Nestled Between Utah's Mountains Is A Charming Rural City With A Picturesque Lake Park

Not every vacation has to be packed with museum visits, art gallery tours, and bar hopping. Nature lovers, in particular, will be the first to tell you that there's no beating the peace and jaw-dropping sights of a quaint mountain getaway. The trick is to find a destination that promises the perfect mix of small-town charm and natural allure, and that's exactly what you'll find in Hyrum, Utah. Home to 11,000 people, this isn't the place to go for a big city adventure, but the type of local warmth and picturesque lake parks you'll get to experience here can't be replicated anywhere else.

And you don't have to forgo urban conveniences altogether. Logan, a college city with a thriving food scene and historic charm, is only eight miles north, and if you take UT-165 N, the trip shouldn't take more than 14 minutes. Fliers will be happy to learn that to come here, they can pass through an airport that has been named the best in the United States: Salt Lake City International. This one's a bit farther away, at 82 miles, but still well within driving distance, showing once again that "rural" doesn't always have to mean "isolation." As far as airport transfers go, you're probably better off getting a rental as soon as you land. While there is a public transportation line that connects Hyrum to Salt Lake City International, it involves a change and a two-and-a-half-hour trip. Rentals at the airport start at just $15 a day, and you'll probably need the extra flexibility to explore anyway, so it's worth making some extra room in your budget.

While there's a lot to love about Hyrum, the best place to start exploring it is probably Elite Hall. First built over a century ago, this is now the last working spring-loaded dance floor in the state. Today, the building hosts everything from dance nights and sporting events to community meetings. The dance floor offers the most unique feeling, and the atmosphere is infectious, so even the shiest dancers will have the time of their lives here. The building is a bit old, but perfect for murder mystery parties. And yes, you can host personal events in the hall, just make sure to bring some cash for the deposit.

All that dancing can leave you hungry, but don't worry: Yeidi's Mexican Restaurant is just around the corner. With hundreds of stellar reviews on Google, this is one of the most beloved local gems, and cheap, too. The average meal costs less than $10 per person! No wonder customers rave so much about the value, with some of their favorite meals being the al pastor and carne asada tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Don't forget to try the ham and cheese torta, too. They don't do deliveries, but they're open between Monday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for dine-ins and takeaways.

History lovers can't miss out on the Hyrum City Museum. While small, the museum is very well-maintained and houses 16 interesting exhibits. Tours are available, and there's even a gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir. For more of that small city experience, you can always drive the 45 minutes to Ogden. Situated just outside Salt Lake City, this is one of Utah's most charming mountain towns, full of history and art.

With most people coming to Hyrum for the nature and lakeside allure, Hyrum State Park is arguably the city's crown jewel. The whole space is centered around the Hyrum Reservoir, a 480-acre lake that draws in boaters, fishers, and outdoor lovers from all over the state. Anglers even get their pick between a wide array of species, including sunfish, bluegill, trout, and perch (they just need a fishing license).

You'll need a ticket to enter (priced at $15 at the time of writing this article), but once you see how clean and well-maintained the area is, it'll all feel worth it. The beaches are surprisingly good, but they can get a bit rocky, so come prepared. There are also clean restrooms and showers on-site, and for whatever else you need, don't hesitate to reach out to the friendly staff. Many people come here for the campground, whose amenities list is long. It includes boat launches, picnic tables, free parking, and fire pits. It's always best to book a spot beforehand, but don't worry: you can cancel your reservation up to four days in advance, so long as you pay the fees. 

The campground is nice and quiet. Just keep in mind that they open daily at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m., and the gates are locked afterwards, so if you're out exploring, it's imperative to come back in time. Still feel like you haven't experienced the local communities and nature enough? Plan a day trip to Brigham City. The "gateway to the world's greatest bird refuge" is also home to a sweet local festival, and you can find it all just a little over 20 miles away from Hyrum.