Nestled about 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport is the quaint town of Ogden, Utah, home to hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails, trout-filled rivers, museums, and plenty of opportunities to breathe in the fresh air. Ogden is not your typical mountain town, and though it is home to three world-class ski resorts, this city is not just for adrenaline junkies.
This town is perfect for anyone looking for a weekend getaway near Salt Lake City, including history buffs, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, dinosaur lovers, train junkies, artists, and more. Visitors can enjoy exploring local parks like Liberty Park, Beus Pond Park, or Big-Dee Sports Park, galleries, and museums like the Treehouse Children’s Museum and the Hill Aerospace Museum.
In addition, Ogden is home to locally owned and operated distilleries, brewpubs, and restaurants, sure to satisfy any palette. When visiting Ogden, you can find everything from shopping to dining and nightlife to galleries all along Historic 25th Street, so it’s an excellent place to base your trip. We have compiled a list of the fun and best things to do in Ogden, Utah:
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – Historic 25th Street
- Best park – Liberty Park
- Best free activity – Ogden Botanical Gardens
- Best activity for kids – Treehouse Children’s Museum
- Best activity for adults – Ogden Beer Company
- Best food – Rovali’s Ristorante Italiano
- Best nightlife – The Lighthouse Lounge
- Best all-around accommodation – Hampton Inn and Suites Ogden
Fun and Best Things to Do in Ogden, Utah
1. Historic 25th Street
Address: Historic 25th St, Ogden, UT 84401
When visiting Ogden, the most popular thing to do is to explore Historic 25th Street, which provides visitors with a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The lower portion of the street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district runs from Wall Avenue to Washington Boulevard and has a history dating back to the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.
Historically, 25th Street was the site for illicit activities, such as narcotic sales, prostitution, and gambling. Even Al Capone was quoted as saying he wouldn’t even walk the streets of this part of town at night. The area is so different today, and it has completely changed and transformed into a popular place for visitors and locals to enjoy.
Today, this area of Ogden is home to various retail shops, ice cream parlors, hotels, a historic building (or two), art galleries, restaurants, and more. Some of our favorite area restaurants include Table Twenty Five, Rovali’s Ristorante Italiano, Lucky Slice, and Tona Sushi Bar and Grill.
This area of Ogden also hosts many outdoor community events, including car shows and a farmers’ market, making this a wonderful place to explore. When looking for a place to stay in the heart of the Historic 25th Street area, we recommend staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Ogden.
2. The Daily Rise Coffee
Address: 2865 S Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
Start your day off at the Daily Rise Coffee, which has become a staple in the community. Countless locals and visitors start every day with fantastic coffee from this location. When grabbing breakfast here, you are treated like family because the baristas believe in developing a strong connection with the community.
Your coffee, tea, or smoothie is crafted from the finest ingredients, including all-natural products used to make items as ordered. Nothing is prepared ahead of time, ensuring your order is fresh. Not sure what to order? Ask the barista for a suggestion, and you will be surprised as to how knowledgeable they are; chances are you may discover a new favorite beverage.
After a long day of exploring the Ogden Valley area, stop back at the Daily Rise for a light afternoon snack and a cold beverage to help you refuel before continuing your busy day of seeing the sights in Utah. The Daily Rise is a must-have experience, especially if you are looking for a delicious beverage and excellent, friendly service from the baristas.
3. Peery’s Egyptian Theater
Address: 2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
Go back to watch a movie at Peery’s Egyptian Theater, another popular destination in Ogden listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This grand theater was built after a fire destroyed the Arlington Hotel in 1923, and it was meant to be “The Showplace of the West,” featuring Egyptian-themed elements throughout.
Catching a movie at Peery’s Egyptian Theater provides comfortable, reclining seating with plenty of foot and knee room. The theater features daily programs, including movies, plays, ballet, cultural events, and live performances, providing guests of all ages access to many activities, live entertainment, and unique shows.
4. Union Station
Address: Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT 84401
Union Station, also referred to as the Utah State Railroad Museum, has a rich history as a former rail station and is a popular destination for visitors who want fun and affordable things to do in Ogden. With two free galleries showcasing local artists – The Gallery at the Station and the Myra-Powell Gallery – this attraction is one of the most popular places for visitors looking for something free to do in the area.
