Brigham City, settled by Mormon pioneers in the early 1850s, boasts a rich history rooted in pioneering spirit and agricultural production. Promontory Point, to the west of Brigham City, is the iconic site where the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869. The driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory symbolized the unification of the nation, connecting east to west and fueling economic growth throughout the region.
Brigham City is also famously known for its “Fruitway”—a stretch of U.S. Highway 89 lined with family-run orchards. Thanks to fertile soils and a temperate climate, the area became a major producer of peaches, cherries, and apples. Seasonal fruit stands and festivals, like Peach Days (first celebrated in 1904), have long celebrated this agricultural heritage.
Today, the Fruitway and surrounding area is a popular summertime destination, drawing visitors eager to enjoy fresh, local produce and experience the charm of downtown Brigham City during Peach Days.
Explore the Fruitway
Start your adventure by heading to the famous Fruitway, a scenic stretch of road that runs through the fertile farmland of Box Elder County. In the summer months, the Fruitway comes alive with family-owned fruit stands lining the highway, offering everything from fresh peaches to strawberries, cherries, and even specialty items like fruit shakes, jams of all kinds, and local honey.
As you traverse the Fruitway, you’ll see fruit stands named after families, many of which have been in operation for generations. These roadside markets are a great place to buy fresh, local produce and also to meet the local farmers and families as they help you select the perfect fruit. Late in the summer, you’ll want to stop at a few of the stands to buy baskets of plump, juicy peaches—many of which are the star of the town’s well-known Peach Days festival held annually the weekend after Labor Day (this year September 5-6).
Don’t miss the chance to sample other in-season fruits, like apricots and raspberries, or pick up a jar of homemade peach preserves to bring a taste of Brigham City back home. Many stands are also frequented for their thick ice cream shakes loaded with ripe fruit and baked goods that can constitute a sweet brunch or lunch.
Head to Golden Spike National Historical Park at Promontory Point
A day trip to Brigham City isn’t complete without a visit to Promontory Point, where American history changed forever. Promontory Point is the site where the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869 with the ceremonial driving of the Golden Spike. At the Golden Spike National Historical Park, visitors can step back in time with exhibits, reenactments, and even see full-scale replicas of the Jupiter and No. 119 steam locomotives, which meet on the very tracks where east finally connected to west.
The drive to Promontory Point offers sweeping views of the Utah desert landscape and glimpses of wildlife, making the journey there part of the experience. Whether you’re a history buff or a railroad enthusiast, Promontory Point is worth the drive to step foot on the ground where history was made.
Peach Days Festival
If you’re visiting on the weekend after Labor Day, enjoy Peach Days, Brigham City’s most popular summer festival, where the town (and much of the state) celebrates all things peach. This annual event, held September 5-6 this year, draws tens of thousands of visitors and if you’re lucky enough to catch the festival in late summer, you’re in for a sweet treat.
Peach Days features two days of live music, local food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and, of course, plenty of peach-themed foods. You’ll find everything from peach ice cream and peach cobbler to peach lemonade and grilled peach skewers. Be sure to indulge in as many peach-inspired goodies as possible.
Aside from the food, the festival also offers family-friendly activities such as a parade, car show, quilt show, and carnival for the kids. Stroll through the vendor booths showcasing handmade jewelry, artwork, and locally produced goods, to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs. If you’re into competitive fun, you can even enter a beard contest or a 10K race.
Peach Days is an excellent opportunity to chat with Brigham City locals and learn more about the town’s rich agricultural history.
And even if you miss the festival, take a walk down Brigham City’s historic Main Street to explore the local shops and restaurants. Stop for lunch at a local diner or café. Many restaurants in Brigham City incorporate the fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the area, making it easy to savor the flavors of the region while supporting local small businesses.
Take some time at the Brigham City Museum of Art & History, housed in a beautifully restored building with a rich collection of historical exhibits, including pieces showcasing the area’s agricultural heritage and Japanese American history.
A Day Well Spent
A trip to Brigham City and Box Elder County offers a delightful slice of rural charm, where fresh produce and Peach Days create an experience that’s as sweet as the peaches themselves. From shopping along the Fruitway to soaking in the history at Promontory Point, this small-town adventure provides the perfect summer escape—complete with stunning views in Northern Utah; delicious, locally grown produce; and a warm, welcoming community.
