Aurora UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aurora, Utah.
1. Fishlake National Forest
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Fishlake National Forest offers visitors stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities near Aurora. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing throughout its extensive forested areas. The forest is known for its aspen groves, mountain lakes, and diverse ecosystems that provide year-round recreational activities.
2. Jorgensen's Lanes
LOCAL BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Jorgensen's Lanes is a popular bowling alley that serves as a recreational hub for Aurora residents and visitors. The venue offers bowling lanes, arcade games, and a casual dining experience for families and groups. Jorgensen's provides a fun indoor activity option regardless of weather conditions.
3. Cove View Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Cove View Golf Course provides golfers with well-maintained greens and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The course features challenging holes suitable for various skill levels while offering rental equipment and professional instruction. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and quality facilities that make for an enjoyable golfing experience.
4. Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
HISTORIC STATE CAPITOL
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum preserves Utah's original capitol building and offers visitors insight into the state's early political history. The museum houses artifacts, exhibits, and historical documents that tell the story of Utah's territorial period. Visitors can explore the well-preserved architecture and learn about significant events that shaped the region's development.
5. Central Utah Tours and Rentals
ADVENTURE TOURISM PROVIDER
Central Utah Tours and Rentals offers visitors equipment and guided experiences to explore the natural beauty of the region. Services include ATV rentals, fishing gear, hiking guides, and customized tour packages for individuals and groups. Their knowledgeable staff helps visitors safely access remote areas and hidden gems throughout Central Utah.
6. Palisade State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Palisade State Park centers around a beautiful reservoir surrounded by striking red rock formations and lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and camping in this picturesque setting just a short drive from Aurora. The park also features hiking trails and a golf course, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Big Rock Candy Mountain
COLORFUL GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Big Rock Candy Mountain features striking yellow and orange mineral deposits that create a surreal landscape made famous by a folk song. The area offers hiking trails, river rafting opportunities, and spectacular photography vantage points. Visitors can learn about the unique geological processes that created this colorful mountain formation.
8. Fremont Indian State Park
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
Fremont Indian State Park protects one of the largest collections of Fremont Indian artifacts and rock art in Utah. The museum displays thousands of artifacts excavated from nearby sites and provides context about this ancient culture. Visitors can explore hiking trails that lead to numerous petroglyphs and pictographs dating back over a thousand years.
9. Mystic Hot Springs
NATURAL THERMAL BATHS
Mystic Hot Springs offers visitors the chance to soak in mineral-rich thermal waters flowing into antique bathtubs and natural stone pools. The rustic, hippie-inspired atmosphere includes unique accommodations in converted pioneer cabins and vintage buses. Visitors enjoy the healing properties of the hot springs while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
10. Mom's Cafe
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER
Mom's Cafe serves as a beloved local institution offering hearty American comfort food in a nostalgic diner setting. The restaurant is known for its generous portions, homemade pies, and welcoming atmosphere that attracts both locals and travelers. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town dining experience and reasonable prices that have kept this establishment thriving for generations.
11. Pioneer Home Museum
EARLY SETTLEMENT HISTORY
Pioneer Home Museum preserves a historic residence that showcases the lifestyle of early Mormon settlers in central Utah. The carefully restored home contains period furniture, household items, and personal artifacts from the 19th century. Visitors can gain insight into the challenges and ingenuity of pioneer families who established communities in this remote region.
12. Manti Temple
HISTORIC MORMON TEMPLE
Manti Temple stands as an impressive architectural landmark constructed of local cream-colored limestone between 1877 and 1888. The temple's design reflects late 19th-century Mormon aesthetics with its twin towers and ornate interior spaces. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into this significant religious structure.
13. Maple Canyon
WORLD-CLASS ROCK CLIMBING
Maple Canyon draws climbers from around the world with its unique cobblestone conglomerate walls offering hundreds of climbing routes. The canyon features numerous crags suitable for various skill levels from beginners to expert climbers. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this scenic natural area near Aurora.
14. Yuba State Park
DESERT RESERVOIR RECREATION
Yuba State Park centers around a large reservoir offering boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities in a striking desert setting. The park features sandy beaches, camping facilities, and OHV trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Visitors enjoy the contrast between the blue waters and the surrounding arid landscape characterized by sagebrush and juniper trees.
15. Arapeen OHV Trail System
EXTENSIVE OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
The Arapeen OHV Trail System offers over 350 miles of maintained trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-highway vehicles through diverse mountain terrain. Riders can explore forests, meadows, and ridgelines while experiencing dramatic elevation changes and stunning vistas. The well-marked trail network accommodates various skill levels and provides access to remote areas of the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Aurora.