The Beehive State has some pretty impressive places that are famous all over the world. Spots like Zion National Park draw tourists from thousands of miles away, but there are also some Utah hidden gems that are much lesser-known. Hop in your car and take our hidden gem road trip to find some exciting spots in Northern Utah where you won’t find many tourists.
This Hidden Gem Road Trip takes you through Northern Utah to see everything from World War II planes, to dinosaurs, to a stunning outdoor art installation. The trip is just a little over 86 miles and we suggest dedicating an entire day to ensure you can see everything.
Google Maps For an even better trip, plan an overnight stay in Ogden or Brigham City!
Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill AFB
kayakergrl2017/Tripadvisor Our first stop on this road trip is a hidden gem in Utah that thousands of people drive right past every day. Located at Hill Air Force Base just off I-15, the Aerospace Museum has more than 90 planes, missiles, and military vehicles. Plus, admission is free! 7961 Cottonwood St, Hill AFB, UT 84056, USA
Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, Ogden
Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park/Facebook Continue to Ogden for your next stop. Dinosaur lovers of all ages will have fun at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. The dinosaurs are displayed in realistic settings, tucked amongst the trees. Some of them will even roar at you. This is one of those unique places to visit in Utah that you’ll want to add to your bucket list ASAP. 1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401, USA
The Greenery Restaurant, Ogden
The Greenery Restaurant/Facebook After your visit with the dinosaurs, it’s time for some lunch. The Greenery Restaurant is just around the corner and it serves delicious, homemade food. You’ll love the Mormon muffins! 1875 Valley Dr, Ogden, UT 84401, USA
Cold Springs Trout Farm, Fruitland
Cold Springs Trout Farm/Facebook Drop your lines into one of the trout ponds at Cold Springs Trout Farm and you’re guaranteed to pull out a rainbow trout that measures anywhere from six inches to a whopping 30-inches long. No need to tell tall tales after visiting this trout farm! 2284 Fruitland Dr, Ogden, UT 84414, USA
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City
USFWS Mountain Prairie/flickr The 80,000 acres of marshland and open water at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provide an oasis for more than 250 migratory bird species throughout the year. Bring your binoculars — you won’t want to miss a single thing at this Utah hidden gem. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 2155 W Forest St, Brigham City, UT 84302, USA
Golden Spike National Historic Site, Corinne
Mwxz/Tripadvisor Utah made history on May 10, 1869, when the last spike was driven to connect the Transcontinental Railroad. Visitors can check out replicas of the steam engines The Jupiter and the No. 119, and can even see reenactments of the last spike ceremony every Saturday. Corinne Cutoff, Corinne, UT 84307, USA
Spiral Jetty, Corinne
Elizabeth Haslam/flickr The Spiral Jetty is quite a unique hidden gem in Utah. Created on the shores of the Great Salt Lake in 1970, this outdoor art installation by Robert Smithson is in a remote location, so many Utahns have never visited. If the lake levels are low when you visit, you can walk along the rocks to trace your own spiral pattern. After your stroll, hop back in your car and turn around to complete your road trip. Spiral Jetty Road, Spiral Jetty Rd, Utah 84307, USA
Are you ready to take this road trip? Check out our interactive map to help you customize this Utah hidden gems road trip for your specific starting and ending location.
Google Maps
For an even better trip, plan an overnight stay in Ogden or Brigham City!
kayakergrl2017/Tripadvisor
Our first stop on this road trip is a hidden gem in Utah that thousands of people drive right past every day. Located at Hill Air Force Base just off I-15, the Aerospace Museum has more than 90 planes, missiles, and military vehicles. Plus, admission is free!
7961 Cottonwood St, Hill AFB, UT 84056, USA
Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park/Facebook
Continue to Ogden for your next stop. Dinosaur lovers of all ages will have fun at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. The dinosaurs are displayed in realistic settings, tucked amongst the trees. Some of them will even roar at you. This is one of those unique places to visit in Utah that you’ll want to add to your bucket list ASAP.
1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401, USA
The Greenery Restaurant/Facebook
After your visit with the dinosaurs, it’s time for some lunch. The Greenery Restaurant is just around the corner and it serves delicious, homemade food. You’ll love the Mormon muffins!
1875 Valley Dr, Ogden, UT 84401, USA
Cold Springs Trout Farm/Facebook
Drop your lines into one of the trout ponds at Cold Springs Trout Farm and you’re guaranteed to pull out a rainbow trout that measures anywhere from six inches to a whopping 30-inches long. No need to tell tall tales after visiting this trout farm!
