Elwood, Utah
A quiet Bear River Valley farm town between the Bear and Malad rivers, right where I-15 and I-84 meet. Elwood is minutes from Tremonton, Crystal Hot Springs and the road west to Golden Spike.
Quick Facts
Farm Country Between Two Rivers
Elwood sits on the rich old lakebed of ancient Lake Bonneville, with the Bear River along its eastern edge and the Malad River to the west. Wide fields of hay and grain, irrigation canals and views of Mendon Peak and the Wellsville Mountains give this small town its easygoing, open feel.
For travelers, Elwood is all about location. It sits right at the junction of I-15 and I-84, about five minutes from Tremonton and ten from Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville. That makes it an easy, uncrowded stop on the way to Golden Spike National Historical Park, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the rest of Box Elder County.
Elwood’s spot at the I-15/I-84 junction puts hot springs, birding and railroad history all within an easy drive.
Crystal Hot Springs
Head to Honeyville, where natural hot and cold springs feed a set of outdoor soaking pools, a lap pool and waterslides. It’s open year-round and a favorite on a cold winter evening.
Tremonton
Just up the road, Tremonton has the area’s hotels and restaurants, award-winning downtown murals, the Bear River Valley Museum and the Box Elder County Fair & Golden Spike Rodeo every August.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Drive the 12-mile auto tour route through more than 74,000 acres of protected wetlands. Spring and fall migration bring pelicans, avocets, ibis and tens of thousands of tundra swans.
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Follow the road west to Promontory Summit, where the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. Stop at the Northrop Grumman Rocket Garden on the way.
Dining in Elwood
Elwood keeps it simple and close to the freeway. Grab a hearty, home-style breakfast at JC’s Country Diner or a quick bite at Arby’s, then head five minutes north to Tremonton for barbecue, Mexican food and more.
Things to Do
in Elwood
CELEBRATE THE FOURTH AT HANSEN PARK
Elwood’s small-town Fourth of July celebration fills Hansen Park with neighbors, food and family fun every summer. It’s a true hometown holiday, and visitors are welcome.
SEE THE OLD ELWOOD SCHOOL BELL
The bell from Elwood’s original schoolhouse, which closed in 1963, has been preserved and now stands on the north side of the Elwood Town Hall.
FISH THE BEAR AND MALAD RIVERS
The Bear River runs along Elwood’s eastern edge, with the Malad River to the west. Much of the riverbank is private, so use public access points and respect posted land.
DRIVE THE FARM COUNTRY
Take the back roads past hay fields, canals and century-old farmsteads, with Mendon Peak and the Wellsville Mountains on the horizon. Golden hour is especially beautiful here.
A Bit of History
The land that became Elwood was first claimed by a squatter remembered only as Davidsen, who sold it by 1879. Allen Hunsaker is honored as the town’s founder, and settlers from nearby Bear River City soon followed, farming here in the summers before staying for good as new canals opened more land. In 1889, church leader Lorenzo Snow admired the area’s “fair view,” and the settlement became Fairview. When the town applied for a post office, Utah already had a Fairview and a Manila, so the postal service suggested Elwood, and the name stuck.
Irrigation brought an unexpected problem. As more land was watered, the water table rose and drew alkali to the surface, ruining the soil. With help from the Utah State Agricultural College in Logan, Elwood farmers formed a drainage district and laid miles of underground tile drains, bringing the land back to life. That more-than-century-old system still matters to the town today. Elwood incorporated in 1933, and after decades of farming and later jobs at Thiokol and other nearby industries, it has grown into a close-knit community of about 1,200 people.
Before You Go
Getting here
Elwood is at the junction of I-15 and I-84, about 70 miles north of Salt Lake City, 15 minutes north of Brigham City and five minutes south of Tremonton.
WHERE TO STAY
Elwood has no hotels. Tremonton, five minutes north, has the closest hotels and motels, and Brigham City is about 15 minutes south.
RIVER ACCESS
Most land along the Bear and Malad rivers is private. Fish and explore only at public access points, and close any gates you open.
SEASONS
Summer brings the Fourth of July in Elwood and the county fair in Tremonton. Spring and fall are best for birding, and winter is prime time for a hot springs soak in Honeyville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit to Elwood
Take the back roads through Elwood’s farm country, then soak at Crystal Hot Springs, eat in Tremonton and head west to Golden Spike. Everything in the Bear River Valley is just minutes away.