Fun Free Stuff to do in Iron County

The Iron County area is filled with fun stuff to do and several great attractions that don’t cost a dime to enjoy. Whether it’s taking a trip down memory lane in historic downtown Cedar City or it’s exploring the Parowan Gap petroglyphs the community is filled with activities to keep you busy for a couple of days.

Window Shop Historic Downtown Cedar City

Cedar City’s downtown area has art galleries, local restaurants, coffee houses, an old-time drug store with a soda fountain, antique stores and quaint shops. There area is alive with also alive with history including the old post office, the rock church and the Union Pacific Railroad Depot.

The historic downtown is located on Main Street and runs from 200 North to Center Street Most shops are open Monday-Saturday.

Explore the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

Parowan Gap is on the national register of historic sites It features ancient Native American rock art and is theorized to also be an ancient solar calendar. You can pick up the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs brochure at the Cedar City or Parowan Visitor Centers for more information.

To get there: travel north on Main Street in Cedar City through Enoch along Highway 130; watch for mile market 19 and a sign that points east towards the gap. Turn onto a paved road, travel straight 2.5 miles to the gap.

Run, Walk, or Bike the Coal Creek Parkway Trail

This 3.5-mile scenic walking trail is paved and located along the banks of Coal Creek. It weaves its way up into Cedar Canyon where you can enjoy a quiet moment listening to the sounds of nature along the river.

Perfect for roller-blades, bikes, strollers or just an afternoon walk with a loved on or a pet. There are also exercise stations along the trail.
The trail can be accessed at Bicentennial Park, Veterans Park, Cedar City Visitor Center and Cedar Canyon Park.

Play at Cedar Canyon Park 

This beautiful park is located on both sides of Coal Creek. Two pavilions are available for group gatherings. It also includes two volleyball courts and playgrounds. A small stream runs through the park. To get there head east on Center Street toward Cedar Canyon.

This beautiful park is located on both sides of Coal Creek. Two pavilions are available for group gatherings. It also includes two volleyball courts and playgrounds. A small stream runs through the park. To get there head east on Center Street toward Cedar Canyon.

Sing Along at the Utah Shakespeare Festival Greenshow

Held on the grass in front of the Engelstad Theatre, the free Greenshow comes alive with song and dance from the Elizabethan era each evening Monday through Saturday from mid-June through September. Bring your own blankets and chairs. The Utah Shakespeare Festival is located at 195 W. University Blvd.

Dig Park Discovery

An interactive play area that was built from the design concepts of local children, Park Discovery has towers, ramps, water, cultural and historical elements and dozens of educational features. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, fly a kite or walk the three-quarter paved walking path that surrounds the park located at 2077 W. Royal Hunte Drive.

Hit the Beach

Believe it or not, Cedar City has a beach. Located at 2090 W. Royal Hunte Drive, the Lake at the Hills is part of the Hills Recreation Complex and is open for fishing, non-motorized boating and swimming. In the summer, pack a picnic and spend a day with your family taking in the sun and playing in the water and sand. Open daylight hours only and you must have a valid fishing
license to fish. The lake is behind the Cedar City Aquatic Center. Kayak rentals are available from June to September and there are restroom facilities. No lifeguard on duty.

Walk around Historic Iron Town

Located just 25 miles west of Cedar City are the ruins of the historic iron works and a preserved beehive shaped charcoal oven in what is called Old Iron Town. You can tour the ruins and stroll along the nature trail. There is also picnic tables and restroom facilities. The area is beautiful and is worth a day trip with family and friends.

Southern Utah Museum of Art

Built in 2916, the museum is relatively new to Cedar City and features regional and national art exhibits. It is located at 13 West Center Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with extended summer hours.

Parowan City

Southern Utah’s original settlement, Parowan City is the first town built in Iron County. It is located just 18 miles north of Cedar City and has historic points of interest throughout its community including the Old Rock Church Museum, the Jesse N. Smith pioneer home, Dr. Meeks cabin and urban fishery, the Parowan Heritage Park and an award-winning cemetery tour. Check with the Parowan Visitor Center for the museum’s schedule at 74 N. Main Street.

Take a Scenic Drive

Iron County is surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery that is connected by a network of state byways featuring hiking trails and wildlife. State Route 143 from Parowan to Panguitch is Utah’s newest National Scenic Byway and is a stunning drive. Other notable state scenic byways
include State Route 14 that connects Cedar City to Highway 89 and by itself provides an ultimate outdoor adventure. This Route is often referred to as Cedar Mountain and is a forest with lakes, streams, meadows, caves and ancient lava beds. Favorite spots include Navajo Lake, Duck Creek
Village and Mammoth Cave. State Route 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument is another beautiful trip. You won’t want to miss any of these day trips.

Star Gaze at Southern Utah University Observatory

Open every Monday night the observatory provides a wonderful view of the Iron County sky. Plan on arriving at the observatory just as the sun sets. For more information, directions and schedule call (435) 586-1409.

What other free ideas do you have?  I would love to hear about them in the comments below.  And don't forget, if you have any question about selling or buying a home in any Cedar City or any of the surrounding communites, let me know!