Ogden, Utah, a city nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, often surprises visitors with its distinct character. While it shares Utah’s stunning scenery and access to world-class skiing, Ogden possesses a unique history that sets it apart from other cities in the state. Unlike most Utah settlements founded by the Mormon Church, Ogden’s origins lie in the bustling railroad industry. This difference has fostered a spirit of independence and a touch of rebelliousness, earning it the playful moniker of Salt Lake City’s "devious little sister."
The railroad era, while bringing its share of crime and outlaws, also cultivated a contrarian and innovative spirit that continues to define Ogden. Today, this city, conveniently located just 35 minutes north of the Salt Lake City International Airport, is a vibrant destination attracting a diverse crowd. From outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs and art aficionados, Ogden offers a captivating blend of experiences. Let’s explore the The 11 Best Things To Do in Ogden, Utah that make this city a must-visit.
1. Take a Stroll Down Historic 25th Street
Step back in time as you wander down Historic 25th Street, the pulsating heart of Ogden. This vibrant thoroughfare has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the dedication and passion of local residents who revitalized what was once a lively but later neglected main street. Today, 25th Street is a feast for the senses, boasting colorful murals created by talented local artists and the opportunity to observe artists at work in their studios at The Monarch, a creative hub.
Food lovers will rejoice in the diverse culinary offerings along this street. For a sophisticated dining experience, Table 25 is a must. This farm-to-table restaurant, opened by a local couple who named it after the table number of their first date, serves up innovative fusion dishes. While every entree is a delight, be sure to indulge in their homemade herbed biscuits with honey butter. For a more casual atmosphere, stop by the original Roosters Brewing, a pioneer in the area’s burgeoning craft beer and spirits scene.
2. Try a Unique Style of Urban Fishing
The Ogden River, a picturesque waterway that meanders through the city, offers not only scenic beauty but also a unique opportunity to try your hand at Japanese fly fishing. Tenkara, a minimalist form of fly fishing that eschews the traditional reel, is remarkably easy to learn. Utah Tenkara, founded by a U.S. Army veteran who discovered the sport during his service, offers guided fly fishing excursions on the river. Within minutes, you’ll be casting your line and experiencing the thrill of catching your own fish. This accessible and engaging activity is a perfect way to connect with nature in an urban setting.
3. Go Stargazing
Escape the city lights and embark on a celestial adventure in Ogden. North Fork Park, a sprawling 2,600-acre expanse renowned for hiking and camping, has also been designated as an International Dark Sky location. This free and publicly accessible site provides the perfect setting for stargazing. Bring a telescope or simply spread out a blanket on the grass and lose yourself in the vastness of the night sky.
For an even more immersive experience, book a Starwalk Tour at the Compass Rose Lodge’s Observatory. Equipped with a professional-grade telescope, generously donated by the Astronomy Department at Weber State University and once used by the renowned Stephen Hawking, the observatory offers breathtaking views of distant planets and galaxies. The high-quality equipment allows guests to observe celestial wonders with remarkable clarity.
4. Get Prehistoric at Utah’s Dinosaur Park
Unleash your inner paleontologist at Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, a captivating blend of education and entertainment. This park brings the prehistoric world to life through the artistry and robotics. The park features over 100 life-size dinosaur sculptures, meticulously crafted based on authentic fossilized skeletons, as well as several full-size actual skeletons. Interactive exhibits provide insights into the appearance, sounds, and daily lives of these magnificent creatures, as envisioned by scientists. The Dinosaur Park is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages, offering an engaging and educational journey back in time.
5. Climb a Mountain With Via Ferrata
For a thrilling and unique outdoor adventure, try via ferrata, a form of rock climbing that originated in Italy. This innovative technique utilizes rebar drilled into the mountainside to create a ladder system, allowing climbers to ascend challenging terrain with relative ease. Climbers are securely harnessed to the wiring system, making via ferrata an excellent introduction to rock climbing for beginners. While popular in Europe, with over 2,000 courses, via ferrata is still relatively rare in the United States. Utah boasts two courses, one in Zion National Park and the other in Ogden’s Waterfall Canyon. Utah Via Ferrata offers guided tours through three levels of difficulty, catering to climbers of all experience levels. Even the beginner-friendly level one course offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the cascading waterfall that gives the canyon its name.
