How to Visit Helper, Utah
Main Street in Helper, Utah looks like a scene out of an old Western movie. (In fact, Helper was named the top western town in the 2006 edition of "True West" magazine.) Named for the "helper" locomotives that once helped trains travel up the canyon to Soldier Summit, Helper is the hub of Carbon County. Helper's Main Street is lined with antique shops, art galleries and eateries. There are seasonal events and recreational activities to enjoy. If you'd like to experience this quaint town just 2 hours southeast of Salt Lake City, slip on some cowboy boots and a cowboy hat and come on over.
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Schedule when you would like to visit. Although there are activities year round, plan to visit during one of Helper's festivities for an added experience. In August, you can enjoy the famous Helper Arts Festival, which brings artists from around the country to display their works, along with art competitions and a wide variety of foods. December is a great time to experience Utah's Christmas Town and watch the Helper Electric Lights Parade. Enjoy a chili dinner before watching the parade, followed by a fireworks display.
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Make travel arrangements. Helper is located on Highway 6 about 2 hours southeast of Salt Lake City. You can fly into Salt Lake International Airport and rent a car, or you can take the Amtrak train. The California Zephyr makes a stop at the Helper station. Hotel accommodations can be made in Price, about 7 miles south of Helper.
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Visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum. Outside the museum, visitors can get up close to a collection of old mining equipment, a railway caboose and other machines and equipment. Inside, you can learn about the multi-ethnic immigrants who settled in Helper between 1880 and 1936. There are extensive mining and railroad displays, along with other artifacts depicting life in the early beginnings of Helper.
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Take a walk down Main Street, which is registered as a National Historic District. Visit some of the shops, eateries and art galleries housed in the eclectic historic buildings.
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Enjoy a stroll or bike ride on the Helper City River Parkway Trail. This scenic paved trail runs along the Price River.
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Go fishing at the Gigliotti Fishing Pond. Located at the foot of the famous Balance Rock formation, Gigliotti Pond has many fishing docks and is handicap-accessible.
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