Discover Malad City: History and Culture

Malad City brings together local history, historic architecture, and events throughout the year. The Oneida Pioneer Museum preserves insights into various aspects of local life; a free self-guided historical tour leads to sites with information signs. There are also recurring festivals and nearby opportunities for outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, these different attractions can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Malad City and Its Historic Side

Malad City lies on the east side of Malad Valley, 13 miles from the Utah-Idaho border and along Interstate 15. One specific historic attraction is the Oneida Pioneer Museum. It is located in the former R.B. Davis Drug Store and Boarding House, built in 1914. The original vault and pressed-tin ceiling have been preserved and are among the building’s distinctive architectural details.

The collection also extends beyond a single theme: visitors can see furniture, photographs, quilts, toys, agricultural equipment, musical instruments, clothing, military uniforms, medical instruments, and books. This range offers several ways to explore local history. You might be interested in everyday objects, agriculture, music, or clothing; the listed collection areas cover a wide variety of topics.

Another way to explore Malad City’s history is the free self-guided tour of historic sites with information signs. Rather than a guided visit, it is an independent walk to the marked locations. The Jedd Jones House at 242 North Main is a stately, two-story brick house in the Queen Anne style. It is architecturally significant at the state level and is considered significant in Malad for its architectural and social history. The house is a private residence with limited access.

The Malad Second Ward Tabernacle is a historic building at 20 S. 100 W. St.; its architecture is designated as an area of significance. Together with the museum and the Jedd Jones House, it shows that the city’s historic landmarks include different types of buildings. Note that the house on North Main is a private residence with restricted access.

Festivals and Events Throughout the Year

Several recurring events can help with trip planning. Malad’s Old Fashioned July 4 is celebrated annually on July 3 and 4. It includes parades, a run, a pancake breakfast, activities at Malad City Park, a concert, and fireworks. The program may vary from year to year. Malad City Park and the Greenbelt are also where most activities take place.

The Malad Valley Welsh Festival takes place annually on the last weekend of June; the exact schedule may vary. Malad City holds a car show annually on the first weekend of June, also with the possibility of changes to the schedule each year. Malad Valley Heritage Square holds an annual Pumpkin Walk and also hosts a Renaissance Faire. No annual recurrence is specified for the Renaissance Faire. If a particular festival is important to your stay, check the dates and program before traveling.

Malad City Park also has a free Christmas Light Show. It runs seasonally from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through the end of the year; the schedule may change. The event calendar therefore has distinct seasonal highlights: the June and July dates fall in summer, while the light show takes place after Thanksgiving and toward the end of the year.

Things to Do Nearby

If you’d like to spend time outdoors as well as explore the city’s history, nearby options offer a range of activities. The nearby Third Creek Trailhead provides access to the Oxford Peak Trail System and is open to hikers and cyclists; conditions may vary. Nearby Deep Creek Reservoir offers opportunities for trout fishing, boating, and swimming. Seasonal conditions may vary here as well.

LeGrande Aqua Plunge is a seasonal summer attraction; operating details may change. Check the latest information before visiting. This makes it possible to treat historic sites, events, and recreational opportunities as different parts of a stay, without having to focus on just one.

For an overview of the wider area: Oneida County.