Nestled at the foothills of the Bookcliff Mountains in
Eastern Utah, the small town of Helper is steeped in a rich history and
spectacular natural beauty. Visitors to the area will never find themselves
with nothing to do. With an exciting history, outstanding trails and enjoyable
parks, Helper lends itself to activity.
Our Diverse History...
In the 1880's the Rio Grande Railroad
was seeking a route between Denver and Salt Lake City. After discovering
the vast coal deposits in Eastern Utah, Helper was chosen as a sort of "Western
Union Station" and the town began to flourish. Scores of immigrants
moved to Helper to begin their life anew. Their culture still flavors the
atmosphere of the town.
Visitors can begin their day with a stop
at the Western Mining &
Railroad Museum located on Helper's historic Main Street. The Museum
is a treasure trove of historical photographs and artifacts from the areas
railroading and coal mining past. Housed in the old Helper Hotel built in
1914, the Western Mining & Railroad Museum offers visitors four floors
of exhibits. Everything from mining disasters to community baseball is displayed.
While at the Museum, pick up a copy of
"A Tour of Historic Helper Main Street" by local author Madge
Tomsic. Using the book as a guide, take a stroll through the pages of history
beginning on one side of Main Street and continuing down the other.
Shopping and Dining...
As you walk, stop in at the numerous art
galleries, antique and specialty shops that line the street. You are sure
to find the perfect reminder of your stay in Helper.
If all of that walking has gotten you
hungry, enjoy a meal at one of the fine restaurants Helper has to offer.
Each restaurant is unique in its decor and menu and all promise great food
for hungry explorers.
Walking Trails...
If the beauty of Helper is calling to
you, take a walk on one of two superb trails in town.
The Price River Parkway winds its way
through Helper following the Price River. Along the Parkway you will find
quiet places to sit, beautiful natural areas and pieces of history. Located
along the Parkway in downtown Helper is a pavilion with a sand volleyball
court as well as a place to play the Italian national pastime of Bochee
Ball. You may reserve the pavilion by calling Helper City.
If you are looking to explore the surrounding
mountain areas, the newly constructed Spring Canyon Trail is just the thing.
Located in the west part of town, the Spring Canyon Trail follows the abandoned
railroad line that served the coal camps of Peerless, Spring Canyon, Standardville,
Latuda, Rains and Mutual. The paved trail winds though the canyon past the
old town sites where only ghosts remain. Several parking areas and restroom
facilities are available along the trail.
If you prefer a more primitive and challenging
trail, the Kenilworth-Helper Railroad Trail is just what you are looking
for. Following the now abandoned railroad line between Helper and the small
mining town of Kenilworth, the Kenilworth-Helper Railroad Trail is a steep,
winding trail for walking, biking or atving. The trail begins at the foot
of mountain in North Helper and accends nearly 1,200 feet into Kenilworth.
Ghost Towns...
Sometimes touring via the windshield is
the way to go. If you like to explore ghost towns, Helper is definitely
your headquarters. Twenty ghost towns dot the landscape of Carbon County,
ghostly reminders of the county's coal mining past. A complete listing of
the town sites as well as information about each camp is available at the
Western Mining & Railroad Museum.
Festivals...
All year long, Helper is alive with festivals
and celebrations. Beginning in June Helper celebrates its unique history
and heritage with the Annual Heritage
Week celebration. Tours, lectures and living history demonstrations
highlight this award winning week of festivities.
August brings the Annual Helper Arts Festival.
Historic Main Street is transformed into an artists paradise with great
food, live entertainment and stunning art of all mediums. This two day event
draws hundreds of people and is helping to shape the town into an art mecca.
Finally if you're in the mood for the
holidays there is no better place than Helper. Known as Utah's Christmas
Town, Helper dresses up in it holiday finest and celebrates with the Annual
Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair, the Candlelight Walk, Chili Dinner, Electric
Light Parade and Grand Finale Fireworks. Held every year beginning the week
before Thanksgiving, the Utah's Christmas Town Festival is a feast for the
eyes and the soul and brings a warm welcome to the Christmas Season.
We'd love to see you...
If all of this activity has worn you out
stay in one of Helper's unique motels or bed and breakfasts. Each offers
a real railroad town' experience and gives the weary traveler a fresh start.
One thing is for certain, Helper, Utah
is unlike any destination around. From ghost towns to bike trails, wildlife
to golfing, Helper offers something for everyone. | 
