Blake Walsh

18 Best Things to Do in Ogden, UT

  • Published 2022/04/02

Ogden is a modern city and was the first city to emerge in the history of Utah.

It appears like a playground with a bunch of outdoor activities to pursue.

There are a plethora of adventurous and outdoor activities to enjoy in Ogden.

It is said that this city never sleeps, as it remains active and blooming throughout the year.

Since the city is deeply etched in its history, visitors can explore several cultural attractions.

It is a versatile destination that houses everything a traveler would desire in their itinerary.

To help kickstart your trip planning, here’s a list of the best things to do in Ogden, Utah:

Meet Dinosaurs at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park

Large dinosaur statue at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park comprises a collection of models of prehistoric creatures.

The realistic figurines amaze the visitors.

They were sculpted in such a way that you almost feel that they’re real.

A dinosaur eating a fish display at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

The park has over a hundred exhibits.

You may have seen dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park movies, but seeing dinosaur replicas right before your eyes is a different and delightful experience.

To make the experience more realistic, they have incorporated sound effects.

To educate the visitors, facts are so attached to the models.

Dinosaur skeleton exhibit at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Go Ice Skating at The Ice Sheet at Ogden

The Ice Sheet at Ogden is also known as the Weber County Ice Sheet.

It’s a recreation center that provides facilities and equipment for figure skating, ice hockey, and more.

You can spend two to three hours here without getting bored.

You can go here in the afternoon to get shelter from the scorching heat.

There is also a snack counter in case your stomach feels empty after rolling and skating around the area.

Take a Walk around the Ogden Botanical Gardens

Name sign of Ogden Botanical Gardens

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ogden Botanical Gardens is a paradise on Earth.

There are various exotic flowers and plants here.

Numerous walking trails are open from dusk until dawn.

Pathway leading to Ogden Botanical Gardens' gazebo

hakkun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can snap a lot of pictures of the flowers and trees.

The gardens are well-taken care of and maintained regularly.

You may spend an hour here and explore the flora.

It will be a relaxing activity to admire the flowers and walk the colorful paths.

Visit Hill Aerospace Museum

An aircraft at Hill Aerospace Museum

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Hill Aerospace Museum is spread out over 30 acres.

It is said that the museum welcomes millions of visitors every year.

The museum depicts the fierce history of the United States.

Aircraft at Hill Aerospace Museum

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

It houses 100 aircraft and other aviation equipment.

You may take one to two hours to explore the museum’s in and outs.

The collection is truly excellent.

Those interested in aviation and aerospace should surely visit and absorb as much information as they can.

Aircrafts displayed at Hill Aerospace Museum grounds

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Hike the Waterfall Canyon Trail

View from under the Waterfall Canyon

NicholasGeraldinePhotos / Shutterstock.com

Stretched out over 5.3 km, the Waterfall Canyon Trail is a beautiful creation of nature.

The best time to visit is from March to October.

It takes about an hour to reach the top—the hike is moderate and not so excruciating.

The trail is pretty long, but the waterfall at the end makes the hike worth it.

The atmosphere around the waterfall is pleasant, the view is fantastic, and a cool breeze always flows.

You can sit back and relax.

It is the most silent and calm place in all of Ogden.

Spend Some Time at Ogden’s Union Station

Front exterior of Union Station

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Union Station was once a hub for railway services in Utah’s history.

Now, it is a monument that houses four different museums: the Utah State Railroad Museum, John M. Browning Firearms Museum, Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum, and Myra Powell Gallery.

Name sign of Ogden's Union Station

PureRadiancePhoto / Shutterstock.com

The attraction and its displays are well-preserved.

The museums at Union Station exhibit the state’s rich transportation history.

You can spend a lot of time here because there are a lot of attractions to see and understand.

Old trains at Ogden's Union Station railroad

O.C Ritz / Shutterstock.com

Relax at Beus Pond Park

Do you want to witness some gorgeous scenery?

Beus Pond Park consists of an emerald pond and steep trails.

The pond is always filled with ducks and geese.

Its tranquil atmosphere and absence of crowds make it an excellent place for an early morning picnic.

If you go early in the morning, you’ll likely get the whole place to yourself.

It will be worth getting up early for.

Revisit History at 25th Street

Sunny day at 25th Street District

Julie Kamiya-Craig / Shutterstock.com

History and culture are an integral part of Ogden’s development.

It is said that if you haven’t visited the 25th Street District, you have not visited Ogden.

Ogden’s historical scriptures do not fail to mention the importance of 25th street.

A coffee shop at 25th Street

Zulspl8page, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This part of the city used to be considered rebellious as it did not practice the state’s customs.

The street itself is historic and worth visiting.

While walking around the street, you will notice a lot of galleries and historic structures.

Street sign of 25th Street

Clay Wieben Photography / Shutterstock.com

The area also has a couple of good restaurants that serve authentic local dishes.

It is a charming old-fashioned street.

You can snap some aesthetic pictures here for your social media.

Buildings along 25th Street

PureRadiancePhoto / Shutterstock.com

Bring the Kids to Kangaroo Zoo

Contrary to its name, Kangaroo Zoo isn’t actually a zoo.

It’s an indoor play area for kids.

Kangaroo Zoo is a colorful and cute area that children will love.

With many activities and bouncy play areas, your kids will stay busy for about two to three hours.

Children thoroughly enjoy it here.

It can get overcrowded during peak hours, so visiting in the afternoon is highly recommended.

All in all, it is a fun and quirky place to visit.

