I grew up in a small, rural town on the East Coast but living in a major city in the Southwest has me longing for the simple life again, especially as I get older. Whenever I take a day trip or a weekend getaway these days, it's not to another city but rather to a small town that takes at least an hour to get to. One small town in Utah that I think you might like to visit is Loa.

Loa is the county seat of Wayne County and, therefore, the center of its shopping, banking, and education. As of 2024, the town's population is around 514, so it's a very small place!

As far as the Loa, Utah history goes, the town was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1876. It may be surprising, but Loa is named after a volcano in Hawaii, but there's an explanation for that — a Mormon missionary by the name of Franklin Young had spent some time serving there. Due to the town's high elevation like the volcano it's named after, the Hawaiian name "Loa" seemed fitting. The town was eventually incorporated in 1919.

So, you may be wondering, what are the best places to visit in Loa, Utah. Well, let's find out! First of all, Loa sits at an elevation of 7,045 feet, so you can imagine the mountains, hiking, and views you can experience here.

Loa is close to Fishlake National Forest, Boulder Mountain, Thousand Lakes Mountain, and Capitol Reef National Park, so it's a great home base for anyone who wants to explore the great outdoors. There are so many outdoor activities to partake in, like hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, that you can spend an entire day out in the fresh air and scenery.

If you prefer to stay in town, you can visit one of the community parks like Harold Brown Park or Turner Park. There are some lovely historic buildings you can marvel at in town such as the 1897 Wayne Stake Tithing Office which is now a museum. For dining options, there's the Miriana Country Cafe for a homey, sit-down meal, and Soda Pipeline for something quick.

Loa, Utah offers a slow pace of life with friendly locals and a community feel. If you need to escape for a day or a weekend, a visit to Loa will give you the peace and quiet you may be looking for.

Have you ever visited Loa, a small town in Utah? If not, I think you should take a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore this remote place. Wondering where to stay in Loa, Utah? Take a look at The 1898 Rock House, a charming historic home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, and make a reservation on Airbnb. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, book a stay at The Snuggle Inn.