Any way you slice it, Box Elder County offers a taste of just about everything for anyone who is looking. Most of the County's communities are located within an hour's drive of Salt Lake City. That means easy access to the symphony, the ballet, theater, restaurants and the University of Utah. Brigham City is also nearly equidistant from Ogden to the south and Logan to the north. These cities, lass than a 30-minute drive, are home to Weber State University and Utah State University, respectively. Add to this the many cultural and sporting events, and these cities offer more than anyone could hope for - including access to skiing, shopping and fine dining.
Box Elder County visitors need not to leave the county to have outdoor fun - or even an indoor dose of culture - year round. Year round activities, cultural events, and outdoor sports are all available within the county. If you're looking for ways to appreciate Box Elder County, check out some of the great information below.
Communities
Box Elder County is home to numerous cities and towns. Listed below are just a few of the great communities located in Box Elder County.
Brigham City - "Gateway to Northern Utah and Western Living" and the seat of government for Box Elder County, Brigham City is an attractive, modern family community providing a secure and activity-filled environment suited to the professional, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of a broad range of interests.
Mantua - Mantua, first known as "Little Valley", is a little basin about 1 mile wide and 2 1/4 miles long, completely surrounded by mountains. It was well known to the early trappers and hunters. Indian Trail was the major trail for Indian tribes and early mountain men. Although the recently improved four-lane highway gives easy access East to Logan or West to Brigham City, Mantua still enjoys the seclusion of a little valley nestled within the slopes of the majestic mountain range, providing country living at its best.
Willard - Willard, the southernmost community in Box Elder County along US 89, is nestled beneath majestic Willard peak in the mountains to the east. Seven miles north is Brigham City, and Ogden is thirteen miles to the south. To the west are salt flats and the fresh water Willard Bay, created in 1964. Exceptionally beautiful are the sunsets reflecting off the water from the Bay, seen from Willard. A trip to Willard Peak is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley below. Willard had its beginning in 1851, when several companies of settlers were sent out from Salt Lake City.
Attractions and Recreation
Spiral Jetty - The spiral jetty was built by an artist named Robert Smithson in April, 1970. At that time the elevation of the Great Salt Lake was 4,195 feet. When the lake elevation drops to 4,197 feet the tops of some of the rocks of the jetty can be seen poking above the surface of the water. Therefore, to view the jetty from ground level, the lake elevation can be no higher that 4,197 feet. Typically, the Great Salt Lake is at its lowest levels in October and November of each year.
Golden Spike National Historic Site - Visit the spot where the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific railways met. View the team locomotives Jupiter and 119, and ranger programs. Reenactments are featured twice yearly while other year-round events include plays, films, self-guided tours and more.
Willard Bay - Willard Bay State Park is conveniently located along the Wasatch Front near major metropolitan areas. Willard Bay State Park offers a host of water recreation opportunities. At an elevation of 4,200 feet, Willard Bay's lengthy boating season attracts boaters, anglers, sunbathers, swimmers, and birdwatchers year-round. The park has modern rest rooms, developed sandy beaches, sewage disposal station, group facilites, boat ramp and two campgrounds.
Crystal Springs - Relax in the warm mineral waters that abound in this Honeyville resort. Natural pools and saunas make for an enjoyable, soothing visit for the whole family. Year-round Family Fun: Camping; Swimming; Fishing. Home for more than 130 RV hookups. Enjoy family reunions in shady picnic areas on its spacious and scenic grounds. Relax in its soothing, warm and refreshing mineral waters enriched by the mingling of hot and cold springs. And water-slide thrills in summer and winter.
Bird Refuge - Come to the wilds or our bird refuge: 72,000 acres filled with a wide variety of birds, including the rare tundra swan, the white-faced ibis, and the Western grebe. Visitors may drive or bicycle on a 12-mile auto tour route which starts and ends at the old headquarters site. Activities are confined to the auto tour route dike. The Refuge auto tour route is open every day from sunrise to sunset except January through mid-March.
Belmont Springs - Swim, golf, picnic, camp, and even scuba dive in the middle of winter at this warm mineral water resort. RV hookups and snack bar are available. Tropical fish and lobsters are raised right on the property in the 95 degree water. Located one mile south of Plymouth.
Mantua - The Mantua Reservoir offers swimming, boating, and year round fishing. Enjoy the speed boat racing and competition water-skiing over Mantua's Little Valley Days. Nestled in a small valley of the heart of the Wasatch mountains, Mantua's small community offers beauty all around.
Marble Park - Have a picnic lunch or barbecue while the children enjoy the playground with all its features. The whole family will enjoy viewing the display of horsedrawn equipment and wagons from the 1880's. This wonderful attraction is located just 20 miles from the Golden Spike Site, and admission is free.
Sun Tunnels - The Sun Tunnels near Lucin were built in 1976 by Artist Nancy Holt. The four concrete tubes, each 18 feet long and 9 feet in diameter, with open ends aligned with the points on the horizon where the sun rises and sets at the winter and summer solstices.
Festivals
Golden Spike Reenactment (May) - It's May! The month of the Golden Spike reenactment. When the Central Pacific Railroad met and connected to the Union Pacific Railroad at Promontory, Utah, it was the beginning of the end for the American. On May 10, every year, there is a reenactment of the driving of the Golden Spike held at Promontory Utah.
County Fair & Rodeo (August) - This exciting event takes place in late August. Activities include a parade, a carnival, bandstand shows, and the oldest rodeo in Utah, just to name a few.
Peach Days (September) - The oldest continuing harvest festival in Utah. Held in Brigham City the weekend after Labor Day in September, the festival boasts a parade, antique car show, Dutch oven cook-off, arts and crafts show, and a carnival ? something to excite everyone!
