Milford UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Milford, Utah.
1. Frisco Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING QUEEN
Frisco Ghost Town was once the queen of Utah's mining camps, yielding rich silver ore worth over one billion dollars in today's value. Visitors can explore the abandoned mining sites and get a glimpse into Utah's vibrant mining past. The ghost town is located west of Milford and offers a fascinating journey back to the era when silver, lead, and gold mining dominated the area.
2. Historic Milford Hotel
LANDMARK SINCE 1913
The Historic Milford Hotel, constructed in 1913, is the first structure visitors see when entering Milford from the west. Currently undergoing restoration by owners hoping to transform it into a bed & breakfast, the hotel represents an important piece of local history. Visitors can appreciate the architectural significance of this landmark building that has stood for over a century.
3. Rock Corral Recreation Area
MINERAL MOUNTAINS GEM
Rock Corral Recreation Area in the Mineral Mountains offers excellent opportunities for rock hounding, with minerals including obsidian, red beryl, opal, quartz, and agate. The area is extremely popular among geology enthusiasts and collectors seeking unique mineral specimens. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the mountains while searching for geological treasures.
4. Milford Historic Park
MINING HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Milford Historic Park provides visitors with an educational journey through the area's rich mining history and past explorers. The park serves as a testament to Milford's importance as a railroad terminal and shipping center for local mines. Visitors can learn about the development of the Southern Utah Line and how it enhanced Milford's role in the region's economy.
5. Caboose on Main Street
INFORMATION HUB
The old Caboose on Main Street serves as an information center for visitors to Milford. It offers valuable resources and guidance about local attractions and activities in the surrounding area. Visitors can stop by to learn more about what they can discover during their stay in Milford.
6. Newhouse Ghost Town
PRESERVED MINING COMMUNITY
Newhouse Ghost Town is one of the abandoned mining sites accessible from Milford, offering a window into Utah's mining heritage. Visitors can explore the remnants of this once-thriving community that played a role in the area's economic development. The ghost town provides photographers and history enthusiasts with authentic glimpses of early 20th century mining life.
7. Shauntie Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING REMNANTS
Shauntie Ghost Town stands as another testament to the area's rich mining history, located west of Milford. The abandoned site allows visitors to step back in time and imagine life during the mining boom years. History enthusiasts can explore the remaining structures that once formed a bustling community driven by mineral extraction.
8. Mineral Mountains
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
The Mineral Mountains area offers excellent hunting opportunities for deer, antelope, elk, chucker, turkey, and pheasants. Beyond hunting, visitors can enjoy hiking, ATV trails, and wildlife observation in this diverse landscape. The mountains also provide spectacular scenery and opportunities for outdoor photography.
9. Renewable Energy Fields
GREEN ENERGY SHOWCASE
The Renewable Energy Fields surrounding Milford showcase the region's commitment to sustainable power generation. Visitors can observe the impressive wind turbines and solar panels that have developed rapidly in the Milford Valley. These modern energy facilities create a striking contrast against the historic mining landscape of the region.
10. Lehman Cave National Monument
SUBTERRANEAN WONDER
Lehman Cave National Monument is located 89 miles west of Milford, making the city a gateway to this natural wonder. The cave system features stunning limestone formations, shields, stalactites, and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the underground chambers and learn about their geological and ecological significance.
11. Great Basin National Park
MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Great Basin National Park, located 91 miles west of Milford, offers diverse landscapes from desert valleys to alpine mountains. The park is home to ancient bristlecone pines, abundant wildlife, and Wheeler Peak which rises to over 13,000 feet. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, stargazing, and experiencing one of America's least crowded national parks.
12. Zion National Park
MAJESTIC CANYON WONDERLAND
Zion National Park, approximately 90 miles from Milford, showcases towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River carving through dramatic landscapes. The park offers iconic hikes including Angels Landing and The Narrows, attracting visitors from around the world. With its distinctive red rock formations and diverse ecosystems, Zion provides unforgettable natural beauty throughout all seasons.
13. Cedar Breaks National Monument
NATURAL AMPHITHEATER
Cedar Breaks National Monument, located 72 miles from Milford, features a natural amphitheater spanning three miles across and over 2,000 feet deep. The colorful formations of pink, orange, and red limestone create a spectacular landscape often compared to a smaller version of Bryce Canyon. Visitors can enjoy scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and wildflower displays during summer months at this high-elevation wonder.
14. Brian Head Ski Resort
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Brian Head Ski Resort, situated 112 miles from Milford, offers Utah's highest base elevation for skiing and snowboarding with over 650 acres of terrain. During summer months, the resort transforms to provide mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides. The resort's proximity to several national parks and monuments makes it an ideal base for exploring southern Utah's natural wonders.
15. Bryce Canyon National Park
HOODOO-FILLED WONDERLAND
Bryce Canyon National Park, located 112 miles from Milford, is famous for its otherworldly collection of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by frost weathering and erosion. The park's amphitheaters filled with these distinctive formations create a mesmerizing landscape that changes colors throughout the day. Visitors can explore viewpoints along the rim or hike among the hoodoos on trails like Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden.