The Oneida Pioneer Museum tells the story of Malad’s local history through the building itself: it is housed in the former R.B. Davis Drug Store and Boarding House, built in 1914. Other highlights include historic buildings, a free self-guided tour and an event calendar spanning several seasons. You can plan your visit to Malad City around your interests: local history, festivals or outdoor activities.
Museum, Historic Buildings and Tour
The former drug store and boarding house retains its original safe and pressed-tin ceiling. The Oneida Pioneer Museum also displays local furniture, photographs, quilts, toys, agricultural equipment, musical instruments, clothing, military uniforms, medical instruments and books. The collection covers everything from everyday objects to topics such as agriculture, music and military history.
A different perspective comes from Malad City’s free, self-guided historic tour, which visits sites with informational markers. It connects markers at several historic locations, while the museum displays a collection of different local objects. One example of the city’s architecture is the Jedd Jones House at 242 North Main: the imposing, two-story brick house was built in the Queen Anne style. It is architecturally significant at the state level and has architectural and social-historical significance for Malad. It is a private residence with restricted access.
The Malad Second Ward Tabernacle is also a historic building in Malad City. It is located at 20 S. 100 W. St.; its designated area of significance is architecture. Together, the museum, tour and buildings offer different ways to explore local history, though each provides a different kind of visitor experience.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
Malad’s Old Fashioned July 4 is celebrated annually on July 3 and 4. The festivities include parades, a race, a pancake breakfast, activities in Malad City Park, a concert and fireworks. The annual program may change. Around July 4, Iron Door Arts & Theater also presents several productions throughout the year, including a melodrama. Schedules vary, so this is a separate offering in addition to the city festival.
Two other annual events take place in June, one at the beginning of the month and one at the end: Malad City’s car show is held on the first weekend in June, and the Malad Valley Welsh Festival on the last weekend in June. Exact dates may vary. Malad Valley Heritage Square also hosts an annual Pumpkin Walk and Renaissance Faire. Most activities take place in Malad City Park and the Greenbelt.
A free Christmas Light Show runs in Malad City Park from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through the end of the year; the seasonal schedule may also vary. LeGrande Aqua Plunge is a seasonal summer offering. If a particular festival or seasonal activity is important to your trip, check the exact dates in advance.
Outdoor Recreation and Location
Nearby Third Creek Trailhead provides access to the Oxford Peak Trail System, which is open to hikers and cyclists; conditions may vary. Nearby Deep Creek Reservoir offers opportunities for trout fishing, boating and swimming, though seasonal conditions also apply there. Third Creek Group Campground is located 12 miles northeast of Malad.
Malad City lies on the east side of Malad Valley, 13 miles from the Utah-Idaho border and along Interstate 15. Its local history, events spread throughout the year and outdoor recreation offer different reasons to include Malad City in your travel plans.
For a broader travel overview: Oneida County.
