Quirky Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find in Utah
A quirky roadside detour in southern Utah is the town of Kanab, about two hours east of St. George. Known as “Little Hollywood,” Kanab earned its nickname as the backdrop for countless Western movies and TV shows since the 1920s. Visitors can soak up this cinematic legacy at the Kanab Heritage Museum, where vintage film posters and cowboy memorabilia bring the Old West to life. Strolling through the town’s colorful streets, you’ll find kitschy gift shops and classic diners that echo the silver screen’s heyday. The best time to visit is spring or fall when the weather is mild, and nearby slot canyons and national parks are comfortable for exploration.
Heading north to near Salt Lake City, the Spiral Jetty on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake offers a surreal experience that’s part art installation, part geological wonder. Created by Robert Smithson in 1970, this massive coil of black basalt rocks stretches 1,500 feet into the shimmering pinkish waters. Accessible via a dirt road about 90 minutes northwest of Salt Lake City, the Jetty reveals different moods depending on the lake’s water levels and the shifting mineral deposits. Early morning light or late afternoon glow casts dramatic shadows, making it a favorite for photographers and those intrigued by land art in a remote, almost alien landscape.
Further east near Moab, the town itself serves as a gateway to some of Utah’s oddest natural and cultural attractions, but the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park sets itself apart with life-sized dinosaur replicas and interactive exhibits just a few miles south of downtown. This outdoor museum combines paleontology with a whimsical twist, where visitors can walk among towering, animatronic dinosaurs on a shaded trail. It’s a hands-on way to connect with the prehistoric past, with informative plaques that bring Utah’s rich fossil history to life. Late spring and early fall offer pleasant weather to explore the open-air park without the summer crowds or heat.
In central Utah, the town of Helper, about two hours southeast of Salt Lake City, proudly embraces its coal mining history through its quirky Main Street filled with murals, antique shops, and a surprisingly eclectic collection of art galleries. The Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum here holds a fascinating trove of fossils and Native American artifacts, highlighting the area’s ancient and cultural heritage. The small-town vibe and offbeat charm make Helper a delightful stop, especially in summer during its lively arts and music festivals that transform the town into a vibrant hub of creativity.
Out west, the historic mining town of Park City, roughly 35 minutes east of Salt Lake City, offers a fascinating blend of upscale ski resort culture and old-west authenticity. The Park City Museum, housed in a restored 1880s bank building, tells the town’s colorful story through exhibits featuring mining tools, vintage photographs, and quirky memorabilia. Walking along Main Street feels like stepping back in time, with preserved storefronts next to trendy boutiques and restaurants. The best time to visit for a mix of history and lively atmosphere is during the Sundance Film Festival in January, when the town buzzes with energy and eclectic visitors from around the globe.
Driving south toward the Arizona border, the town of Escalante, about three hours southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park, invites visitors to explore the nearby Devil’s Garden Trailhead in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This short, easy loop trail reveals an unusual landscape filled with hoodoos, natural arches, and petrified wood, in a place where the geology feels otherworldly. The trail’s quirky rock formations and quiet desert solitude make it a hidden gem far from the typical Utah tourist circuits. Autumn, when temperatures cool and the high desert light softens, is the perfect season to experience the area’s dramatic contrasts.
Finally, a surprising quirky stop can be found in Ogden, about 40 minutes north of Salt Lake City, at the historic Union Station. This old railroad hub now houses several museums, including the Utah State Railroad Museum and a classic car collection, blending transportation history with a nod to Americana roadside culture. The restored architecture and vintage locomotives create a nostalgic atmosphere that’s both educational and fun. Visiting on a crisp fall day or during winter’s holiday events adds a festive touch to the experience, as the station’s grand hall transforms with lights and decorations, capturing a timeless sense of journey and discovery.