Old Irontown

Old Iron Town, located about 25 miles west of Cedar City, tells the incredible story of southern Utah’s historic mining industry.  During the 1850’s, Mormon pioneer leader Brigham Young sent several families to the Cedar City area to establish an iron works.  During the 1870’s, Iron City (Old Iron Town) was established as Iron County’s second attempt at mining iron.  The establishment had a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, a foundry and charcoal kiln.  While Iron City seemed prosperous at the time, it only operated for seven years, closing due to the lack of sufficient transportation for the iron ore and the money panic of 1874.

While visiting the park, one can tour the ruins of the iron works and a preserved beehive shaped charcoal oven and stroll along the nature trail.  Before embarking on your journey to Old Iron Town, visitors are strongly encouraged to first stop by the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City to obtain a better understanding of the area and to pick up a self guided tour brochure.

Hiking
There are two easy hikes through the Old Iron Town ruins. Also, several hiking trails can be found in the nearby Pine Valley section of Dixie National Forest.  A list of Pine Valley hikes can be found at  www.fs.fed.us/r4/dixie

Old Iron Town Ruins
A short ¼ mile trail with interpretive plaques describing the significance of the ruins including the kiln, furnace and foundry area and the Erastra (grinding stone).

Nature Trail
A short ¼ mile trail that includes information about the area’s vegetation and leads to the remnants of a pioneer cabin.

Fishing
Newcastle Reservoir is just 10 miles west of Old Iron Town along Hwy 56 (follow the signs). The lake is stocked with trout and bass. There is also unimproved camping areas and a boat ramp.

Mountain Meadow Historic Site
An interesting side trip for history buffs. Mountain Meadows is a memorial site for a massacre that occurred on September 11, 1857 between The Fancher Party Wagon Train and local settlers.  To get there, head west on Hwy 56 to Hwy 18 and proceed south on Hwy 18 for about 10 miles to the site.

Getting There
From Cedar City head west on Hwy U-56 for approximately 20 miles. Turn south onto Old Iron Town Rd. Travel this gravel road for approximately five miles to the ruins located on the left hand side.
Distance From Cedar City
25 miles

Entrance Fees
Free. Open all year, daylight hours only.

Season/ Operation Hours
Old Iron Town is open year-round but use caution getting there in the winter months. Old Irontown is only open to the public during daylight hours.  No staff are on the premises.

Camping
Old Iron Town has restrooms and a small, covered picnic area. There are no campgrounds however, primitive camping is available at Newcastle Reservoir further west and developed campgrounds are available in Cedar City.

More Info

Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
635 N. Main
Cedar City, UT 84720
435-586-9290
www.frontierhomestead.org