Heber Valley has quite a few visitor centers, all well-staffed, with informative and entertaining displays, excellent maps and itineraries, and often much more. Some of these visitor centers double as small museums, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing spots.
You'll also find plenty of information on recreational opportunities on Forest Service managed lands, of which there are many in Heber Valley. Some facilities are really well kept secrets, like the Mill Hollow Campground and Wolf Creek Campground on the north end of the district.
All of your best resources are listed below.
Welcome to the Jordanelle State Park, Hailstone Recreation Area. The Visitor Center features interpretive and educational displays, park offices, and a theater. It has a great view of the marina, reservoir and Heber Valley.
Within the Visitor Center is a map of the area with information on recreational opportunities. It also has historical information, including accounts of the area's colorful mining era.
The Heber Ranger District in the Uinta National Forest is home to excellent snoeshoe and cross-country ski trails, among others. Contact the office for maps, advice, snow conditions and more.
The Heber Valley Chamber Visitor Center is a hub of information on recreation, lodging and dining in and around Heber Valley. Conveniently located on Main Street, where US Hwy 40 enters Heber City from the north, this is a worthwhile stop when arriving in town to best plan your stay in the area. This unique structure replicates the original Swiss post-and-beam style of construction built with wooden pegs in lieu of nails, commonly used in Europe during the 17th century. This 1500 square-foot structure was built primarily with donations of both labor and finances.
Open Monday through Friday 8 am-5 pm, Chamber personnel are on hand to answer questions about Heber Valley and nearby recreation opportunities. Numerous free publications and maps are available with local and statewide recreation information. Local historical publications are available for purchase. The Chamber also maintains a list of special events occurring in the area throughout the year.
During your visit to Strawberry Valley, stop in at the Strawberry Visitor Center to gather information about activities in the area. Forest Service personnel can answer questions, provide maps, or maybe even suggest a good fishing hole. Interpretive displays tell the story of Strawberry Valley's history, development of the reservoir, and management of Utah's premiere fishery.
Visit Strawberry in spring or fall to see the spawning runs of Bear Lake cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon. Barrier-free nature trails at the visitor center provide excellent viewpoints to see spawning fish in the Strawberry River. Near the visitor center, the Division of Wildlife Resources operates a fish trap on Strawberry River. During the peak of the spawning runs, visit the trap to see biologists taking eggs from spawning fish that will be raised in hatcheries. The Strawberry River Discovery Trail follows the river downstream from the visitor center.
Bird blinds along the trail provide excellent cover for viewing Strawberry's abundant bird life and signs explain the habitat that draws these birds and other wildlife to Strawberry Valley. There is much to do at the Strawberry Visitor Center; even if it's just a stop for an afternoon picnic by the river. Don't miss it!
Park visitors can get directions, maps, brochures, travel guides and local information at the Visitor Center. A bulletin board listing local events, activities and points of interest is kept current year-round. A picnic area, children's fishing pond and restroom facilities are also available.
