Box Elder County: Nature and Railroad History

The wetlands at the mouth of the Bear River and the traces of the Transcontinental Railroad offer two distinct starting points for a trip through Box Elder County. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge focuses on protected wetlands; at Golden Spike National Historical Park, history leads to the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869. There are also museums, waterside trails, and seasonal experiences. You can plan your trip around nature, history, or a mix of both.

Wetlands, Lakes, and Trails

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge protects the wetlands at the mouth of the Bear River. Visitors can walk 1.5 miles of trails around the visitor center. The stated distance gives you a concrete idea of how far you can walk near the visitor center.

At Mantua Reservoir, the 4.2-mile Dike Trail is a wide, level gravel path that loops around the lake. Compared with the 1.5 miles of trails near the visitor center, the loop at the reservoir is longer; its surface and level route also offer a different trail profile. East of Mantua Reservoir, the Eagle-Rise trail system is on land owned by Brigham City.

The drive to Spiral Jetty is another point to keep in mind: the road ends at a turnaround with a parking area directly above the artwork. Road conditions can change, so check them before you drive.

Traces of the Transcontinental Railroad

At Golden Spike National Historical Park, the date May 10, 1869, marks the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. The East Auto Tour follows the original railroad grade. For a different perspective, the 1.5-mile Big Fill Loop Trail starts on the original Central Pacific grade and returns along the Union Pacific grade.

The former landscape is also evident along the Big Fill Loop Trail. The trail passes the Central Pacific’s Big Fill and the abutments that once supported the Union Pacific’s Big Trestle. The loop connects tangible traces of both railroad grades with a clearly stated, manageable distance. Chinese Arch is a natural limestone arch and a reminder of the thousands of Chinese workers who helped build the Transcontinental Railroad.

The First Ward Meeting House in Brigham City offers another glimpse into local history. It is the oldest standing church in the city; construction began in 1884 and was completed in 1886. The Brigham City Museum of Art & History houses a permanent exhibit on the history of Brigham City. The Bear River Valley Museum in Tremonton explores the history of the Bear River Valley and features works by contemporary artists from the region. The museum also has an exhibit about the Candy Bomber. Exhibits can change, so check what is currently on view before visiting.

Seasonal Experiences and Travel Tips

Utah’s Famous Fruit Way runs along U.S. Highway 89 through Box Elder County and can be driven each summer from June through October. Peach Days also brings a seasonal highlight: the community festival in Brigham City takes place every September; exact dates vary from year to year. The Golden Spike Rodeo was first held in 1925 and is Utah’s oldest continuously held rodeo.

Crystal Hot Springs is located where a hot spring and a cold spring meet. Its facilities include three jet hot tubs, a warm soaking pool, a sports pool, an Olympic-size pool, and two 360-foot waterslides. Facilities can change, so check which amenities are available before your visit.

Road connections can also help you navigate between attractions: I-15 is a major north-south interstate that provides access to Box Elder County. Near Tremonton, I-84 meets I-15 and then heads northwest into Idaho. U.S. Highway 89 offers a scenic route through historic Brigham City to Logan and Cache Valley.

You can choose a hotel location based on your planned itinerary and take the individual destinations into account as you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tremonton, Brigham City, Honeyville, Augusta County, Millard County, San Juan County, Juab, Wasatch.

For the overall travel overview: Utah.