Clever Housewife

Reasons to Visit Ogden Utah for Vacation

by 125 Comments

Years ago, when I was a college student in Idaho, I recall spending the night at a friend’s home in Ogden, Utah. I was intrigued with the lovely town nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, just north of booming Salt Lake City. I thought then, this town deserves some exploring and a longer stay, so when the opportunity presented itself to learn more about Ogden, I jumped at the chance and now it’s on my list of places to personally explore in the future.

Ogden is rich in history and in the past boasted a fun reputation of being a bit more bawdy than its bigger sister, Salt Lake City. I learned that known gangster, Al Capone, once said Ogden was “a bit too rowdy for my taste”.

Ogden was the nearest city of size to the Golden Spike location at Promontory Summit, Utah, where the First Transcontinental Railroad was joined in 1869. It used to be said that “You can’t get anywhere without coming to Ogden.” It also used to be known as Junction City because travelers going east or west had to go to Ogden to board their train.

Ogden truly is a Junction City for the over 1 million visitors who come to discover all that Ogden has to offer. Not only can you find abundant city life, but you’ve got outdoor recreation of every type. Historic 25th street is “the place” for shoppers, foodies, history buffs, and art collectors. Also nearby are a number of museums to grab your attention: Hill Aerospace Museum, Union Station (home to four separate museums and 2 art galleries), and Treehouse Children’s Museum, to name a few.

Are you a history buff or enjoy walking tours?  You can find great examples of historic architecture, either on Historic 25th Street, or by exploring Historic Jefferson Avenue. Jefferson is host to beautiful Victorian homes, craftsman style bungalows and the original trolley line that’s still visible today. Or do you crave the outdoors? If you take a short drive up any one of the avenues leading to the Wasatch Mountains, you’ll find a number of hiking trails to suit any skill level.  City or Mountains, the choice is yours.

Outdoor fun can be enjoyed anytime of year in Ogden. For the more sedate, check out Dinosaur Park, Ogden Nature Center, Ogden Botanical Gardens and Fort Buenaventura (the original settlement name for Ogden). Fun Fact: Utah’s first settlers were the trappers at Fort Buenaventura. They arrived a year before the Mormon settlers. For the more adventurous,  explore the Ogden River Parkway, just moments away from Historic 25th Street, where you can try your hand at Blue Ribbon Fishing, visit the 3 Kayak Parks, or spend time on the serene paved bike trail.

But Wait – then comes winter when the magic really happens and the snow starts to fall as Ogden boasts it’s the Best Place for your winter activities. Just 30 minutes from downtown Ogden are 3 World Class Ski Resorts: Powder Mountain, Snowbasin Resort and Nordic Valley. Every outdoor winter sport imaginable is available to the snow lover.

Ogden is truly a junction for a vibrant city life and abundant outdoor recreation with easy access – only 35 min, from Salt Lake International Airport.

Are you ready to go? Will it be Summer, Winter, or Fall (when you can enjoy lovely fall color drives in the canyons) I know I can’t wait.

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Sponsored by Visit Ogden

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patty says

    I went once when I was a kid! My grandfather and father were both railroad men, so we made a trip to the golden spike. It was a pretty little place to visit!

  4. Amy Desrosiers says

    After watching some shows based in Utah I have been so intrigued to visit. i love the wide open landscape, and bright sunshine.

  6. Kathy says

    This sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Looks very beautiful from the photos too. I think Winter time is a great time to visit many states because of the beauty.

  7. Reesa Lewandowski says

    The #1 reason to visit is that view!!!!! We’ve never been anywhere like this and would love to see if for ourselves!

  10. gingermommyrants says

    This looks like a fun place to escape to with the family. I will have to see if I can plan a trip to Utah soon.

  11. Elizabeth Lampman says

    My kids have been asking when they can go for a Ski trip. This looks like so much fun now I am getting excited to plan something.

  13. patty says

    We spent a lot of time in Utah while we were traveling about but more in the southern part of the state. We didn’t get to visit Ogden. It sounds like a great place to visit though

  14. brianne says

    Utah is on our list for 2017! Your photos are stunning and I’m getting so excited for our trip!

  19. Brent Arceneaux says

    This looks like an amazing place to take a family vacation! Maybe one day I’ll load up the family and head out there.

  24. Jeanette says

    I have driven through Ogden Utah but I have not stopped there. It looks like there is plenty to do there for a family vacation. I would definitely be putting this on my bucket list to go with my family.

  26. Amy Desrosiers says

    I totally would love to visit this state. Look at that beautiful scenery and the town looks like something from a magazine! Love it!

  35. brianne says

    Utah is so on my list for 2017! Your photos look amazing, I cannot wait to get my kids on skies!

