Top 20 Things to Do in Nephi, Utah (2023)

Nefe, Utah is a shining jewel and the capital of Jube County in the American Midwest.

Before it was known as Nephi, it was known as Salt Creek because of the salty creek that flows through the site.

The first settlers and founders of Nephi were Mormons, who gave the place its current name.

By connecting three different major highways in Utah, Nepha is a prime location where tourists and travelers flock.

If you're planning a visit and wondering what the best things to do in Nephi are, check out this list of 20 attractions to make your trip meaningful and memorable!

Visit Whitmore Estate

The relatively quiet neighborhood of Nephi also hides a historical gem that visitors should visit whenever they get the chance.

Located along South Main Street, Whitmore Mansion is a local destination known for its themed tours.

Whitmore Mansion was built in 1898 and has been a hospital, hotel and music school throughout.

Depending on the time of year visitors visit, they can experience different themed tours, such as Halloween and Christmas.

They also offer different forms of escape games.

Whitmore Mansion also has a restaurant and accepts event bookings.

If you want an even better time in Nephi, book a tour of Whitmore Mansion!

Join the Fun at the Juab County Fair

Since Nephi is a town in Juab County, it's no surprise that it hosts events that draw large crowds.

One such event is the annual Juab County Fair held at the Juab County Fairgrounds along West Street.

This annual fair has a long history and usually lasts for about a week.

Visitors can listen to concerts and view local exhibitions organized by the city.

If you're not afraid to get dirty, you should also participate in fun contests and activities!

The Juab County Fair is sure to make your time in the city a great one.

Make the Perfect Sandwich at Fresh's Family Restaurant

No trip is complete without great food, and that's what Fresh's Homemade Eatery offers its customers.

This lovely restaurant is located on South Street.

Despite the exterior, the interior is cozy, and diners can opt for window seats or larger group tables.

They have a variety of pre-made sandwiches that you can take away and eat while exploring the city.

Homemade Eatery Fresh's offers breads, cheeses, meats and more, and for the serious diner, you can even make your own perfect sandwich!

Fresh's Homemade Eatery is the perfect place for a relaxing meal alone or with friends.

Dip into the Pool of Nephi

If you're traveling to Nefe during the summer, the weather in the city can heat up quickly.

Luckily there is a swimming pool for tourists and locals to cool off!

Located in Nephi City Pioneer Park in the heart of the city, Nephi Pool is a convenient place no matter where you are.

The laid-back vibe and relatively shallow pool make it suitable for children.

There are also standard pool amenities such as diving boards for more experienced swimmers.

You can even rent a pool if you want more privacy!

Pay your respects at the Veterans Memorial and Rose Garden

Visitors looking to explore all of Nefe's parks should make the Veterans Memorial and Rose Garden a top choice.

This is a labyrinthine garden located on the corner of 100 North and 100 East.

The Veterans Memorial and Rose Garden opened in 2008 to honor Nephite soldiers who fought in World War II.

Here you will find the names of soldiers carved in marble.

If your travel plans are perfect, you will have the chance to see roses in full bloom!

Not only is this place a shady landmark in the heart of the city, it's also a place to admire and watch rosebuds in full bloom.

Watch the annual Illuminate the Night show

During the second half of the year, Nephi hosts its annual "Light Up the Night" event, which is attended by family and friends.

Beginning in 2019, Nephi is hosting this event at Nephi City Pioneer Park.

Usually held after Thanksgiving, families can participate in the Light Up the Night event, which includes multiple platforms and even free food.

In addition to Santa's traditional visit, the night is filled with music and competitions.

At the end of Light Up Night, Nephi's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place!

If you're close to town and want to keep the Thanksgiving spirit going, lighting up the night is the perfect activity for families.

Visit the Utah Daughters of Pioneers Museum

Utah has a long and interesting history, and dedicated groups have curated it in museums across the state.

One such museum is Utah's Pioneer Daughters, which has a satellite museum in Nephi!

Walking down South Street, you should pass this place.

It showcases a variety of rare historical materials collected throughout Utah's history, including historic photographs and other antiques.

The sheer amount of material in this place makes it a fascinating journey through time.

Whether you're traveling purely for leisure or not, the Utah Pioneer's Daughters Museum is worth adding to your bucket list.