Museum and history buffs will enjoy exploring the many Union Station attractions, including the Browning Firearms Museum, the Wattis-Dumke Model Railroad exhibit, and the Spencer and Hope Eccles Rail Center. Union Station is also home to the Utah State Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum. Plus, the Union Station Library houses an extensive collection of historic Ogden artifacts, including photographs and documents available to the public.
A great thing about visiting Union Station is the Union Grill Restaurant, which is open daily, providing you a place to slow down, enjoy a meal, and get back to exploring and enjoying the many things this popular attraction in Ogden offers.
See Related: 25 Fun & Best Things To Do In Salt Lake City, Utah
5. George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
Address: 1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
Kids will fall in love with Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, a five-acre park with more than 100 dinosaur replicas and a thrilling museum with plenty of hands-on activities.
If you or your kids love dinosaurs and are aspiring paleontologists, this park has an exciting collection of prehistoric creatures, including predators and flying reptiles. These realistic, full-sized sculptures are crafted based on fossil skeletons and brought to life using a state-of-the-art sound system and robotics.
The on-site museum at the Dinosaur Park features an Education Center offering kids plenty of hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and a children’s dig of a Stegosaurus. Additionally, at the museum, visitors can watch prep work in the fossil lab and see fossils up close for a fantastic peek into these prehistoric creatures.
6. The Weber County Ice Sheet
Address: 4390 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403
Also known as the Weber County Ice Sheet, the Ice Sheet is set on the campus of Weber State University, providing locals and visitors with access to a recreational training center and sports complex for figure skating, ice hockey, and curling events.
The Ice Sheet is owned and operated by Weber County. It has hosted several World Curling Federation-sanctioned events. Today, it is home to the Ogden Mustangs, a junior ice hockey team in the United States Premier Hockey League, and the Weber State University men’s hockey team. This location was also where the Olympic curling competition was held in 2002.
The Ice Sheet is also open for public skating, lessons, and local competitions for hockey, speed skating, figure skating, and curling. The arena also hosts various ice shows and other events popular among locals and visitors.
7. The Lighthouse Lounge
Address: 130 25th St, Ogden, UT 84401
When looking for fabulous food and beverages in Ogden, you can stop by the Lighthouse Lounge for amazing sandwiches and live entertainment. When dining here, you will be treated to craft cocktails and new draft beers, perfect for enjoying when taking a break from your busy vacation itinerary exploring Ogden.
The Lighthouse Lounge offers fantastic food and beverage options, where locals and visitors love to go for nightly entertainment and Sunday brunch. The bar is located on the highly-active Historic 25th Street in Ogden, making the Lighthouse Lounge the perfect place to unwind and mingle after exploring the town.
If you want to be close to the fun, excitement, and action of Historic 25th Street and close enough to enjoy the Lighthouse Lounge, we recommend booking your vacation at the Hampton Inn and Suites Ogden.
See Related: 14 Best Restaurants In Ogden, Utah
8. Ogden Botanical Gardens
Address: 1750 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
The Ogden Botanical Gardens provide visitors with peacefully landscaped garden sections and walking trails to explore, as well as grilling stations in the picnic areas to prepare lunch to enjoy. These gardens offer opportunities to literally stop and smell the roses while taking a stroll through the garden pathways. Gardening classes also provide a unique insight into gardening, teaching the basics of the various flowers and plants found in the botanical gardens.
Set on the campus of the Utah State University, the Ogden Botanical Gardens is a beautiful park and a must-experience when visiting Ogden, Utah. The gardens found at the Ogden Botanical Gardens include the Accessibility Garden, Conifer Collection, Cottage Garden, Edible Garden, Asian Garden, Rose Garden, Water Conservation Garden, and Pollinator Garden, among others. Additional amenities include an arboretum, a large lawn for playing games, outdoor pavilions, picnic areas, and a large amphitheater.
9. Treehouse Children’s Museum
Address: 347 22nd St, Ogden, UT 84401
Families love including the Treehouse Children’s Museum on their Ogden vacation itinerary. This museum lets its kids enter the story by experiencing many hands-on activities and unique exhibits. This museum is unique because there is a giant tree growing at the center of it, where all the various themed activities branch off from the center of the tree.
