Willard, Utah
A small pioneer town tucked beneath Willard Peak, known for its historic rock homes, roadside fruit stands and easy access to Willard Bay. It’s the southern gateway to Box Elder County and the start of Utah’s Official Fruit Way.
Quick Facts
Founded
1851
Known For
Pioneer rock homes
Population
About 2,000
To Brigham City
About 10 min
To Golden Spike
About 50 min
Stone Homes Beneath Willard Peak
Willard sits right where the mountains meet the valley, with Willard Peak rising sharply to the east and the open water of Willard Bay just to the west. It’s one of the oldest communities in Box Elder County and home to one of the best collections of pioneer stone homes in Utah. Many of them were built from local rock by Welsh stonemason Shadrach Jones and still stand along the town’s quiet, tree-lined streets.
Today, Willard is a gateway for both summer fun and small-town history. Spend the morning at Willard Bay, pick up fresh fruit on Highway 89, then wander past homes that have stood for more than 150 years.
Willard puts you within minutes of the county’s biggest lake, its famous fruit corridor and some of its best wildlife viewing.
Willard Bay State Park
Head just across I-15 to Willard Bay State Park for boating, fishing, swimming, camping and the lakeside sauna. In winter, the park lights up with the Fantasy at the Bay holiday display.
Utah’s Official Fruit Way
Willard marks the southern end of Utah’s Official Fruit Way, where family fruit stands and orchards line Highway 89 north through Perry to Brigham City.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Drive the 12-mile auto tour at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, where pelicans, avocets and tens of thousands of tundra swans gather throughout the year.
Crystal Hot Springs
Warm up at Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville, where a hot spring and a cold spring meet in mineral pools that are open year-round.
Stay in Willard
Willard’s lodging is all about the lake. Camp steps from the water at Willard Bay State Park or book one of the park’s cabins. For hotels, Brigham City is just 10 minutes north.
Dining in Willard
Willard keeps it simple and fresh. Stock up on local foods and snacks, or stop at the fruit stands along Highway 89 for whatever’s in season. For a sit-down meal, head just up the road to Perry or Brigham City.
Apple Creek Bulk Foods
Things to Do
in Willard
WALK THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
The Willard Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes more than 30 pioneer rock homes built between the 1860s and 1880s. Download the list of Willard’s historic homes (PDF) for a self-guided walk. Most are private residences, so enjoy them from the street.
SHOP THE FRUIT STANDS
From cherries in early summer to peaches and apples in the fall, the roadside stands along Highway 89 are a Willard tradition. See our Fruit Way guide for what’s in season.
SPEND A DAY ON THE WATER
Willard Bay is known for walleye and wiper fishing, waterskiing, paddleboarding and sandy beaches. Learn more on our boating and fishing pages.
SEE FANTASY AT THE BAY
Each holiday season, Willard Bay State Park becomes a drive-through light show, a favorite family tradition from late November through December.
FIND THE PIONEER MARKERS
Look for historic markers around town, including the site of the North Willow Creek Fort and the Willard Pioneer Cemetery.
A Bit of History
Willard was settled in 1851, when Brigham Young called a small group of families to build homes along North Willow Creek, making it one of the first settlements in northern Utah. In 1859, the town was renamed Willard in honor of Willard Richards, a counselor to Brigham Young, and it was incorporated as a city in 1870.
What truly sets Willard apart is its stone. Welsh-born stonemason Shadrach Jones took advantage of the rock left behind as ancient Lake Bonneville receded, and between 1862 and 1883 he built many of the town’s homes from local stone. More than 30 still stand today, and in 1974 the heart of town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Willard Historic District.
Before You Go
Getting here
Willard sits on Highway 89 just off I-15, about 45 miles north of Salt Lake City and 10 minutes south of Brigham City.
SEASONS
Summer is peak season for Willard Bay and the fruit stands. Fall brings peach and apple season, and winter brings Fantasy at the Bay.
VIEWING THE ROCK HOMES
The historic rock homes are private residences. Please enjoy them from the sidewalk and respect the owners’ property.
WILLARD BAY FEES
Willard Bay State Park charges a day-use fee per vehicle. Check current rates before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit to Willard
Spend a day on the water at Willard Bay, fill a box with fresh fruit and take the long way through town to see Willard’s pioneer rock homes. Brigham City is just up the road for dining and lodging.