Park City is a place that has a way of beckoning to travelers with interests of all types in every season of the year. This gem of a vacation destination in Utah pairs charm and outdoor thrills in a fashion that’s truly hard to top. Its prime location in the Wasatch Mountains makes Park City a dream destination for those with a passion for the great outdoors. That said, visitors who consider themselves foodies, history buffs, and relaxation enthusiasts alike will find they can easily enjoy their time here too. When travel plans bring you to Park City in the wintertime, you’ll find that filling your itinerary with time on the slopes is a must. In the summer, Park City’s mountain trails open up to hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers as well. From the rich culture and arts scene you’ll find here to the incredible festivals, restaurants, entertainment venues, and shops, there’s truly no shortage of options when it comes to customizing a stay in Park City that fits your travel style perfectly. Here’s our ultimate Guide to Historic Old Town.
Put a Focus on Local History and Beauty in Historic Old Town When You’re Here
Those who are new to Park City, as well as those who head this way year after year in the name of vacation fun, will find that spending ample time in Historic Old Town is a great way to really get to know this one-of-a-kind destination. Revolving around charming Main Street, Historic Old Town in Park City is a place where details of the past are still very much honored and evident, even as the city leans into modern marvels. Park City’s mining past is highlighted here, and styles of bygone eras live on in restored architecture, which now house new shops and galleries for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Historic Old Town is anything but sleepy, and instead, a place in Park City that’s earned a reputation for excellence around its vibrant vibes! It’s truly a rich cultural hub in Park City where museums, great performances, and flavor go hand-in-hand in every season and at every turn. While there’s so much to do here, sometimes, Historic Old Town captures visitor hearts purely through its scenic beauty. Historic Old Town is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, which lend themselves well to winter wonder, changing colors in the fall, and wildflower blooms in the spring and summertime.
A Rich Local Legacy Waiting to Be Discovered
Much as the name indicates, Historic Old Town, Park City has a long lineup of stories to tell that span generations. The thousands of visitors that make their way through this area throughout the course of a year’s time inevitably become a part of the rich history that defines the destination. Today, Historic Old Town, Park City is a place where visitors go to enjoy fabulous restaurants, locally owned boutiques, and top of the line accommodations too. However, before it was ever a tourism hot spot on the map, this part of Park City functioned with a very different purpose.
The story of Historic Old Town Park City is truly one of inspiring transformation, which began in earnest around 1868. This was the year that silver was first discovered in the area. It was a discovery that would quickly change a small settlement destination into a bustling mining boomtown of its very own. It didn’t take long before prospectors from across the map began making their way to Park City to search for riches of their own, and by the late 19th century, the area was considered one of the richest silver mining regions in the entire nation. In addition to silver, prospectors were landing on zinc, lead, and gold, which gave residents the funds to begin investing in the city’s development beyond mining.
Before long, Park City began to see theaters and boarding houses pop up across town, soon followed by saloons, homes, and other entertainment venues too. Similar to many other mining towns at the time, Park City would be faced with a number of challenges to balance out the good fortune it had landed through mining. One of those was the massive fire of 1898 that managed to destroy a large portion of Main Street. The community wasn’t deterred and dedicated itself to rebuilding as quickly as possible.
A Transition into Modern Tourism
The reconstruction efforts eventually paid off because by the mid-20th century, the decline of silver prices saw the city transition towards growth through tourism, with a firm focus on skiing. 1963 marked the year that Park City’s first mountain resort opened to the public, known then as Treasure Mountain Resort. When the fresh powder fell, those with a love for downhill thrills found Park City to be the perfect place to spend time adventuring on the slopes with family and friends. In time, the area would be developed to include winter sports of all kinds, and eventually Treasure Mountain would come to be known and loved as Park City Mountain Resort. Today, Park City is loved for its ski-focused appeal, but it’s important to remember what a role the city’s mining past played in making that possible.
Top Historic Old Town Destination to Check Out When You’re Here
Simply taking time to stroll along Main Street and enjoy the views available to you in Historic Old Town, Park City is a good way to pay homage to the past when you visit. However, in addition to the beautiful architecture, Historic Old Town is home to some great attractions you’ll want to be sure to check out when you arrive. Among them is the Park City Museum, conveniently located at 528 Main Street. This is a family-friendly place to explore where you’ll find a wide variety of exhibits and displays on-site telling the story of Park City’s mining past and transition into an iconic ski resort town over time. Many of the exhibits are interactive, making it an engaging place in Historic Old Town for visitors of all ages. A highlight of the visit this way is that guests have a chance to explore the town’s original territorial jail for themselves! This has been meticulously preserved and built into the museum’s set up so it can be a seamless part of your self-guided tour. The Park City Museum is open to the public from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm daily, but before you go, be sure to check their calendar of events. You might just find that your trip aligns with one of the special exhibits or lectures hosted here throughout the year that will make your visit that much more meaningful and memorable.
