A Victorian carousel with 45 hand-carved horses and one of the world’s oldest operating wooden roller coasters sit alongside hiking trails, wetlands, and nature trails: Davis brings together recreation and nature. Davis County is known as “Utah’s Amusement Park Capital.” At the same time, possible discoveries range from the landscape around Great Salt Lake to historic attractions and activities for a variety of interests.

Between the Wasatch Mountains and Great Salt Lake

Davis County lies between Weber County to the north and Salt Lake County to the south. The crest of the Wasatch Mountains forms its eastern boundary, while Great Salt Lake lies to the west. The wetlands of Great Salt Lake provide important breeding and feeding habitats for more than 250 bird species. The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve encompasses 4,400 acres of wetlands and upland areas.

Nature education is also part of the region: the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center is located in the Robert N. Hasenyager Great Salt Lake Nature Reserve. It offers exhibits, programs, and nature trails. When planning your trip, you can take in both the landscape and its wildlife, as well as opportunities to learn about nature.

Trails and activities

Davis County’s trail network offers options for walking, strolling, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For hikers, Adams Canyon is one specific option: the canyon is a hiking trail in Davis County that ends at a 40-foot waterfall. There is a fishing pier at Farmington Pond.

Another way to get active is The Farm, a bike park on Farmington’s East Bench. Its trails have varying difficulty levels. The fishing pier at Farmington Pond and the range of trail difficulties at The Farm offer different kinds of activities, without requiring a set itinerary.

Lagoon: rides and historic settings

Lagoon is in Farmington, just east of Interstate 15. The park’s Victorian carousel is still in operation and features 45 hand-carved horses. Lagoon’s Roller Coaster is among the world’s oldest operating wooden roller coasters. The two attractions offer different highlights: the hand-carved carousel horses at one, and the wooden coaster’s distinction at the other.

Pioneer Village at Lagoon recreates a typical American frontier settlement as it might have existed in the late 19th century. The reconstruction includes 42 authentic 19th-century shops, buildings, and related artifacts. The area thus combines a possible historical settlement layout with objects preserved from that era, while the rides showcase other sides of Lagoon.

Events and practical information

The Great Salt Lake Bird Festival is held annually and began in 1999. The program includes field trips, hands-on workshops, and talks by internationally renowned keynote speakers and expert field trip leaders. Dates vary from year to year; check the dates for the relevant festival if you’d like to plan your trip around it.

The Hill Aerospace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; admission is free. Hours may change, so check before your visit.

There’s also a dining option: Cherry Hill’s Pie Pantry Restaurant serves homemade pies. Menu offerings may change.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Clearfield, Woods Cross, Layton, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Millard County, Hanover County, Tooele.

Back to the main travel overview: Utah.