In 1846, Miles Goodyear built Fort Buenaventura on the Weber River. Today, it is a historic park in central Ogden—a tangible starting point for exploring the city's history. Nearby, museums, walking trails, and bike parks offer a range of discoveries. You can choose which ones will shape your stay based on culture, nature, or activity.
Culture and History in Ogden
At Ogden's Union Station, you can visit all four museums with a single admission ticket. This makes it easy to combine several museums in one visit without paying multiple admission fees. Another way to explore the area is the self-guided 25th Street Walking Tour. It starts at Union Station, at the intersection of 25th Street and Wall Avenue, and takes in 15 iconic buildings in the neighborhood. The starting point is clearly defined, and you can explore at your own pace.
The Eccles Community Art Center is also housed in a building connected to the city's history. It is located in the historic home of David and Bertha Eccles in Ogden's historic Jefferson District. The site complements the museums and walking tour with a closer look at a named residence and its historic neighborhood. Fort Buenaventura offers a different perspective: the park's history brings together the year 1846, Miles Goodyear, and the Weber River.
Nature Trails and Green Spaces
The Ogden River Parkway offers a 9.6-mile walking trail through nature in the heart of downtown. If you plan to walk this trail, check access and trail conditions before setting out, as both can change. Another option is the easy trails and paths at the Ogden Nature Center, which total more than 1.5 miles. The 152-acre nature preserve is also an educational center. Animal ambassadors teach visitors about wildlife, ecosystems, and the importance of habitats.
The Ogden Trails Network includes trails leading to mountain peaks and waterfalls. If you're looking for a bike route rather than a walking trail, Ogden has two bike parks, each with its own terrain and difficulty level. The Ogden 9th Street Bike Park covers 26.58 acres, is located at the 9th Street trailhead, and offers a pavilion and dirt trails for all skill levels. Motorized vehicles are not allowed there; check the park rules before your visit if this restriction is important for your plans.
The Trackline Bike Park on Stockman Way is smaller, at 11.12 acres, and its skills park is designed for beginners through lower-intermediate riders. Listed features include a singletrack loop, ladder bridges, narrow balance features, and wooden rollers. The park also provides access to the Ogden River Parkway. Features described at MTC Park include a botanical garden and access to the Ogden River Parkway Trail.
Activities for Children and Their Companions
Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is home to more than 100 dinosaur sculptures. The grounds also include a playground and an outdoor dinosaur dig site. The Treehouse Children's Museum offers an interactive experience with exhibits and programs for children ages 1 to 12. Throughout the day, staff and volunteers tell stories and lead activities that help visitors explore the exhibits. The two attractions offer different experiences: dinosaur sculptures and a dig site at one, and interactive exhibits, stories, and guided activities at the other.
Connections Along the Wasatch Front
The Utah Transit Authority offers commuter rail, light rail, bus service, and vanpools in Ogden and along the Wasatch Front. The commuter rail connects downtown Ogden with several communities along the Wasatch Front, including Salt Lake City and Provo. If you're planning to use public transportation for your trip, check the relevant schedule before departing. This lets you choose transportation based on your own destinations without having to decide your routes and visiting times in advance.
Explore more destinations: Riverdale, Taylor, Huntsville
Return to the main travel overview: Weber.
