5 Ways to Explore Historic St. George, Utah

Southern Utah is overflowing with unique places to explore! There are so many options for discovering the area’s rich history, from indoor museums to outdoor sites. Keep reading for our list of the top ways to explore historic St. George, Utah:

1. Walk through downtown St. George

Downtown St. George features beautiful parks such as Town Square Park and Ancestor Square, unique shops, restaurants, and so much more! Combined with the bright sunny weather for most of the year, this area is perfect for a casual stroll and window shopping. There are also several historic sites to explore in downtown, such as the St. George Opera House and the Pioneer Courthouse. If you’re looking for a delicious restaurant, we recommend going to George’s Corner Restaurant, a locally-owned spot serving great food since the 1930s. 

2. Tour a historical site or museum

Another great way to explore historic St. George, Utah is to tour a museum. Those interested in learning more about the history of St. George should add these stops to their itinerary: 

Fort Pearce Historical Site: This stone guard post is one of three remaining that were built during Utah’s Black Hawk War and was manned from 1866 to 1873. 

Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum: This collection features military and pioneer historic artifacts, unique displays of the area’s cotton and silk industries, and other interesting glimpses into what life was like in the 1800s.

St. George Art Museum: This museum contains a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibits featuring local artisans and preserving Southern Utah history. The building itself was once a deteriorating piece of history, and what once was a seed warehouse is now a vibrant art museum in the heart of St. George’s historic district. 

Dinosaur Discovery Site: The purpose of this museum is to preserve the area’s fossils and educate visitors on Earth science and the historical importance of fossil records. Kids and adults alike will find the experience fun and exciting!

3. Stop at Judd’s Store

Don’t leave St. George without a trip to Thomas Judd’s Store! A general store serving the community since 1911, Judd’s Store now serves food and ice cream in addition to having a large selection of candy and old-fashioned sodas. You’ll feel as though you’ve walked back in time upon entering, and there’s even the original 1946 gas pump still standing in front of the store!

4. Explore Pioneer Park

In addition to the many hiking trails near St. George, Utah, you can find unique historic sites at Pioneer Park, such as Dixie Rock, also called Sugarloaf, and the Boy Scout Cave, the location of a historic pioneer cabin. It’s a great place for a picnic, with plenty of seating, outdoor grills, and several pavilions. 

5. Visit the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site 

Finally, everyone should visit the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. It’s about a half-mile walk to the site, and dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are on a leash. There are over 500 designs in the boulders and rock formations depicting symbols and representations from the Great Basin, Western Anasazi, and Lower Colorado River cultures. 

Now that you know some of the best ways to explore historic St. George, Utah, find out the best places to eat for a day!