Box Elder County: Ticks Every Box

If you’re looking for the perfect family getaway, Box Elder County has something to suit every taste. Located on the northern end of the Great Salt Lake, Box Elder stretches north to the Idaho border and west to the Nevada border, covering vast expanses of desert which contrast with the high, leafy mountains. Bird lovers will be overjoyed by the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, one of the best birding locations in the whole world. The refuge covers 80,000 acres of pristine wetlands and is the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. It is considered one of the most valuable wetland areas of the Intermountain West.

Bear River birding

The refuge is located on the edges of both the Pacific and Central Flyways and is a key spot for birds in both. Over 250 bird species have been identified in the refuge and nearly 70 species use it to nest. Bear River hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of White-faced Ibis and is one of the three largest colonies of American White Pelicans in North America. Bear River is the best way to add new rare and common birds to your list, and watching the sun set over the Great Salt Lake is a truly unforgettable experience. However, Box Elder County has more than just birds to offer.

Birds in Willard Bay

American Avocet bird

Foodies will love Maddox Ranch House, which has been called “Utah’s Original Steakhouse.” It truly has a style and taste that is incomparable. Whether you opt for the famous shrimp steak, turkey steak, the sautéed ground bison or the delicious fried chicken, you will not be disappointed. After you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, why not take some time out at the Crystal Hot Springs, a spring with the highest mineral content in the world. Reenergize, recuperate, relax and rejuvenate.

Chrystal hot Springs

For art enthusiasts, a trip to see Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty and Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels is a must. Holt explores the human perception of time and space, earth and sky. She built the Sun Tunnels as a unique art project which was completed in 1976. The four tunnels are huge concrete tubes - 9 feet high by 18 feet long - laid out in an X shape, each drilled with holes to pattern the constellations of Draco, Perseus, Columbia, and Capricorn. Two of the tunnels align with the setting and rising sun during the summer solstice and two line up during the winter solstice.

Spiral Jetty

History buffs will get a kick out of the Golden Spike National Historic Site. In 1869, this was where the first transcontinental railroad was completed. During the 1860s, the United States Congress ordered that a railroad be built across the nation in an effort to connect the sparsely populated western half of the nation with the more established areas in the East. The last spike to join the two was driven by Leland Stanford, the President of Southern Pacific Railroad, at Promontory Summit, Utah, May 10th, 1869. You can stand on the actual spot the golden spikes were driven into the ground and participate in a re-enactment of the ceremony.

Brigham Depot

If you need a snack to keep you going for more adventures, follow the old Highway 89, Utah’s official Fruitway, and other nooks and crannies along the way, to find the very best in local home-grown fruits, veggies and other products in Northern Utah.

Utah’s official Fruitway

History, art, relaxation, nature, food… Box Elder County ensures there’ll never be a dull moment on your family holiday!

Peach Days Evening

Sponsored by Box Elder County

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I fell in love with traveling much earlier than I fell in love with my first man. And I'm still faithful to that love (But I have exchanged some men since my first one). I have never had a reason to regret my passion. I constantly dream of going further, it gives me indescribable emotions and meaning to my life.

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