Families can enjoy everything from fun art activities to story time and scientific experiments to participating in theatrical performances. The Treehouse Museum is the place to visit when looking for fun things to do that are also entertaining and educational for children. It’s also the perfect outing for that unfortunate rainy day during your Ogden trip.
10. Ogden Nature Center
Address: 966 W 12th St, Ogden, UT 84404
Some of the best parks in Utah can be found near Salt Lake City, and if you’re looking to experience the wilderness in Ogden, you’re in luck. Get ready to explore a 152-acre nature preserve home to an education center featuring Utah’s finest natural exhibits and educational programs. The Ogden Nature Center is a must-experience when in the area because the park is home to animal exhibits, bird blinds, observation towers, ponds, walking trails, wildlife areas, and much more.
The Ogden Nature Center hosts many events, classes, and activities for children and adults to enjoy and experience some of the best nature-themed educational opportunities in the state. Plus, the center is home to rescue birds, such as ravens, owls, and eagles, providing guests with opportunities to see these amazing birds up close.
11. Eccles Community Art Center
Address: 2580 Jefferson Ave, Ogden, UT 84401
Set in the historic home of David and Bertha Eccles, the Eccles Community Art Center is in the heart of the historic Jefferson District, providing visitors and locals opportunities to admire art exhibits, craft galleries, a beautiful flower garden, and a park area. The art center promotes visual and performing arts, helping boost awareness of these unique cultural activities. The center also hosts various fun events, including art and design competitions.
Before going home for the evening, visit the center’s Carriage House Sales Gallery, which is a great way to support local artists and the efforts of the Eccles Community Art Center.
12. Cold Springs Trout Farm
Address: 2284 Fruitland Dr, Ogden, UT 84414
Do you want to hear about one of Utah’s best-kept secrets? If so, you will want to experience the Cold Springs Trout Farm, about 15 minutes from downtown Ogden. This location is one of the best fishing holes in the state and is a popular family activity among locals and visitors.
The family-owned Cold Springs Trout Farm has seven ponds stocked with feisty rainbow trout and water from the cold Rocky Mountain springs, providing easy access to fun fishing activities. When visiting Cold Springs Trout Farm, you can enjoy fishing or walk the trail through the garden nursery.
13. Ogden Beer Company
Address: 358 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
If you want to experience one of the best brewpubs in Utah, stop by the Ogden Beer Company for fabulous beers, great food, and fantastic service. The best thing about dining at this location is to enjoy a beer and a meal inside or enjoy the fabulous views from the outdoor seating area when the weather is warm enough.
This brewpub hosts beer-tasting activities and special events for visitors to enjoy. When dining at Ogden Beer Co., enjoy some highly-rated burgers like the Garlic Lover, Bacon My Heart, Swiss Fun-Guy, Back to Cali Burger, or the Jalapeño Popper Burger. The Jack Mormon Funeral Potatoes, made from Idaho potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions rolled in corn flakes, deep-fried, and served with OG fry sauce, are also a big hit.
14. Hill Aerospace Museum
Address: 7961 Cottonwood St Building 1955, Hill AFB, UT 84056
The Hill Aerospace Museum, set at Hill Air Force Base, is where adventure awaits aerospace enthusiasts and history buffs. The museum features many aircraft throughout history, including exhibits about aviators in Utah history, such as Brigadier General Leon C. Packer and former Utah Senator Jake Garn.
The Hill Aerospace Museum is home to the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame classrooms, exhibit halls, and the General Rex A. Hadley Research Library and Archives. This facility is fun, exciting, and educational, allowing you to see aircraft from World War II up close.
FAQ
Is Ogden, Utah, worth visiting?
Ogden, Utah, offers travelers various things to do, including visiting historic sites, skiing, shopping, dining, and more. Popular attractions that make visiting the area worth it include Union Station, Ogden Botanical Gardens, and the Historic 25th Street area.
What are the best things to do with kids when visiting Ogden, Utah?
Ogden is a family-friendly vacation destination, providing families with many things to do, including visiting Union Station, the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, the Historic 25th Street area, and the Treehouse Children’s Museum.
How many days should I plan to spend in Ogden, Utah?
There are many things to see and do in Ogden, and most people can experience everything they want to see by spending two full days in the area. However, if you like to take your time and explore the area at a leisurely pace, spending four to five days will provide plenty of time to see and do everything on your list.
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