| A vintage stove stands on display at the Helper Mining and Railroad Museum. |
Visiting Helper and the Scenic Byway US – 191
No day trip would be cmplete without a visit to historic Helper and a drive through its downtown streets. The boundaries of Helper’s national historic district encompass the Western Mining and Railroad Museum complex located on the cities Main Street.
What can be done and seen?
The Western Mining and Railroad Museum has several floors filled with displays, photographs and memorabilia covering coal mining and railroading in the Castle Valley region from before the turn of the century to the present.
The facility in downtown Helper has an extensive collection of videotapes as well as a large outdoor display of mining and railroad equipment.
From May 1 to Sept. 30, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. From Oct. 1 to April 30, hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Tours may be scheduled.
Day Tripping Map |
From Helper, drive north up the canyon on SR 6, turning right towards Duchesne. The byway follows an old Native American trail used for travel between the Price valley and the Uinta Basin. The biway narrows and travels along Willow Creek. There will be wise-open vistas that pass through the beginnings of the Roan and Book Cliff formations. Peaking at 9,100-foot Indian Pass, the biway passes through the Ashley National Forest and a unique display of rock formations. The vegetation here includes pinyon, juniper, aspen, and Douglas firs.
Directions and driving time.
From Price its only six miles to Helper and another five miles up the Canyon on US-6. Turn right on US-191 and follow the paved road about 44 miles into Duchesne. One should plan at least an hour to drive the Scenic Byway route.
Information.
For tour appointments or information, contact the Helper Western Mining and Railroad Museum/ Castle Country Tourism at 435-472-3009 or the Duchesne Ranger District at 435-781-5200.