Can you name the oldest town in Utah? If you said Salt Lake City, you're wrong. Every Utahn knows the story of Brigham Young standing at the foot of Emigration Canyon and declaring this to be the "right place," but he and the Mormon pioneers arrived in July, 1847. By then, our oldest town had already been settled for two years! Ogden, established in 1845, might get overshadowed by its larger cousin to the south, but it has every bit as much history and charm. Here's why you should visit!
Miles Goodyear built his cabin in 1845.
This tiny cabin is the oldest non-Native American structure in the Beehive State. He also established Fort Buenaventura, which the Mormons purchased from him in the fall of 1847 for the sum of $1,950.
Today, Ogden is a thriving community of over 84,000 people.
Nestled between Ogden and Weber Canyons, Ogden is Utah's seventh-largest city.
You know you're in Ogden when you see this welcome arch.
The arch was built in 1936, and is one of the city's most iconic features.
Union Station stands proudly in Ogden.
Ogden has always been a railroad town. When the transcontinental rail line was completed in Promontory in 1869, Ogden had the honor of building the rail station that would serve it. The first station burned down in 1923, but a new one quickly took its place. While it no longer serves as a rail station, it's the home to the Utah State Railroad Museum, John M. Browning Firearms Museum, Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum. 2501 South Wall Avenue.
Beuss pond is a hidden little gem.
Located behind Weber State University, this pretty little green area is an oasis in the city.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby.
You can hike in the foothills above the city for views like this!
Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is fun for the whole family.
Walk through this fun park to see dozens of dinosaurs. The museum has some real dino bones, too. 1544 Park Blvd., Ogden.
We have pride in our Ogden Raptors.
Check out a game at Lindquist Field. 2330 Lincoln Avenue.
The historic Ben Lomond hotel is the only one of Utah's three "grand" hotels to operate today as a hotel.
Built in 1927, this beauty is one of Ogden's most wonderful historic buildings - and it's rumored to be haunted!
25th street offers entertainment for everyone.
This little historic district has plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment. It's "small town charm" in a bigger city.
Weber State University is the crown jewel of the city.
Founded in 1889, the university educates around 27,000 students. The beautiful, 500-acre campus sits on Ogden's east bench, with the Wasatch mountains in its backyard and a view of the valley from its front. 3848 Harrison Blvd.
What's your favorite thing about Ogden? We love to read your comments!
Utah's small towns are awfully charming, too. Take our road trip to visit 10 of them.
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