The Best College Town In Utah
If you haven’t yet visited Provo, you’re going to want to after learning more about Utah’s best college town. Located 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, the state capital, Provo’s story began in 1849 when settlers established a fort along the banks of the Provo River. Named after a French-Canadian trapper, the town’s significance to Utah and the West increased significantly two decades later with the founding of Brigham Young Academy, the precursor to Brigham Young University. By the time the academy came to town, Provo had already become an important trade and cultural hub within Utah Valley. Now home to 113,343 citizens, Provo’s growth remains intrinsically linked to the development of its university.
Brigham Young University: A Legacy of Learning
Brigham Young University (BYU) traces its roots back to 1875 with the establishment of Brigham Young Academy, named after the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Why Provo? Well, not only was the town suitable for its central location in Utah Valley, it had by the 1870s established a solid reputation as a forward-looking community committed to becoming a center of academia.
Karl G. Maeser, a noted educator from Germany, served as the first principal when the academy opened its doors. The institution continued to evolve and expand in the ensuing years, eventually splitting into two separate bodies in 1903: Brigham Young University was established for college-age students, while younger students attended Brigham Young High School.
Today, BYU’s student population exceeds 35,000, making it the third-largest private university in the United States. It’s also the country’s largest church-owned university and is often ranked among the top educational institutions in the country for its strong academic programs, as well as its emphasis on moral values. A broad range of majors are offered including programs in business, engineering, computer science, and performing arts.
BYU has also produced many graduates who have made their mark around the globe. Senator Mitt Romney, a key figure in both business and politics; Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; and Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, are a few notable examples who carried the torch as BYU alumni.
The Town And Gown Connection
Provo has a fun term of endearment that has been bestowed upon it by locals and BYU students: “Happy Valley.” It’s as much a nod to Provo’s strong sense of community as it is to the extremely positive energy of its student body. The two are inextricably linked, with the main BYU campus situated just north of downtown Provo, placing it within walking or biking distance of local restaurants, parks, and entertainment venues.
The economic ties between Town and Gown are pretty significant, too. BYU’s more than 35,000 students pour significant financial resources into the area, renting apartments, purchasing groceries, dining at local restaurants, and attending entertainment events. Indeed, estimates place BYU’s overall economic impact at hundreds of millions of dollars annually, positively affecting everything from housing developments to retail growth.
Culturally, the impact is just as significant. BYU sports are a core community activity, particularly on football game days at LaVell Edwards Stadium (LES). When the Cougars compete against rivals here the stands fill with devoted fans, while the surrounding neighborhoods see a boost in business from hungry spectators. Annual events, such as Homecoming and concerts, also draw crowds from across Utah and beyond.
Other traditions that knit Town and Gown together include the famous “Y” on the mountainside above campus. Students have made the hike to repaint the college logo for over a 100 years, an acknowledgment of the tremendous pride shared between the university and its host community. BYU Education Week is another signature event that attracts people to campus for lectures, music programs, and cultural activities.
Must-See Campus Attractions
The BYU Museum of Art is a must-visit. Home to a rotating collection of exhibits ranging from classic paintings to contemporary installations, it’s one of the largest art museums in the Mountain West and provides a year-round calendar of events. Another major landmark is the Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL). Located near the center of campus, its extensive resources curated special collections of rare books and historical artifacts documenting the region’s heritage.
For those interested in natural history, the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum showcases impressive exhibits of wildlife and interactive displays, making it a favorite destination for families and school field trips. On warm days, walking tours of the Joseph Smith Building, the Centennial Carillon Bell Tower, and campus greenspaces are fun to participate in.
Consider yourself a sports fan? The already mentioned LaVell Edwards Stadium, the site of BYU’s home football games, is a must-visit. So, too, is the J. Willard Marriott Center (MC), one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the country. During game days, it’s common to see crowds passing through campus in a sea of blue and white, rallying support for the university’s teams.
Top Things To Do In Provo
While BYU stands at the heart of this dynamic Utah college town, Provo has much to offer around town, too. A short trip from campus leads to downtown Provo’s historic Center Street, lined with shops, cafés, and performing arts venues like the Covey Center for the Arts. A cornerstone of creative expression in Provo, this top-ranked venue hosts theatrical productions, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Nature lovers should head to Rock Canyon, a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying a leisurely scenic stroll. Highlights include towering canyon walls, a well-maintained trail system, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. A little further east, Provo Canyon features stunning waterfalls and the Provo River Parkway, a paved path that’s perfect for running, cycling, or walking. Bridal Veil Falls, just a few miles from campus, is a dramatic waterfall that’s easily accessible with scenic viewpoints.
Located 15 miles away in the Wasatch Mountains and founded by none other than Robert Redford, Sundance Resort offers skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Although a 20-minute drive from campus, it’s a popular spot for students looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
If you can, try to make your visit a multi-day affair. Options like the Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is only a short drive from campus and provides comfortable rooms and meeting spaces. As for food, fans of hot dogs (who isn’t!) flock to J Dawgs, a casual eatery specializing in custom creations that’s extremely popular with locals and students alike.
The Final Word
There’s no denying Provo’s growth and its identity owe much to Brigham Young University. Through decades of collaboration, both Provo and BYU have thrived on a shared focus on education, cultural activities, and community gatherings. Students find a wealth of academic opportunities backed by a supportive environment, alumni return for reunions and family trips, and residents enjoy the sense of continuity and progress the university. Tourists, too, benefit greatly from planning a visit to the best college town in Utah.
