Best Non-Skiing Activities in Downtown Ogden, Utah

While Ogden may be best known for its deep, light powder snow and downhill skiing and snowboarding, theres more to do in Ogden than the ski scene. Whether you are here for a long weekend, visiting family, or ready to explore the hidden-gem Ogden is, here are our top seven things you need to do while you are here in Ogden this winter.

1. Experience the Dark Skies here in Utah

Did you know that Ogden has some of the best dark skies in the area? While North Fork Park is best known for its stunning scenery for hikers and Nordic skiers, its biggest attraction lies in the voluminous sky directly above. In 2014, North Fork Park was certified as a designated International Dark-sky Association dark sky park.

Maybe one of the best places to look beyond is at the Compass Rose Lodge in Huntsville, Utah. This boutique style hotel is the perfect winter getaway that feels like a Hallmark movie, but they house something special and unique. Their on-site Observatory and Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory (HALO), offers the rare experience of viewing neighboring stars and astronomical wonders with their Starwalk Tour.

2. Shopping and supporting local

Something that we love about Ogden is all of our local and independently owned businesses. Whether you are on the hunt for holiday gifts or are wanting to splurge on yourself, we have a variety of shops to choose from. If you are in Ogden Valley, then you'll want to make sure you check out these places to shop local. If you are downtown, then we have endless local retailers, hidden-gem shops, and more to choose from! Here are some of our favorites.

@visitogden #shoplocal in Ogden this holiday season!!! 🛍️🎄❤️ From outdoor gear, local honey, and hidden gems - we got it all 😎 #shoplocalbussinesses #downtown #utah #ogdenutah #recordstore #bookstore #fyp ♬ Christmas song "Let's decorate" - 3KTrack

3. Walking into our winter events

Did you know that Ogden is Utah's winter wonderland? Maybe we claimed the name ourselves, but alas, Ogden becomes a magical place from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until the end of the year. Our annual Christmas Village turns downtown into a mix of the North Pole and a Hallmark movie. Other events that happen through out the season can be found on our main event page. Check it often because events are always being added!

4. Live music

The music scene here in Ogden is alive and plenty! From karaoke nights and dive bars to live music on the slopes, we got the tunes. We could list out every single music hot spot, but honestly, Deann, from the Ogdenite, does it best.

5. Experience the local art scene

One thing that Ogden is known for is the local art. From curated art spaces and evenings dedicated to the artists to the endless murals around every corner, there is something for every artist in your group. If you are in Ogden Valley, we recommend checking out Green Haus Art Co., the newest addition to Huntsville.

If you are lucky enough to be in town for the first Friday of the month, the First Friday Art Stroll is a must, even in the winter time. From Union Station up to the Monarch, the stroll has pop up locations and demonstrations as you explore Historic 25th Street.

6. Cold weather means cold ones for all!

Beer, cocktails, and distilleries - oh my! Theres something about the winter season that makes you crave a ice cold beer, seems counterintuitive right? Our local breweries are always coming up with new creations and seasonal pours! With our own distillery in the valley - head to New World Distillery where you can have a private tour and special tastings. One of Visit Ogden's favorites...Side Bar. You want some of the most unique cocktails and drinks, definitely go there.

7. Local and independently owned restaurants and coffee shops

Cozy vibes are upon us which means delighting in some delicious food. One thing that we take pride in here in Ogden is our local and independently owned restaurants. You want finer dining, we got it. You're in the mood for quick slices of pizza, we have it. You want some tacos and best margaritas, yeah we have that too.

If you're not hungry yet...key word: yet...we have a plethora of coffee shops to warm up with.

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The Best Non-Skiing Activities in Ogden