Experience the thrill of Juab Xtreme Racing

There's more to you in Nephi than just relaxation and leisure; there are activities for the thrill-seekers, too.

If you plan your visit, you can watch Juab Xtreme Racing.

In this annual event and competition, professional motorcyclists try to overcome obstacles in the field.

At the Juab County Fairgrounds, you'll witness thrilling, death-defying stunts as motorcyclists strive to be the best of the bunch.

Juab Xtreme Racing delivers an adrenaline rush that will keep visitors coming back for more.

Juab Xtreme Racing is best enjoyed with friends and family, so bring them along for a fun night.

Passe o dia no Canyon Hills Golf Course

At the foot of the canyon on the east side of town is the aptly named Canyon Hills Golf Course.

The tranquility of the rolling peaks of Salt Creek Canyon is a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This 9 hole golf course is located on East Golf Course Road on the outskirts of town and is accessible from the motorway.

With full amenities like a snack bar and golf cart, you can enjoy a round of golf with your friends.

Don't worry if you can't play golf.

Canyon Hills Golf Course also offers golf lessons for beginners.

If you want a relaxing and fun end to your Nefer trip, head to Canyon Hills Golf Course!

Taste the oriental flavor with the oriental garden

Fast food can quickly get boring when traveling to Nifa, and you might want to try other dishes.

Oriental Garden is one of the best culinary spots you can find in the city, going to it is not a problem.

With its prime location on North Main Street, it may not look like much from the outside, but the architecture on the inside creates a warm and cozy ambiance.

As the name suggests, Oriental Garden offers Asian cuisine that will bring new flavors to your taste buds.

If you can't choose from the restaurant's impressive menu, you can't go wrong with the chef's specials like honey shrimp and Mongolian delicacies.

If you want to explore and get away from the hustle and bustle, consider dining at Oriental Garden.

Join a local Ute Stampede

Nephi loves its annual events and traditions, one of which is the Local Ute Stampede.

Since then, its rich history dates back to 1934 and has remained a cornerstone of Nephite culture.

Local Ute Stampede is held in prime locations throughout the city, such as the Juab County Fair.

It offers a variety of carnival attractions, as well as musical nights and shows.

Keep an eye out for Mammoth Parade, where locals build floats to parade around town.

One of the not-to-miss attractions of the event is the bullfight.

Take the Local Ute Stampede and you're sure to leave town with a true Midwestern experience.

Steak for Dinner at Lisa's Country Kitchen

Who says you can't have a good night at Nephi?

Lisa's Country Chicken, located on South Street in Nephi's southern suburbs neighborhood, serves up an excellent steak dinner when you're in town.

Some of the options offered to customers include steaks, New York steaks, and Hamburger steaks.

Steak can also choose potatoes, vegetables, soup or salad and bread.

There are also sandwiches, appetizers and desserts to finish off your meal!

With its café atmosphere and brick architecture, the restaurant is the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring the city.

Jump off the sky with Skydive the Wasatch

Do you want to try something memorable and exciting?

Just look no further than Skydive the Wasatch at Nefi Municipal Airport in the city's northwest.

This popular event draws people from surrounding areas including Nephi and Salt Lake City.

Skydive the Wasatch takes you to an altitude of 13,000 feet, a great vantage point from which to enjoy expansive views of the surrounding area, including the Wasatch Mountains.

Tandem skydiving is paired with a professional skydiver to ensure your safety.

They also provide photos and videos so you can look back and relive your skydiving experience in Nephi.

Make your trip to Nefer unforgettable with Skydiving the Wasatch.

Enjoy an authentic Mexican dinner at Jaliscience Restaurant

For travelers looking to whet their taste buds with something they wouldn't normally eat, Jaliscience is the place to go.

This restaurant is located on South Avenue for long distance travelers along the highway.

Authentic Mexican cuisine is served from breakfast to dinner, including meat and seafood dishes.

If you are traveling with a group and have friends who don't want to eat Mexican food, the restaurant also provides American breakfast.

Diners looking to mix dishes can take advantage of Jaliscience's custom tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas.

If you're looking for authentic Mexican flavors in the heart of Niffa, look no further than Jaliscience.

