There is some very interesting history at Cove Fort and we really enjoyed our visit. And it is free! Elder & Sister Isom were friendly and informative tour guides -- they each provided details about Cove Fort's origins and subsequent happenings here while allowing us space to look around and read the interpretive plaques on our own. The tour started with a good, short film shown in a restored cabin across the road from the fort. Then we proceeded to the rock fort with its 18-foot walls and huge thick gates. All of the rooms inside have each been decorated as they would have been when this outpost was functioning in the mid-1800's. We had passed by this place on the freeway several times previously, but thought it would be a long drive to reach the historical spot. Not so! It's close to the off ramp on a well-paved road. Plenty of parking and clean restrooms help make a visit here a very positive experience. read more

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There's a 14 minute video that gives a bit of how the "fort" came to be. I can see how it served a purpose for travelers passing through, especially if the weather was particularly bad. They had a scavenger hunt for the kids, too. read more

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What an awesome hidden gem a few miles from the 15 freeway. I love for anything history and after being in the car for hours it was a site for sore eyes. It felt great to be able to stretch our legs. I had never been or heard of this fort before and was pleasantly surprised to see an Elder missionary for the LDS church greet us. The grounds are well kept and we realized roughly 18 husband and wife missionaries live on site and volunteer here giving tours. Established in 1867 by Gordon B Hinkleys grandfather. This was a popular stop and a frequent stop for the stagecoach. The building are well kept and the fort is made from lava rock which has helped hold its structure so well. Many of the original items are even in the small rooms of the fort. The grounds are beautiful and also hold many apple trees. The tours are free and it's really worth the stop. read more

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Sitting in central Utah, Cove Fort is one of the historic sites of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), founded in 1867 by Ira Nathaniel Hinckley, the paternal grandfather of 15th LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley. Unlike many mid-19th-century western forts, the walls of Cove Fort were constructed from volcanic rock rather than wood, enabling the fort to survive well into today. If you have the time to stop by at this historic LDS landmark, I would highly suggest that you go on a free guided tour. The knowledgeable tour guides will give you details about the history of the fort, what life was like in the fort, and how each room in the fort functioned back when it was operational. Don't forget to ask questions if you have any, and the tour guide will be more than willing to answer them. On a side note, near this historic fort is a junction of Interstates 15 and 70, where the latter has its western terminus. The fort is accessible from I-15 Exit 135 and I-70 Exit 1. read more

These folks are amazing and so polite!History is extremely preserved,well worth the drive and great history!

A fun road side stop. Free tours all day. No reservations needed. Great stories told by the guides and true history lessons learned. Great for kids. Kids get a free toy at the end of the tour. read more

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I can't believe I have driven by on the freeway my whole life and never stopped here. This is a definite must-see and just a couple minutes off of the highway. You pull in, there's lots of free parking, and there are missionaries waiting to give you a free tour. The tour takes about 15-20 minutes I would say. I'm sure if you had less time they could accommodate you. You will learn so much rich history of the area, neat stories and get to see the fort still standing! They even gave our kids pioneer age toys and Cove Fort suckers. Great experience! I highly recommend it. read more

What a fantastic historical site. AmazIng how people once lived and worked. We really enjoyed our tour and the senior missionary couple were lovely people, so knowledgeable about the time and answered all our questions. Our son even got to take the flag down because it was so windy. The grounds and restrooms are exceptionally clean. Great rest stop even after hours to use the bathroom until 9pm. Site closes at 5 but they showed us around even after 5. We would definitely come back just to get off the freeway to enjoy a picnic on the tables for a little break from driving. read more

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I have seen the signs for this Fort a couple of times while driving by and today we decided to stop in for a visit while on our way back to Salt Lake. I'm always interested in a little history and was excited to stop. This location is owned by the LDS church and has LDS history but is not exclusive to just church history. As we arrived we were greeted by a senior church missionary, Elder Frink. Elder Frink showed us around the Fort and told us about the history of the Fort, why it was built, who used it and why. We saw the rooms of the Fort that have all been reproduced with authentic or replica artifacts. It was very well done and well worth the stop. Even though this is operated by the LDS church and our tour guide was a missionary I never once felt like I was being preached to or pressured to do anything. Elder Frink was very nice and simply told us of the history of the Fort and answered our questions, no ulterior motives here. We learned that Cove Fort was built not only as protection against the Black Hawk War that was going on (1865-1872) but the Fort also served as a telegraph office, stagecoach stop, Pony Express stop, blacksmith services or just a stop for travelers. I'm glad we finally decided to stop and have a look. If you are into history this should be on your list. read more

Cove Fort - Front of the Fort. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Beaver, Utah

Beautiful spot to stop for a breather when you're on the road! Glad I stopped for gas and bumped into this place.

On our way to and from Southern Utah, my dad often thinks this is a good substitute for church if we happen to be passing through on a Sunday. Whether or not you are Mormon, this is a cool spot. The history is pretty fascinating. My favorite part is being able to see how pioneers lived a few centuries ago. It is a good reminder of how different life was pre technology. The volunteers are very kind and knowledgeable. And the experience is free so you pretty much have nothing to lose. read more

We were underdressed, and felt awkward because of the nice Morman lady in her skirt and blouse. They overlooked our disheveled apprearance and were very welcoming. We used the pristine restroom. Visited here a number of years ago with our kids and it was interesting. Improvements to the visitor's area are picture perfect. My yard should look so good. read more

Wonderful tour guide Elder Luke showed us around the fort and told us lots of interesting facts about the fort and time lived in the past. My husband, two boys, and I really enjoyed the tour and hospitality of the people who give the tours. It's always amazing to meet genuinely happy people who want to be nice to you because that's how humans should be. It was educational, fun, interesting, and a nice stop on a long drive back home. read more

