Points of Interest between American Fork, Utah to Logan, Utah

picture of American Fork, Utah

A Road Trip Through Utah: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks

If you want to explore Utah, one of the best ways to do it is on a road trip. Starting off in American Fork, Utah, and heading north towards Logan, Utah, there's a variety of museums, parks, and landmarks that you won't want to miss.

An interesting fact

Did you know that the stretch of highway from American Fork to Logan, Utah, is part of the Heritage Highway 89? This scenic byway spans over 500 miles, connecting several national parks, wildlife refuges, and cultural sites across four different states.

Halfway point

As you travel along this route, one of the highlights you'll come across is the city of Layton, Utah, located about halfway between American Fork and Logan. This town is home to several historical landmarks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Davis Heritage Museum, the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, and the Layton Commons Park.

Trip length

The drive from American Fork to Logan is approximately 85 miles, which should take about 1 hour and 40 minutes with no stops. However, if you want to really enjoy the scenery and explore some of the attractions along the way, plan for at least a full day or even two.

Top five places to visit

  1. Brigham City Museum of Art and History This museum showcases the history and culture of the Box Elder County region, and has exhibits on everything from local wildlife to Mormon Pioneer heritage. One recommended item to check out is the Golden Spike exhibit, which features artifacts from the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

  2. Antelope Island State Park Located on the Great Salt Lake, this stunning park is a must-see if you're interested in wildlife and nature. Here, you can spot bison, antelope, eagles, and other creatures in their natural habitat. One unique feature of this park is the Fielding Garr Ranch, a historical homestead where visitors can learn about pioneer life on the island.

  3. Hill Aerospace Museum Aviation enthusiasts won't want to miss this museum, which is home to over 100 aircraft and a variety of exhibits on the history of aviation and space exploration. Some of the highlights include the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk, and the famous B-17 bomber known as the "Chowhound".

  4. Spiral Jetty This famous land art installation by Robert Smithson is located on the northern shore of the Great Salt Lake. The piece consists of over 6,000 tons of basalt rock, forming a massive spiral that stretches out into the lake. The view from the jetty is breathtaking, and the ever-changing colors of the lake make it worth visiting at different times of day.

  5. Logan Canyon Scenic Drive To cap off your journey, take a drive through Logan Canyon. This scenic byway winds through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and waterfalls. There are several picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks along the way, so be sure to take your time and soak in the beauty of the area.

Point of interest recommendations

If you're visiting the Brigham City Museum, take a short detour to see the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, which is home to over 200 bird species. At Antelope Island State Park, make sure to hike to the top of Buffalo Point for an incredible panoramic view of the lake and island. The Hill Aerospace Museum also offers daily guided tours, which are a great way to learn even more about the exhibits. For Spiral Jetty, be sure to check out the nearby Rozel Point for a different angle of the jetty and a closer look at the colorful salt lake. And finally, on the Logan Canyon Scenic Drive, plan to stop at the First Dam for fishing or Second Dam for a picnic.

Conclusion

Overall, the American Fork to Logan road trip is an adventure that offers history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in aviation, wildlife, or land art, there are plenty of attractions to explore along the way. With a leisurely pace and a keen eye, it should take you around two to three days to fully experience all of the top stops. Start your engines and embark on a journey you won't forget!