Nine Best Things to Do in Box Elder County

Box Elder County sits at the northwest corner of Utah, and is full of surprises in its diversity of offerings. There is something for everyone, including science lovers, history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and patrons of the arts.

Kristen Clay

February 14, 2022

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Box Elder County.

“We have a taste of the country and a taste of the city. We love and embrace the cowboy life, ranching and farming spirit. We are very connected to the land,” longtime resident, Jennilyn McKinnon, says.

A favorite family event for the McKinnon’s is to go watch the annual sheepherding drives. The public roads are closed off, so that sheep, by the hundreds, can be driven to the meadows for grazing.

For history buffs, the Golden Spike National Historical Park is open year-round. Replicas of Victorian-era steam engines, walks or drives exploring historic rails, programs for children and adults, along with a museum, and reenactments of the Golden Spike ceremony in the summer months are only a few of the offerings at the Park.

For science lovers, the (Morton Thiokol) ATK Rocket Garden boasts a rocket launcher for the space shuttle as well as other rockets and engines that are manufactured at their facility.

The Bear River Migratory Bird refuge will delight nature enthusiasts. Seasonally, these 80,000 acres of marshes, open water, uplands, and alkali mudflats feature over 250 species of migrating birds as well as 67 species of nesting birds. A 12-mile auto tour route is ideal for observing wildlife, birding, and photography. The Wildlife Education Center is the best place to begin your adventure.

World-famous land art, including the Spiral Jetty and Sun Tunnels are must-sees for anyone seeking a unique discovery.

Cultural arts are alive and well here. Heritage Theatre and the Old Barn feature live musicals and plays, and The Brigham City Fine Arts Center offers a wide range of artistic performances and classes.

Crystal Hot Springs, with the highest mineral content in the world, is the perfect place to soak and relax after enjoying all Box Elder has to offer.

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Kristen Clay

Storyteller Kristen Clay founded the original, award-winning Ogden and Salt Lake City Ghost Tours in 2002. Impressed by Utah’s rich culture and history, Kristen set out to study its stories. As she began interviewing the merchants and residents of Northern Utah, she came across the usual tales of pioneers, immigrants, hardships, and survival, but was surprised to hear many bizarre and interesting ghost stories among them. In addition to being creator, and director of Story Tours: Ogden and SLC Ghost Tours, Hysterical History Tours, and custom storytelling concerts, Kristen has circled the globe as a storyteller, actor, writer, teacher, and perpetual student. She is known for bringing various cultures alive to audiences around the world. She has a passion for healing and inspirational stories that she is often privileged to share in schools, prisons, rehab facilities, and youth-in-custody. Kristen is the co-author of three books. Haunted Salt Lake City, Spooks and Saints, and the recently released, Ghostly Tales of Salt Lake City for middle-grades. Her greatest joy is watching her audiences and readers make connections with different cultures and experiences, then remember their own stories.