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History of Utah Valley
The Spanish knew it.  The Indians knew it.  The early settlers knew it.  And so will you.  Come and explore the best kept secret in the West.  Small enough to travel end-to-end in just 25 minutes, but big enough to find a lifetime of adventure.  Whether its sports and recreation, academics, history, or you just need a good meal, your adventure is waiting here.

cities & towns in utah valley

North Valley Area

Alpine
Alpine is located on State Highway 92 in the extreme northeast corner of Utah Valley, five miles north of American Fork near the mouth of American Fork Canyon. It was Settled in 1850 by cattle ranchers. Early names of Alpine included Fort Wordsworth, Upper Dry Creek Settlement, Lone City, and Mountainville.

Highland
Highland is a small, relatively new community on State Highway 92, two miles north of American Fork. Highland was incorporated into Utah County on July 13, 1977. Its location on the upper benches of the base of the South Wasatch Range gives the town its name.

Lehi
One of the richest historical communities in Utah Valley, Lehi straddles Interstate 15 in the north central part of the Valley and is nearly bisected by State Highway 92. "The Pioneer City" was settled by early Mormon colonizers in 1850.

Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is the newest city in Utah Valley. It is located southwest of Lehi on the northwest shore of Utah Lake on State Highway 68.

Cedar Hills
Nestled behind Highland, American Fork, and Pleasant Grove, Cedar Hills is truly off the beaten path on State Highways 146 and 92 in the northern end of Utah Valley.

Cedar Fort
The westernmost community in Utah Valley, Cedar Fort is located on State Highway 73, about eight miles west of Eagle Mountain.

American Fork
Fifteen miles northwest of Provo, American Fork stretches from the South Wasatch Range on the east to Utah Lake on the south. Named for the American Fork River, one of the main tributaries flowing west from Mount Timpanogos, American Fork is a hybrid of suburban life and modern development.

Pleasant Grove
Located just east of American Fork at the foot of Mount Timpanogos, Pleasant Grove has arguably the most melodic sounding name of all Utah Valley communities.

Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain is a unique community situated in Cedar Valley northwest of Utah Lake, accessible by State Highway 73 fourteen miles southwest of Lehi. Incorporated on December 14, 1996, Eagle Mountain is one of the first truly "planned- before-incorporated" communities in the state since Mormon pioneers first settled Utah Valley in the 1850s.

Lindon
Lindon is a two-and-a-half mile stretch of farmland bordering Orem to the south, Pleasant Grove to the north, Utah Lake to the west, and Mount Timpanogos to the east. Settled in 1850 by Mormon pioneers, Lindon was originally named Stringtown because all of its first homes were built along a single road.


Orem/Utah Valley State College Area

Orem
Five miles north of Provo off Interstate 15, lies the city of Orem. This city is the second largest in Utah County and the fifth largest in the state. Orem is nicknamed "Family City USA" because nearly 85% of its households are occupied by married couples and 50% of its residents are under 25 years of age.

Vineyard
Vineyard is a small, close-knit community located next to Utah Lake in western Utah County. The town consists mostly of farmland becasuse a majority of its residents are dairy farmers.


Provo/Brigham Young University Area

Provo
Provo is situated in the heart of Utah Valley between the eastern shore of Utah Lake and the towering Wasatch Mountains . Mount Timpanogos dominates the northern part of the city at 11,957 feet. The rugged mountains east of Provo create one of the most picturesque backdrops in Utah.


South Valley Area

Springville
Springville is nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, two miles east of Utah Lake and just five miles south of Provo. The city is ideally positioned with easy access to both Interstate 15 and Interstate 80. The city was First explored in 1776 by Father Escalante, a Jesuit Priest. Springville was originally settled by eight pioneer families in 1850.

Mapleton
Mapleton is Situated between Hobble Creek and the Spanish Fork River, bordered by the majestic foothills of Sierra Bonita Mountain of the Wasatch Range. Mapleton is only 11 miles southeast of Provo. The area was used by early settlers in Utah County for livestock grazing, logging, and farming. The city was officially incorporated in 1948.

Spanish Fork
Spanish Fork is located about nine miles south of Provo. The city is built upon three alluvial fans formed by the Spanish Fork River. The Franciscan Friars Sivestre Valez de Escalante and Francisco Atanasio de Dominguez were some of the first explorers to pass through the Spanish Fork area. They were in quest of a direct route from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Monterey, California.

Payson
Payson is a small, historic community located eight miles southwest of Spanish Fork in southern Utah County. Due to its beautiful setting near the Mt. Nebo wilderness area at the mouth of Payson Canyon, residents and visitors are always close to hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Salem
Between Spanish Fork and Payson, off of State Highway 198, lies the small rural farming community known as Salem. Salem was once known as "Summer Spring" by the Indians, and "Pond Town" by early settlers. The town was finally named after the birthplace of Lyman Curtis to honor his contribution to the community. There is a counterclaim that the community was named for Salem (Jerusalem) of biblical note.

Santaquin
Santaquin is a small agricultural town named after the Sanpitch Indian Chief who later became a farmer in the area.

Benjamin
Benjamin is an agricultural community near Payson and Spanish Fork.

Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills is a small rural community on the side of Loafer Mountain in southern Utah County four miles southeast of Salem.

Elk Ridge
Elk Ridge is a charming community with wide-open spaces, and a panoramic view of Utah Valley. This city borders the Gladstan Golf Course.

Elberta
Elberta is a small fruit producing community near the southwest tip of Utah Lake, close to the city Goshen. It was established in 1895.

Goshen
The city of Goshen is a small farming community located between Santaquin and Elberta on US highway 6. Goshen is located in Goshen Valley, where Fremont Indian rock art, pottery shards, and pictographs can still be found.

Cabela's
Utah Valley adds one more great attraction to visit. Make this one of your Utah stops while planning your vacation.
> Cabela's
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