Lean into Historic Old Town’s Paranormal Appeal
With Historic Old Town’s vast past, it’s unsurprising that many visitors come this way interested in learning more about the area’s paranormal stories and experiences. The team at Park City Ghost Tours is more than happy to help answer those questions when you sign up for a spooky tour with their team of professionals. Tours typically depart from Historic Old Town around 7 pm, and alongside your guide, you’ll hear gripping stories of paranormal activity that’s been reported throughout the years as well as making stops at some of the area’s buildings with the most otherworldly pasts.
Include Shopping Fun into Your Getaway Experience
For those who have a passion for including some well-deserved retail therapy into each and every getaway, time spent in Historic Old Town, Park City is sure to please. This area is packed with unique shops and boutiques to check out that are great whether you’re looking for books, apparel, home goods, souvenirs, jewelry, handcrafted goods, furniture, or just about anything in between. If you’re looking for a bracelet, necklace, or ring to add to your personal collection, head over to OC Tanner Jewelers at 416 Main Street to browse their beautiful on-site assortment of options. Atticus Coffee, Books, and Teahouse is found at 738 Main Street and is a great place to pick up a cup of coffee and browse shelves packed with literature. Some other great shops to add to your itinerary in this area might include Pando Fine Art, the Thomas Anthony Gallery, the Burns Cowboy Shop, or the Helly Hanson Clothing Store to name a few of many.
Delicious Dining at your Fingertips in Historic Old Town Park City
Yet another benefit to spending time in and around Historic Old Town, Park City is that whenever cravings happen to come calling, you’ll have no problem finding something to satisfy here. The variety when it comes to culinary selections is impressive, and something that brings visitors back time and again in the name of amazing flavors. Eateries like 350 Main Brasserie are a great place to pair American cuisine with globally influenced dishes that are best enjoyed in a laid-back and welcoming bar setting with family and friends. Drop by the Bridge Café and Grill in Historic Old Town to enjoy Brazilian fare for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, while Butcher’s Chop House & Bar works well for an elegant date night out. A few other fan-favorite places to dine in the area include Riverhorse on Main, Grappa Italian Restaurant, The Cabin, Fletcher’s, Firewood on Main, and The Eating Establishment.
Local Events Worth Experiencing for Yourself
If you happen to be a traveler who loves to get involved in authentic, local fun when you set out to explore someplace new, staying in and around Historic Old Town, Park City on your first getaway here is a must. This area of town is where many of the very best annual events are hosted, and one-off performances can be counted on to be enjoyed throughout the year too. Each spring, the team over at Le Depot Brasserie hosts a fantastic Easter brunch for the public with outdoor seating and visits from the Easter Bunny for the littlest ones in your group. Historic Old Town, Park City hosts a Last Friday of the Month Gallery Stroll as well, and you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Park Silly Sunday Market which brings visitors and locals together alike to browse handcrafted goods, enjoy amazing food, and live music too. Gallery MAR often hosts special exhibits throughout the year in Historic Old Town, Park City, while the beloved and always highly anticipated Miner’s Day celebrations are held here as well. The Kimball Arts Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss, while Halloween on Main Street is a must for those who are heading to Historic Old Town, Park City in October.
Enjoy Luxurious Accommodations That Keep You in the Heart of Historic Old Town
We hope you enjoyed our Historic Old Town guide. When you’re excited to spend quality time in Park City, the team of property professionals at Summit Luxury Vacations can help you get settled in an amazing vacation rental that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations right in the heart of Historic Old Town. Whether you’re traveling on your own, as a couple on a romantic retreat, or with a group of family and friends, our Historic Old Town accommodations keep you close to the fun and living in exceptional standards of luxury and style every day of your stay. We have property options available to enjoy that are located right on Main Street and offer up stunning mountain views to enjoy day and night. When you’re not out exploring your incredible surroundings, you’ll have options to cozy up in front of your very own fireplace or enjoy a glass of wine on a private balcony under the stars.
No matter what property you select, you’ll find our rentals are spacious, inviting, and meticulously designed at all times. We know the details matter most when it comes to planning an unforgettable adventure in Utah, and our Historic Old Town, Park City accommodations often come with fully equipped kitchens in place as well as custom-built bedrooms and impressive entertainment set ups too. When you’re ready to turn your Park City travel plans into a well-deserved reality, Summit Luxury Vacations is ready and waiting to help you find the ultimate home-away-from-home in Historic Old Town this year. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting selection of properties and how we can help you customize the details of your stay that matter most. We can’t wait to see you in Utah soon!