6. Hit The Trails
No visit to Utah is complete without immersing yourself in the stunning natural landscape. Ogden offers a plethora of hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels and preferences. Waterfall Canyon Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of a 200-foot waterfall and the majestic Wasatch Mountains. For a more challenging trek, the Skyline Trail traverses the entire Northern Wasatch ridge line, offering breathtaking vistas in exchange for steep inclines and switchbacks. If a leisurely stroll is more your style, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a mostly flat path that winds through the Salt Lake Valley, provides stunning views of the lake and the area’s native flora.
7. See Live Music Outdoors
Ogden’s strategic location between Denver and Las Vegas makes it a popular stop for touring musical acts. The city hosts a vibrant live music scene, with the summer twilight concerts at the amphitheater at the end of 25th Street being a highlight. These outdoor concerts, held between July and September, often coincide with Ogden’s First Friday Art Stroll, allowing visitors to browse local art and shops on 25th Street before or after the show. June marks the annual Ogden Music Festival, a three-day celebration of bluegrass, folk, and Americana music. The Blues, Brews & BBQ summer series at the nearby Snowbasin resort offers another opportunity to enjoy live music and delicious food amidst stunning mountain scenery every Sunday during the summer months.
8. Learn About Ogden’s Railroad History at Union Station
Delve into Ogden’s rich railroad heritage at Union Station, once a vital hub for rail service in the United States. In its heyday, nearly every transcontinental traveler passed through Ogden. Today, Union Station stands as a monument to the city’s railroad legacy. Located at the end of Historic 25th Street, it houses four museums, including the renowned John M. Browning Firearms Museum and the Utah State Railroad Museum, home to two of the largest locomotives ever built. The Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum and the Myra Powell Gallery are also well worth a visit.
9. Drink Like the Locals
Despite Utah’s reputation for strict alcohol laws, Ogden boasts a thriving craft beverage scene. Over the past decade, the city has experienced a surge in brewing and distilling, with each producer adding their unique touch to their products. Roosters Brewing Co. led the way, pioneering a diverse range of beer styles, from traditional lagers to innovative brews like Blackberry Cream Ales. Other notable options include Ogden River Brewing and Talisman Brewing, a veteran-owned and operated brewery. New World Distillery is a local favorite for handcrafted spirits, with their Wasatch Blossom Tart Cherry Liqueur being a must-try.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Ogden’s Shooting Star Saloon, the oldest continuously operating bar west of the Mississippi, with a history spanning over 200 years, even surviving Prohibition. This quirky dive bar offers a simple menu of beer and burgers but guarantees a good time.
10. Learn About Nature
For a more relaxed experience of Utah’s natural beauty, Ogden offers several options that require minimal exertion. The Ogden Nature Center, encompassing 152 acres of preserved land, invites visitors to wander through gardens and observe native wildlife. The center also hosts a variety of events, from concerts to their popular Birds and Brews series, which combines guided birdwatching walks with local beer. The Ogden Botanical Garden, spanning 11 acres of public gardens, is a great place to witness Utah’s spectacular wildflower season.
11. Hit the Slopes
Utah’s reputation for exceptional skiing extends to Ogden, which is conveniently located near three renowned ski resorts. Each resort is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Ogden, and a winter ski bus provides easy access to each location. Nordic Valley is ideal for skiers of all levels and offers excellent night skiing. Powder Mountain, the largest resort in the United States, boasts vast terrain and pristine powder. Snowbasin, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, is also set to welcome a new Club Med resort. For a unique and boutique lodging experience, the Compass Rose Lodge doubles as a museum, showcasing ski gear from past Olympians, including one of the earliest chair lifts.
These The 11 Best Things To Do in Ogden, Utah offer a glimpse into what awaits visitors in Ogden, Utah.
The 11 Best Things To Do in Ogden, Utah offers something for everyone.