  40. Janis @mommyblogexpert says

    Ogden looks like such a charming and fun town. I’ve been skiing all over Utah but have never been there, but will definitely check it out the next time I’m the beautiful state of Utah.

  44. Amy Desrosiers says

    I love the mountain views Ogden Utah boasts. I would not mind exploring it someday with my family.

  46. Claudia Krusch says

    The view looks so beautiful. This would be a great getaway spot. I am hoping to get to Utah this year.

  47. Alexandrea says

    Starting in the summer, my husband and I will be travelling full-time in our Airstream. Now I know of a place to stop! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  52. Audrey Blythe says

    The photos are absolutely gorgeous and Ogden seems like such a charming place. I love historic architecture and would so enjoy seeing the varieties described in your article. Bucket list addition for sure.

  57. Claire F. Oliver says

    I only know of Ogden, UT for the IRS mailing address. Former accountant in a precious life.

  60. Saylla says

    Ogden looks like a great place to go any time of the year. I think the kids would love some kayaking, biking and just outdoor adventures in the fall. Would love to go. Thank you for sharing all this info.

  63. Tammy Shelton says

    It’s Jan. 17th nd it’s supposed to get up to 80 degrees today here in Florida so I think it would be fun to see some Utah Snow!

  64. Sherry says

    What a gorgeous place. I have rarely been outside of Canada but am hoping to travel more in the future. I enjoy discovering the history of the places I visit.

  68. Rachel V says

    I haven’t been to Utah in years. The mountain scenery is what is most appealing to me.
    I had an Aunt that lived in Ogden some 20 years ago that worked in a dress shop.

  70. Bilger Susan Scribner says

    I have never been to Utah but after reading this it sounds like estate rich in history. What I like most about it is that there are activities for every age. It would almost be impossible not to engage in something.

  71. barbg says

    It does seem like it would be a charming place to visit with all of the snow around. We didn’t get hardly any snow this year in Indiana which was strange.

  73. Andy Kukta says

    The view of the mountains from Ogden in the winter, and I know a great Pizza place there.

  76. Suzanne B says

    The Rocky Mountains, I love the mountains. I also enjoy historic districts. I admit I also like the snow as we get very little where I live.

  78. Caitlin kay says

    I think the children’s museums and the art museums would be fabulous. When we were kids, my dad would always make us go to museums and we hated it. but now, having kids, I want to do the same!

  79. Kasey R says

    Ogden looks like it’s the most breathtakingly beautiful place ever. My family and I are planning a vacation later this year and it’s my turn to pick the destination. I do believe you may have convinced me.

  80. Katie B says

    It all sounds great! I am open o visiting anywhere new. The children’s museum is always a plus for the kids.

  81. Paula Brown says

    Sounds like a great place to visit.The views on some of the pictures are breath taking. I would love to visit there.

  89. elizabeth miller says

    I love the historic look of the town area. Very rustic. I’ve never really thought about visiting Utah but I am going to look into it more.

  90. Danielle S says

    I’ve been through Ogden before, and it’s a nice place. Wouldn’t mind stopping through there again on a another time when we drive back east.

  92. Karen R says

    I have never been to Utah. Ogden looks beautiful. Maybe a side visit, when we vacation in Yellowstone is in order.

  93. Karen Glatt says

    What a really beautiful place to visit or live. Looks like a nice clean city that has a lot of fun activities for the family! I would love to take a vacation to Ogden Utah.

  96. Jodi W says

    Looks like a great place. my aunt & uncle lived near there but never had a chance to visit. such beautiful scenery!

  100. Lynne B says

    I don’t like winter sports but Ogden looks stunning any time of year. I’d love to visit someday!

  105. Taryn T says

    We are Floridians, and my kids are begging to leave the sand and water to see snow. This is sucha beautiful place. I am definitely adding it to our list.

  106. Colleen Maurina says

    I have never been to Ogden. It looks like a beautiful city with so much to do there. We will have to visit someday!

  108. Danielle Jones says

    When I was a kid I started reading books written by Richard Paul Evans. His books were set in that area. Since then I’ve always wanted to visit at Christmas time.

  109. Mary Dailey says

    I lived in Bountiul, Utah for about 3 years when I first married my second husband. I thought Utah was beautiful and the people are friendly. Quite the contrast from all the trees and wooded areas we have here in my home state of Arkansas. I would not have left Utah had it not been for my grandchildren back here in Arkansas. I miss Utah!

  122. Renee Walters says

    Utah has always been one of my dreams to live in! This place looks beautiful and I would love to go there!

  124. Laurie Nykaza says

    I have never visited Utah before but everyone says its pretty and your pictures look great of Ogden love to visit there.

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