2284 Fruitland Dr, Ogden, UT 84414, USA
USFWS Mountain Prairie/flickr
The 80,000 acres of marshland and open water at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provide an oasis for more than 250 migratory bird species throughout the year. Bring your binoculars — you won’t want to miss a single thing at this Utah hidden gem.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 2155 W Forest St, Brigham City, UT 84302, USA
Mwxz/Tripadvisor
Utah made history on May 10, 1869, when the last spike was driven to connect the Transcontinental Railroad. Visitors can check out replicas of the steam engines The Jupiter and the No. 119, and can even see reenactments of the last spike ceremony every Saturday.
Corinne Cutoff, Corinne, UT 84307, USA
Elizabeth Haslam/flickr
The Spiral Jetty is quite a unique hidden gem in Utah. Created on the shores of the Great Salt Lake in 1970, this outdoor art installation by Robert Smithson is in a remote location, so many Utahns have never visited. If the lake levels are low when you visit, you can walk along the rocks to trace your own spiral pattern. After your stroll, hop back in your car and turn around to complete your road trip.
Spiral Jetty Road, Spiral Jetty Rd, Utah 84307, USA
Are there any stops you’d add to this road trip? What are some of your favorite little-known places in Utah to visit? Let us know in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Utah Hidden Gems May 13, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some little-known places in Utah I should visit? There are dozens of unique places to visit in Utah and it is hard to narrow down the best must-see attractions in the state. However, one of our favorite hidden gems in Utah is Toquerville Falls. This tiered waterfall and swimming hole is the perfect summer destination. Located in southern Utah, you can drive right to this waterfall, although a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to several rough and bumpy portions of the road. This large waterfall is perfect for splashing in the water and basking in the Utah sun. When you are craving something sweet, a visit to Spilled Milk Ice Cream and Cereal Bar is an absolute must. Located in Salt Lake City, this little-known ice cream shop infuses its ice cream with your favorite cereal, creating the ultimate treat. Plus, if you don’t want a large and impressive ice cream cone, try an ice cream sandwich, milkshake, or even a crispy treat. What are other hidden gems in Utah I should visit? One true hidden gem is Whispering Pines Covered Wagon Resort in Alton. This family-owned resort is nestled in the trees and will make you feel like a pioneer as you stay in one of its covered wagons. However, it’s not only the wagons that are remarkable but the entire property is quite exquisite. This resort offers more than 4,000 square feet of grass to relax on, a beautiful stream to sit by, hammocks, tree hut, basketball court, and more. It is one of the most delightful little-known places in Utah that the entire family will love.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Utah Hidden Gems
May 13, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some little-known places in Utah I should visit? There are dozens of unique places to visit in Utah and it is hard to narrow down the best must-see attractions in the state. However, one of our favorite hidden gems in Utah is Toquerville Falls. This tiered waterfall and swimming hole is the perfect summer destination. Located in southern Utah, you can drive right to this waterfall, although a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to several rough and bumpy portions of the road. This large waterfall is perfect for splashing in the water and basking in the Utah sun. When you are craving something sweet, a visit to Spilled Milk Ice Cream and Cereal Bar is an absolute must. Located in Salt Lake City, this little-known ice cream shop infuses its ice cream with your favorite cereal, creating the ultimate treat. Plus, if you don’t want a large and impressive ice cream cone, try an ice cream sandwich, milkshake, or even a crispy treat. What are other hidden gems in Utah I should visit? One true hidden gem is Whispering Pines Covered Wagon Resort in Alton. This family-owned resort is nestled in the trees and will make you feel like a pioneer as you stay in one of its covered wagons. However, it’s not only the wagons that are remarkable but the entire property is quite exquisite. This resort offers more than 4,000 square feet of grass to relax on, a beautiful stream to sit by, hammocks, tree hut, basketball court, and more. It is one of the most delightful little-known places in Utah that the entire family will love.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are dozens of unique places to visit in Utah and it is hard to narrow down the best must-see attractions in the state. However, one of our favorite hidden gems in Utah is Toquerville Falls. This tiered waterfall and swimming hole is the perfect summer destination. Located in southern Utah, you can drive right to this waterfall, although a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to several rough and bumpy portions of the road. This large waterfall is perfect for splashing in the water and basking in the Utah sun.
When you are craving something sweet, a visit to Spilled Milk Ice Cream and Cereal Bar is an absolute must. Located in Salt Lake City, this little-known ice cream shop infuses its ice cream with your favorite cereal, creating the ultimate treat. Plus, if you don’t want a large and impressive ice cream cone, try an ice cream sandwich, milkshake, or even a crispy treat.
What are other hidden gems in Utah I should visit?
One true hidden gem is Whispering Pines Covered Wagon Resort in Alton. This family-owned resort is nestled in the trees and will make you feel like a pioneer as you stay in one of its covered wagons. However, it’s not only the wagons that are remarkable but the entire property is quite exquisite. This resort offers more than 4,000 square feet of grass to relax on, a beautiful stream to sit by, hammocks, tree hut, basketball court, and more. It is one of the most delightful little-known places in Utah that the entire family will love.
