Mantua, Utah
A small mountain town at the top of Box Elder Canyon, wrapped around Mantua Reservoir. With Danish roots, summer poppy fields and cool mountain air, Mantua is the gateway to fishing, paddling, camping and the high country above Brigham City.
Quick Facts
Founded
1863
Population
About 1,100
About 10 min
Pronounced
MAN-uh-way
Known For
Mantua Reservoir
A Mountain Valley Above Brigham City
Just a short drive up Box Elder Canyon, Mantua sits in a small green valley surrounded by mountains, a few degrees cooler than the valley below. At its center is Mantua Reservoir, where families fish from the shore, paddleboarders glide across calm mornings, and campers settle in under the trees.
Mantua was settled by Danish pioneers, and that heritage still shows, from the town’s unusual pronunciation to the bright red poppy fields that bloom each June from seeds first brought from Denmark. It’s also the starting point for some of the county’s best mountain adventures, from the Wellsville Mountains to the high road to Inspiration Point.
Mantua puts you right on the water and at the foot of the mountains, just minutes from Brigham City.
Mantua Reservoir
Spend the day at Mantua Reservoir, where you can fish for bluegill, bass, perch and trout, paddle the calm water or relax on the shore. In winter, it’s a favorite spot for ice fishing.
Wellsville Mountains
Head up the canyon to the Rattlesnake Trailhead and climb into the Wellsville Mountains, a steep range with big views and one of Utah’s best fall hawk migrations.
Inspiration Point
Follow Willard Peak Road from Mantua to Inspiration Point by ATV or high-clearance vehicle for views stretching to the Great Salt Lake. Learn more on our OHV & off-roading page.
Brigham City
Head down Box Elder Canyon to Brigham City for dining, shopping, the historic tabernacle and Peach Days each September.
Stay in Mantua
Stay close to the water in Mantua, with a Forest Service campground in the trees, a lakeside RV resort and themed cabins just steps from the reservoir. For hotels, Brigham City is just 10 minutes down the canyon.
Things to Do
in Mantua
FISH THE RESERVOIR
Mantua Reservoir is known for bluegill and largemouth bass, along with yellow perch and rainbow trout. The gravel dike around the lake makes shore fishing easy. See our fishing guide for more.
PADDLE & PLAY
Calm mornings make Mantua perfect for kayaks and paddleboards. Learn more on our boating & water recreation page.
SEE THE POPPY FIELDS
Each June, fields of bright red poppies bloom in Mantua, a tradition said to have started with seeds brought from Denmark by the town’s early settlers. Please enjoy them from the road and respect private property.
CAMP IN THE CANYON
Pitch a tent at Box Elder Campground or park your RV near the water. See all options on our camping & RV parks page.
A Bit of History
In the spring of 1863, Church leader Lorenzo Snow sent about twelve Danish families to settle this small mountain valley and grow flax for cloth. Because nearly everyone was from Denmark, the settlement was nicknamed “Little Copenhagen,” and it was also known as Flaxville and Little Valley.
In 1864, the town was named Mantua in honor of Lorenzo Snow’s birthplace in Mantua, Ohio. The Danish settlers pronounced it “MAN-uh-way,” and the name has stuck ever since. Mantua was incorporated as a town in 1911, and many residents today are descendants of those first Danish families. Learn more from the Town of Mantua.
Before You Go
Getting here
Mantua is about 10 minutes east of Brigham City on Highway 89/91 through Box Elder Canyon.
BEST SEASONS
Summer is peak season for fishing, paddling and camping. Poppies bloom in June, fall brings color to the canyon, and winter brings ice fishing.
PACK A PICNIC
There are no restaurants in Mantua, so bring food and drinks or stop in Brigham City on your way up.
HIGH COUNTRY ACCESS
The road to Inspiration Point usually doesn’t open until July because of snow. Check conditions before heading up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit to Mantua
Bring your fishing pole, paddleboard or tent and spend a cool mountain day in Mantua. Brigham City is just down the canyon for dining and lodging.