Many of Utah’s small towns are full of historical significance. Most were settled by early Mormon pioneers, and many have interesting histories of mining or farming. Here’s a historic small town that every Utahn should visit once.
The little town of Spring City is located in central Utah, near Ephraim.
Google To find Spring City, take US-89 between Spanish Fork and Salina; it’s about halfway between.
Spring City was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1852.
Ken Lund/flickr James Allred and several of his family members founded the town. Later, immigrants from Denmark moved to Spring City and the town was nicknamed “Little Denmark.” Today, the town is home to just under 1,000 people and 50 of the buildings here are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many of the historic buildings here are private homes, such as the Behunin-Beck House.
Ken Lund/flickr Completed in 1883 by Isaac Behunin, it was sold just four years later to Simon Beck, the local postmaster who raised nine children here.
The Judge Jacob Johnson House was the largest home in town.
mbush_utah/flickr The original part of this house was built in 1875, with an addition added in 1892. Judge Johnson had two wives and served as both a circuit judge and US Congressman.
The Orson and Mary Ann Hyde House was home to one of the most distinguished members of the community.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr Orson Hyde was one of the original 12 apostles (leaders) of the Mormon church. He had eight wives, and lived with Mary Ann and two of his other wives here. He hosted Brigham Young several times while living at this home at 209 S. Main Street.
The Niels Borreson home has a sordid history.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr One of Spring City’s first homes, it was built in 1864 for Niels Borreson and his three wives. He served a couple six-month sentences at the Territorial Prison in Sugarhouse for polygamy, though he certainly wasn’t the only resident of Spring City to have multiple wives.
The Old Schoolhouse was constructed in 1899.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr This beautiful building recently underwent an extensive renovation. See it at 45 S. 100 E.
Stay overnight at the Osborne Inn.
Alan T/Tripadvisor This Victorian Inn offers four cozy rooms. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway. 216. S. Main Street. Visit Osborne Inn’s website for more information.
Spring City is well known for its artistic community. You’ll definitely want to visit Horseshoe Mountain Pottery while you’re here.
liylu/Tripadvisor Joe Bennion offers his pottery here, and his wife, Lee Bennion is a renowned painter. Look for Horseshow Mountain Pottery at 278 S. Main Street.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Das Cafe.
Das Cafe/Facebook This adorable cafe serves up the best German food you’ve ever tasted. Seriously, people come from all over the state just to eat here! 33 N. Main Street.
The Strate’s Garage Building is home to the Spring City Arts Gallery.
Google Stop in and see work from local artists here. It’s open Friday and Saturday Noon to 5 PM. Spring City Arts also hosts an annual Plein Air competition every summer.
These are just a few of the many historic buildings in Spring City. For a complete listing of all of them, check out this list of historic sites. Also, check out the Friends of Historic Spring City’s website – they host a tour of the town’s historic homes every year during the Heritage Festival, which is held on May 26, 2018. Utah’s small towns are amazing! Here’s the small town with the most outdoor attractions – read about it here.
To find Spring City, take US-89 between Spanish Fork and Salina; it’s about halfway between.
Ken Lund/flickr
James Allred and several of his family members founded the town. Later, immigrants from Denmark moved to Spring City and the town was nicknamed “Little Denmark.” Today, the town is home to just under 1,000 people and 50 of the buildings here are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Completed in 1883 by Isaac Behunin, it was sold just four years later to Simon Beck, the local postmaster who raised nine children here.
mbush_utah/flickr
The original part of this house was built in 1875, with an addition added in 1892. Judge Johnson had two wives and served as both a circuit judge and US Congressman.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Orson Hyde was one of the original 12 apostles (leaders) of the Mormon church. He had eight wives, and lived with Mary Ann and two of his other wives here. He hosted Brigham Young several times while living at this home at 209 S. Main Street.
One of Spring City’s first homes, it was built in 1864 for Niels Borreson and his three wives. He served a couple six-month sentences at the Territorial Prison in Sugarhouse for polygamy, though he certainly wasn’t the only resident of Spring City to have multiple wives.
This beautiful building recently underwent an extensive renovation. See it at 45 S. 100 E.
Alan T/Tripadvisor
This Victorian Inn offers four cozy rooms. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway. 216. S. Main Street. Visit Osborne Inn’s website for more information.
liylu/Tripadvisor
Joe Bennion offers his pottery here, and his wife, Lee Bennion is a renowned painter. Look for Horseshow Mountain Pottery at 278 S. Main Street.
Das Cafe/Facebook
This adorable cafe serves up the best German food you’ve ever tasted. Seriously, people come from all over the state just to eat here! 33 N. Main Street.
Stop in and see work from local artists here. It’s open Friday and Saturday Noon to 5 PM. Spring City Arts also hosts an annual Plein Air competition every summer.
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