Fun, free, educational and a great place to get out and stretch and breath in the air. Friendly older couple missionaries greet you when you arrive, will show you to the restrooms and begin their tour in a cool cabin by watching an educational video on the history of the Cove Fort. They will then take you to the fort to tour all the rooms. They are quite knowledgeable and provide several factoids on the objects and experiences there. You are welcome to as many pictures as you want and the missionary giving you the tour will even take one of your group for you. You will have many opportunities to participate in activities during the tour. You can relax in the park and enjoy the views if you want to take it slow. This is a fun little place to stop and explore. If you have a second in your travels, stop by and enjoy yourself. (P.S. Sister Margie Hildebrand was our guide and she did a terrific job). read more

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Interesting tour of a lovingly restored and preserved 1860s outback way station from the Mormon point-of-view. The docents are true believers who clearly wouldn't mind bringing you into the fold. But they're also happy to let you just take in the history of the place. At least the very nice lady we drew as a tour guide was happy to let us leave un-converted. There's no charge for admission. They won't even accept a donation if you offer. That's pretty unusual in this day and age. Check it out if you're in the area. At the very least, these folks have some of the cleanest restrooms in Utah. read more

This is a great little tour of utah history. The tour guides are volunteer missionaries and know quite a bit about this place and how it fits into Utah and their faith. They have an awesome festival once per year, usually in the first week of August where you can see all sorts of historical prepper trades. A peculiar and fun slice of Utah. Highly recommended! read more

Cove Fort - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Beaver, Utah

This is a wonderful place to bring your family and feel immersed in pioneer times. The tour guides are all volunteers and do an excellent job in the tour and answering any questions you may have. We loved visiting and anyone who's in the area should do the same. read more

I am not Mormon. My brother is though and I have no prejudice or problem with anyone's religion. I have always loved Utah because I thought the state was particularly friendly, honest and nice. I attributed that to the Mormon influence. Having said that: About a week ago my husband and I stopped to see this historic site. It looks great, clean, attractive and inviting. We parked and got out of the car, walked up to the fort itself. Approaching us from across the road were two people, a man and a woman, apparently greeters and tour guides. They gave us the up and down look (my husband has a pony tail and I'd say we were dressed for the road, clean but casually). The man stayed off a bit but the woman came up, asked us what we wanted and with a very standoffish attitude began to show me each room of the fort. I was never allowed to be more than 3 ft away from her. I'd wanted to take photos but she seemed to not want me to do that. My husband had gone back to the car and didn't come in because he could see that they did not approve of us and our appearance. When I was done with the tour, I was hustled out of the site. Well, that ONE interface made me re-think my position on Mormons. OMG. The interface was obnoxious and demeaning. After we left I kept wondering if they were some sub-sect of the Latter Day Saints and not the "real" Mormons. Weird weird stop and I don't recommend it as a visit unless you want that kind of experience for some reason. So there. read more

This is a very fun place! It is full of history and interesting things to see. We took the guided tour and learn so much about how people lived at the end of the 19th century. Great place to visit as a family! read more

This fort is as preserved and good as it gets. This place is an easy "stop and see" along your trip up or down the I-15 highway. The fort is owned and preserved by the Mormon church. Missionaries are present to walk visitors through the fort for free. The missionary who attended to us was a very helpful and friendly gentleman. He did a great job and was very laid back. The stone fort is situated just off the highway. The stonework and period interiors are preserved or reconstructed in historic fashion. The views are good with one view of a dormant volcano. The fort is situation alone in a field area with many small outbuildings and a large barn. Overall, this is worth seeing as it is an old prairie fort in great condition. It is a historic site. read more

Very informative. Loved the insightful stories and knowledge. I had no idea the fort was built as a way station.

This place is VERY COOL. You have a fort that has been very well preserved and the structures around it are in great condition. The guides were very knowledgeable and sincere in their efforts, and my kids LOVED it. They played a game with a steel hoop and steel guide and genuinely enjoyed themselves. It's not just for "Mormons." It's for anyone who likes slices of the American west. read more

Very enjoyable visit and tour. The tour guides were new, just moved in Christmas Day and were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Nice break on the 15 drive. read more

Great place to stop and take in a little history. Originally I only wanted to take a few photos, but I was greeted by the tour guide elder Brown. He was very informative and passionate about the fort. Like the other viewers stated the tour guides do try to give you there LDS church talk and make an attempt to convert you. I'm a devote catholic and had no problem with this as it is just there job (they are on a mission). Just nod your head when they give you the talk, and move on with your life, no harm done. read more

I had a wondeful time looking at this unique historic site. Sadly, I lost the card with my guide's name, but he was fun, informative and I enjoyed him. Although this site is run by the LDS and the guides are missionaries, I didn't feel any stress or pressure to learn about the Mormon faith. Go! read more

Went here just to check it out. It was immediately apparent that this a 'mission' for the tour guides. Each arriving group is mer by one of the tour guides that take you through the fort. They provide information on the displays in each if the rooms. I have to say that we learned some things and saw some items that we had not seen or known before. Very educational. But you do receive Mormon indoctrination at every opportunity. Our guide was very nice (Sister May) and not hard sell with the Mormon stuff. Guess she figured that since we had Mormon relatives there probably wasn't much sense in trying to convert us. We apparently lucked out and got a good guide. She was very knowledgeable and nice. I would recommend a stop if you are interested in history and old stuff. Just be aware that the guides are serving a six month mission at this location and their job is to interest you in Mormonism. read more

VIsited in October 2016. Very windy day which was typical for when the settlers lived at the fort. The lady guide was so kind and informative. Could feel what it was like in the time the fort was used as a stopping post for many people. Very informative read more