View hunting items at The Bow Shop

Nephi also had an interesting place to visit in the city.

As the name suggests, The Bow Shop is a one-stop shop for hunting equipment such as bows, arrows, guns and ammunition.

Located along South Main Street, this store is perfect for adventurers, hunters and backcountry explorers.

You'll also find an indoor arena as well as a variety of different hunting tools.

The Bow Shop is well known in the region for their professional service and hunting equipment advice.

If hunting is your thing, head to The Bow Shop!

Adventure Hike to the Summit of Santaquin - Loafer Mountain Trail

The Santaquin Peak - Loafer Mountain Trail offers hikers many attractions that are sure to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Visit Santaquin Peak, which is as beautiful as any other mountain on the Wasatch Front.

Hike Loafer Ridge for stunning views of maple and aspen groves; they're even more beautiful in the fall.

Watch for wildlife or birds in the trail area.

You can also bike and use the bike trails around Lake Mountain, the Loafer Mountain Trail and the Pioneer Trail.

You will find more attractions related to Santaquin Peak - Loafer Mountain Trail.

Assist Juab County Demolition Fairgrounds Derby

Watch amazing cars and trucks triumph in the Juab County Fair Demolition Derby.

The derby is a highly anticipated event held every year at the county fair.

It was also voted the second best Demolition Derby in the world in 2017.

Join the exciting action and cheer on your bets across multiple categories including Iron Heat, Stock Heat, Truck Heat and High School Heat.

Take a look at past sprint champions and rivals and battle it out for a spot in the derby.

Watch these derby winners at the Juab County Fair Demolition Derby.

Enjoy a nature walk on the scenic Mount Nebo Loop

The Mount Nebo Scenic Loop is a 38-mile road that runs from Nephi's Uinta National Forest to Payson, overlooking the eastern side of Mount Nebo.

With a 9,000-foot climb, you'll enjoy plenty of views from multiple angles.

You can pitch a tent at a nearby campground, hike the trails to the summit of Mount Nebo, or enjoy the expansive wildlife vistas on horseback.

Other sights to see along the trail include the Devil's Kitchen geological landmark and the Salt Tower near State Route 132.

Note that Mount Nebo Scenic Area is closed from late October through July.

Tome um café fresco no The Haven Coffee House & Roasting Co.

If you are looking for a fresh cup of coffee to pick you up, The Haven Coffee House & Roasting Co. is the place to come.

This cafe is located next to Old Mill Park and has a nice patio with a beautiful view of Salt Creek.

Its in-house roasting process guarantees coffee lovers a great-tasting cup of coffee every time.

Grab an Americano or cappuccino, as well as your choice of Breve and Chai Latte.

Do you want your coffee to be different? Request additional services such as Espresso Shot, Syrup Shot or Kicker.

You can also freeze them or try something else like Monster Mixer or Red Bull Icee.

Haven Cafe and Roasters also offers organic roasted coffee beans for order and delivery.

Enjoy family movie night at Salt Creek Cinemas

Are you planning a movie night? Salt Creek Cinemas delivers a great movie experience.

You'll enjoy comfortable seating in a relaxing stadium with a state-of-the-art surround sound system, creating the perfect movie-going atmosphere for all ages.

Grab a bite while watching a movie on the snack bar screen.

You can check recommended movies and showtimes on their website.

Take the family to see a movie at Salt Creek Cinemas.

Other nearby attractions

Water Sports at Burraston Ponds

Located six miles north of Nephi City Pioneer Park, Burraston Ponds is a great nature getaway for visitors looking to get away from the city.

Burraston Ponds, close to Morne Reservoir, is an angler's paradise due to its abundance of trout and carp.

If fishing isn't your thing, you can also go swimming, paddle boarding or scuba diving.

Jet skis are not allowed in the area, but visitors can still kayak in the lagoon.

Whatever water activities appeal to you, you can be sure to find them at Burraston Ponds!

final thoughts

Visiting Nefe requires travel planning to take advantage of the city's annual events and traditions.

From thrill seekers to those looking for a more leisurely ride, Nephi has something for every taste and preference.

Whether it's cozy dining options or a plethora of activities, Nephi is sure to be a place you'll return to time and time again.