Are you looking for a simple summer getaway for your family?
By Kamille Marshall
How does a secluded “Little Valley” nestled within the slopes of the majestic Wasatch/Cache National Forest sound to you?
If you are looking for a charming location to visit, look no further than Mantua, Utah.
Mantua has some of the best fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, ATV trails, hiking, biking and spectacular scenery that Northern Utah has to offer.
Mantua is located in Box Elder County, in between Brigham City and Logan in the beautiful Sardine Canyon. To find this enchanting hideaway you travel east on Highway 89 from Brigham City for five miles until you reach the town of Mantua.
My family prefers to leave the trailer at home and sleep in our tent when we camp in Mantua.
My favorite tent is the Copper Spur UL3 by Big Agnes which can be purchased at Gear 30.
I recommend staying at the Mount Haven RV Park (435-723-1292), located at 130 N Main Street, Mantua Utah 84324. The campground sites are fully grassed and shaded by beautiful overgrown trees. Campsite #9 is my favorite because it’s located within a few yards of the Mantua Reservoir beach. You can walk your canoe or paddle board to the reservoir with very little effort. I set up a table full of delicious snacks and drinks so my campers’ tummies stay full
while they play on the beach, ride bikes around the reservoir, play dominos, or read a book while relaxing at the campsite.
Camping is reasonably priced at $25 per night. Campers have access to restrooms, showers, water and power hookups.
Mantua Reservoir is a Northern Utah hot spot for paddle boarding, waterskiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Rent your outdoor equipment from our friends at the outdoor equipment store, Gear 30. Located at 1931 S. Washington Blvd, Ogden Utah 801-732-5870.
Don’t forget to pack your fishing pole! Mantua Reservoir is currently reporting that anglers are catching a good number of keeper bluegill. The current Utah State record bluegill was caught in Mantua (2 pounds 7 ounces). Mantua's top water largemouth bass fishing is second to none throughout the spring, summer and fall. Throw any top water bass bait along the shoreline and just hang on to your pole. When fishing at Mantua Reservoir anglers can expect to catch bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rainbow trout. Visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/ for a current fishing report.
If you are looking for wildlife viewing, mountain biking and OHV opportunities, head south on Main Street until the road turns into Willard Peak Road. You will find an abundance of trails and ATV riding opportunities. The Willard Peak area is a great place to see deer, moose, and mountain goats.
If you are looking for spectacular views of the Wasatch Front, drive to the top of Willard Peak road, ending at Inspiration Point. I highly recommend parking at Inspiration Point and hiking to Willard Peak. The trail is 2.9 miles round trip. Make sure you pack your camera, binoculars and plenty of water. Hiking to Willard Peak will surely be a highlight of your summer getaway!
The town of Mantua has a charming history! Mantua was settled in the spring of 1863, when twelve Danish families were called by authorities of the LDS Church to settle in “Little Valley.”
The Church authorities conceived the plan of raising flax to help with the supply of cloth. The climate of “Little Valley”, with its cool nights and short growing season, seemed to favor the growing of flax. The flax however, did not prove successful for use as cloth as it was too coarse. However, it did make strong rope, and the finer fibers made a good thread.
In early spring of 1864, a rock fort was started but later abandoned due to the Indians becoming friendlier.
Little Valley, also called Flaxville, was renamed Mantua by President Lorenzo Snow because it reminded him of his birth place in Ohio after the same name.
There have been numerous mines in the area including some gold mines.
One of the oldest businesses in Mantua is the Fish Hatchery located on the southeast side of Mantua. The State of Utah bought the hatchery in 1970 for the purpose of improving the Bear Lake Cutthroat Trout and is still in service today.
Make sure you don’t speed through Mantua; it’s widely considered to be a “speed trap” with rumors of one of the police officers ticketing his own mother for speeding. So slow down and enjoy this hidden gem of Northern Utah.
Happy Trails!
