Breathtaking scenery
Travel Utah Heritage Highway 89 through 400 miles of scenic byways: wildlife, mountain vistas, and landscapes that challenged and captivated the pioneers.
Our story
A journey through pioneer history
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is the only National Heritage Area designated and named for a specific people: the Mormon Pioneers. As they forged westward through some of America's most challenging terrain, these settlers created one of the most remarkable colonization experiences in United States history.
Recognized by Congress as a significant factor in the expansion of the United States, this heritage area tells the story of courage, faith, and determination across six historic counties and 400 miles of Utah landscape.
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Miles of scenic byways
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Historic counties
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First settlement
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Miles from Illinois to Utah
Little Hollywood
Explore Kanab's film history, where red-rock country became the backdrop for classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Jeremiah Johnson.
Historic sites
Visit pioneer settlements, historic courthouses, the Manti Tabernacle, and preserved structures that tell the story of 19th-century colonization.
Agricultural heritage
See irrigation systems that turned desert valleys into farmland, and learn about cooperative experiments like the United Order in Orderville.
National parks nearby
The corridor opens onto Bryce Canyon National Park and the landscapes around Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, where pioneer history meets natural wonders.
Educational programs
Classroom resources, field trips, and teacher programs help students understand American westward expansion through this living heritage landscape.
The corridor
Six historic counties
1849
Sanpete County
First settlement at Manti. Scandinavian immigrant heritage and the Manti Temple and Tabernacle.
1864
Sevier County
Irrigation along the Sevier River. Historic towns of Richfield and Monroe with deep agricultural roots.
1864
Kane County
Gateway to Utah's Dixie and the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. Little Hollywood film history in Kanab.
1865
Piute County
Mining heritage at Marysvale's Canyon of Gold. Circleville and Junction endured the Black Hawk War.
1881
Garfield County
Named for President James A. Garfield. Home to Bryce Canyon National Park and Boulder.
1892
Wayne County
Independent settlers and cattle ranchers. Gateway to Capitol Reef and Rabbit Valley.
Best Documentary 2022 · Best of State
Discovery Road television series
Since 2012, Discovery Road has produced more than 50 episodes that take viewers down U.S. Highway 89 through the six historic counties of central and southern Utah.
Discovery Road showcases the fascinating stories, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable people that make the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area a treasure of American history.
Heritage highlights
Stories along the way
The 1,400-mile journey
Follow the migration from Nauvoo, Illinois to the Great Salt Lake Valley: handcarts, wagons, and extraordinary determination across the frontier.
Scandinavian immigration
Discover Little Denmark in Ephraim and Mt. Pleasant, where Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian settlers built thriving communities.
Conflicts and resilience
Learn about the Walker War and Black Hawk War, and how communities resettled after cycles of conflict and hardship.
Best Main Streets
Ephraim, Mt. Pleasant, Richfield, and Torrey are recognized for historic preservation and pioneer-era community planning.
Water rights legacy
From 1859 to 1936, pioneers built irrigation systems and legal frameworks that still shape western water policy.
Outlaw country
Visit country tied to Butch Cassidy and Matt Warner, where the same rugged landscape sheltered settlers building new lives.
Begin your pioneer journey
Whether you are a history enthusiast, educator, outdoor traveler, or family looking for an unforgettable trip, the Heritage Area offers something extraordinary.