none are as famous as the peaches.

Photo: Marc Piscotty

Nearly 50,000 attendees come for the multi-faceted Brigham City Peach Days weekend, typically held in September.

Photo: Steve Greenwood

More Things to Do in Box Elder County

Sun Tunnels and Lucin

In the county's remote northwest corner, near the ghost town of Lucin, artist Nancy Holt built one of the defining works of American land art. The Sun Tunnels are four concrete cylinders arranged in an open X on the floor of the Great Basin Desert, each drilled with holes that map the constellations Draco, Perseus, Columba and Capricorn. On the summer and winter solstices, the sun frames itself perfectly through the tunnels at sunrise and sunset.