Spend a Relaxing Day at Fort Buenaventura

Aerial view of Fort Buenaventura

Crynolyn at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fort Buenaventura is a historical site that was transformed into a park.

It is located in the heart of Ogden.

There are a lot of activities to enjoy here.

It has camping sites, a fishing pond, a golf course, and a historic fort that was primarily used for trapping and trading fur.

It is a great spot to go for a day-long picnic.

The Fort Buenaventura replica at the park

Beneathtimp, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

While exploring the area, you’ll notice a lot of beautiful natural elements.

The area has a lot of stories to tell.

Camping and hiking can be fun here.

You can pack some snacks and have a picnic here, too.

It is a quiet place, even when it is filled with tourists.

Everyone does their own thing, and it is equally nice to see families relaxing around.

Discover Ogden’s Culture at the Eccles Community Art Center

Exterior of Eccles Community Art Center

Wyatt Perry, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Eccles Community Art Center is Ogden’s hub of cultural activities.

It is run smoothly by a non-profit organization that aims to foster the importance of art in the region.

A lot of programs are organized every year to raise awareness about art.

There are volunteer programs that involve people who want to polish and test their skills.

The exterior of the building is red sandstone with precise detailing, while the roof is arched and displays Victorian architecture.

It naturally looks like an old home.

The art displayed inside is impeccable and unique.

All the works on display are made by local artists only.

It is a great way to promote local items and give a platform to local artists.

Catch a Performance at Good Company Theatre

Good Company Theatre keeps Utah’s culture alive by hosting marvelous performances.

Their team is well-coordinated and delivers thought-provoking shows every single time.

Their most revered show is called Catharsis.

This special performance is filled with emotions and stories.

If you are lucky enough, you may still be able to catch it.

Step into a Story at Treehouse Museum

Exterior of the Treehouse Museum

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

This award-winning museum is one of Ogden’s most fascinating attractions.

As its tagline states, Treehouse Museum allows you to “step into a story.”

It’s a magical place to visit and will truly make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a different world.

Interior of the Treehouse Museum

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

The diverse and interactive exhibits are enough to keep the kids entertained for up to two hours.

It’s a great place to take your children aged 2 to 10.

Adventure books inside Treehouse Museum

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Book a Flight with Skywalker Balloon Company

Skywalker Balloon Company is the oldest of its kind in Utah.

They offer the best hot air balloon rides around the city.

The best time to take up the ride is during the sunrise.

At this time, the atmosphere and view are breathtaking.

They provide around 45 minutes of air time.

This will be an unforgettable experience for you.

The rides are smooth and peaceful, especially in the early morning.

Shop for Souvenirs at Gallery 25

Gallery 25 is a well-known art gallery in Ogden.

They have many fine art items available, and the prices are reasonable.

You can buy a lot of gifts and souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.

There are a lot of options available to suit varying preferences.

Take your time browsing through their offerings and select the best ones to take home.

Get a Sense of Ogden’s Pioneer Era at the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum

The Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum is a shrine to the history of pioneer-era settlers who came to colonize the area.

This cozy local history museum boasts an assortment of artifacts and exhibits from the time in which pioneers first settled in Utah.

It houses a fantastic collection of Utah memorabilia and exotic American-Indian artifacts and relics.

There are also magical masonic items on display here

Visitors’ favorite part of this museum is the charming antique cabin located out front.

The staff is happy to answer any questions that you might have regarding any piece on display within the museum walls.

A friendly, welcoming atmosphere makes this an absolute must-see for all locals and tourists.

Attend the Sundance Film Festival at Peery’s Egyptian Theater

Exterior of Peery's Egyptian Theater

Joe Hall, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Peery’s Egyptian Theater is an authentic piece of history located in the heart of Utah’s famous outdoor mountain town.

With a colorful courtyard reminiscent of an ancient Egyptian temple, it’s no wonder patrons feel like they’re transported to another place and time here.

The 1924 theater has been brought back to its original glory through careful renovations while keeping some fascinating details intact.

Name sign of Peery's Egyptian Theater

Thomas Wozniak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This buzzing heart of culture in Ogden offers many things to residents and tourists, including performances of all kinds—choral, dance, multimedia, and symphonic.

The modern stage house also boasts a library of films and other film-viewing events catered to movie lovers.

Peery’s Egyptian Theater also serves as the venue for the United States’ biggest independent film festival known as the Sundance Film Festival, which takes place every January.

Open the Doors to Ogden’s Dangerous Era at the 25th Street Museum

Once a boarding house, clothing store, and brothel, the 25th Street Museum now stands as a historic space housed in a historic building.

The museum chronicles the joyful and challenging times of those who lived and worked in the city throughout its tumultuous history.

There’s a one-hour guided tour that offers visitors the chance to view the most interesting pieces of the past.

You’ll also learn stories and facts that chronicle an era when the location was voted one of America’s most dangerous cities.

Now, the 25th Street Museum has become a beacon for dreamers from all over who continue to seek inspiration through its walls.

Final Thoughts

There are so many great ways to spend your time in Ogden.

From families with children to adults looking for some excitement, from foodies and art lovers to outdoor enthusiasts and those who have a thrill-seeking streak, there’s something for everyone in one of Utah’s most touristy cities.

Consider exploring the list put together here, so you don’t miss any must-visit stops while you’re in town!

Discover More of Weber County, UT

Best Things to Do in Eden, UT

Best Things to Do in Huntsville, UT

© All rights reserved.