Cache: Nature, Culture and Experiences

Cache is suited to travelers who want to combine nature experiences with culture and regional history. Offerings range from fishing and canoeing to hiking trails, museums, theaters and seasonal events. When searching for a hotel, it helps to plan your stay around the experiences that interest you most.

Nature, Water and Hiking Trails

At Hardware WMA, anglers with a valid license can catch several trout species year-round. Almost 15 miles of streams and rivers are available for fishing. Access to Hardware WMA is via State Route 101, also known as Blacksmith Fork Canyon Road. This paved state road is regularly cleared in winter; caution is still advised during snowstorms.

The Wildlife Education Center at Hardware WMA offers exhibits and educational programs for all ages. On days when the center is open, guided walks and craft projects are also available. In winter, Haviland's Old West Adventures offers horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides through the elk herd. Rides last about 45 minutes and run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 5 to February 15, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dates and operating days may change; check before traveling.

The Tony Grove Day Use Area provides access to Tony Grove Lake and backcountry trails; the roads and parking areas are paved. Fishing and canoeing are possible on the lake. Distances vary considerably among the listed loop hikes: the Wind Caves Trail is 2 miles long and leads to natural rock formations above the canyon floor. The approximately 8-mile White Pine Lake Trail passes through mountain terrain to a high-elevation lake. Along the Logan River, numerous access points for anglers are located beside Highway 89. The Riverside Nature Trail is an easy, family-friendly riverside walk.

Culture, History and Theaters

The American West Heritage Center combines live demonstrations with hands-on activities such as gold panning and ax throwing. Its seasonal events celebrate the region's agricultural heritage. Since 1993, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre has presented performances at the Ellen Eccles Theatre on Main Street. The Lyric Repertory Company performs at the historic Caine Lyric Theatre and on the Utah State University campus.

The museums also cover a range of subjects. The Hyrum Museum explores the history of southern Cache Valley from prehistoric times through the mid-20th century. In downtown Logan, the Cache Museum preserves and displays artifacts, photographs and the history of Cache Valley's earliest settlers. On the Utah State University campus, the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art presents a nationally recognized permanent collection, with particular strengths in ceramics and Native American art. The Utah State University Museum of Anthropology features exhibits about the early inhabitants of the Great Basin and other regions of the world, including Polynesia.

Events and Regional Flavors

The Cache County Fair and Rodeo takes place during the first full week of August and draws about 50,000 participants and spectators over the course of a week. In July, the Cache Valley Cruise-In features a three-day car show at the County Fairgrounds. More than 800 vehicles are displayed, and the event attracts thousands of visitors. Check the dates for the year of your trip before planning your stay around the event.

The Cache Valley Foodie Trek is a self-guided culinary tour through Logan and the surrounding valley, featuring family-owned businesses, farms and artisan businesses. You can choose individual stops or plan a full-day tasting tour; some businesses offer tours or tastings. At Bluebird Candy, visitors can watch candy being made. The company has been making hand-dipped chocolates since 1914.

Offerings range from short walking paths to longer loop hikes, and from seasonal events to collections with a regional or broader perspective.

Discover more destinations: Logan, Providence, Kane County, Sevier County, Salt Lake, Iron, Tooele, Emery

Return to the main travel overview: Utah.