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Living in Parowan, Utah
Those looking to put down roots in Utah should consider Parowan a small town where history, tradition, and natural beauty abound. Wondering if it’s the place for your new home? Read on to learn more about the city, its history, and how you can be a part of its future.
How Did Parowan, Utah Get Its Name?
With its proximity to Little Salt Lake, Parowan was originally called “The City of the Little Salt Lake.” Parowan got its current name from the Native American’s name for the lake, which meant “dirty water.”
Parowan goes by another name, too. Perhaps a more loving name. The city is also affectionately called the “Mother Town of Southern Utah” because it’s the first settlement of southern Utah.
What Is Parowan, Utah Known For?
As the first settlement of Southern Utah, Parowan is steeped in history and many original buildings and historic sites still stand today, telling an amazing story.
When Mormon Apostle Parley P. Pratt first camped at Parowan in 1849, he erected a flag that still stands in the town today. Years later a church was erected to serve as a place to worship, gather and educate. To this day, Parowan’s Old Rock Church stands in the center of town, now serving as a museum. Along with these features, Parowan also hosts original adobe structures and a city cemetery serving as the final resting place to Utah’s first Olympic gold medalist, the city’s first pioneers, and other famous and celebrated residents. It’s even rumored that Butch Cassidy could be buried there, next to his brother.
The Old Rock Church museum in Parowan, Utah
Parowan has several pieces of history that celebrate the origin of the town, but it also holds artifacts that date even farther back than these structures. Much farther back. At Parowan Gap, Native American petroglyphs, or carvings, can be seen carved into Navajo sandstone petroglyphs. The Parowan Gap is also home to a few dinosaur tracks from the Cretaceous Age, about 75 – 80 million years ago.
Native American Petroglyphs at Parowan Gap in Parowan, Utah
Things To Do In Parowan, Utah
Experiencing the area’s heritage is just one reason people love living in Parowan. Here are some other ways to enjoy life in and around this historic place.
Taste The “Best Cinnamon Rolls In The West”
When the city of Parowan was dared to be the place with “The Best Cinnamon Roll in the West,” local businesses accepted the challenge and created their own take on the breakfast fave. In the city of Parowan, you can try a traditional cinnamon roll from four different places. Or, you can be more adventurous and try a cinnamon roll chimichanga or churro or a cinnamon roll milkshake.
The best cinnamon rolls in the west can be found in Parowan, Utah
Explore Parowan Canyon
Situated between Parowan and Panguitch is Parowan Canyon, a red rock canyon that offers opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. You’ll find breathtaking views of vibrant colored rock spires and the Yankee Meadows Reservoir. Visit in the fall to see the canyon’s aspens turn a stunning red.
Red rocks of Parowan Canyon, situated between Parowan and Panguitch, Utah
Attend a Seasonal Event
There’s an event for every season in Parowan. In the spring, the city is in full bloom with a swap meet, car show, and a historical tour of the cemetery on Memorial Day. Residents kick off the beginning of summer with the Summer solstice event, which includes speakers, a dinner, and a sunset observation. Other summer events include concerts in the park, an Independence Day parade, and the Iron County Fair. When it starts getting cool, decorated scarecrows line Main Street to celebrate autumn. And in the winter, the community hosts a Sub 4 Santa event that provides holiday assistance for residents in need. Winter is also the time the city celebrates its birthday, with a town meeting, luncheon, and Birthday Ball.
View Natural and Man-Made Wonders at the Parowan Gap
Parowan Gap Hill
As mentioned above, the Parowan Gap features wonders made by man and nature over time. The gap itself was formed by an ancient stream that carved through the sandstone, making a narrow path that was further widened throughout the years by erosion from the wind and rain. The gap is a wonder in itself, but there’s even more to marvel at this spot. The Parowan Gap Petroglyphs are rock carvings made by ancient Native Americans and feature geometric designs, human and animal figures and a mysterious zipper drawing thought to be an inverted man, travel map, or calendar. Travel down the Parowan Gap Dinosaur Track Site to find natural casts of actual dinosaur footprints.
Visit Brian Head Resort
You can get to Brian Head Resort in less than 20 minutes. There, you’ll find a seemingly endless list of things to do, no matter the season.
In the winter, you can go tubing with friends, ski down more than 70 runs, or take in the rare sights of red rock formations dusted with snow. In the summer, you’ll find some of the best mountain biking in the state. You can also choose from other activities, like archery, zip-lining, and disc golf, or relax at the nearby spa.
The snow-covered red rock forest canyon of Brian Head, Utah
Attend a Cedar City Festival
Parowan is just 17 miles from Cedar City, Utah, a small mountain town with big events throughout the year and a lively art and dining scene. Cedar City’s also known as Festival City, USA because of all the festivals the city hosts throughout the year. From festivals focusing on film, music, folklife, or residential architecture to the Tony-award-winning Shakespeare festival, Cedar City has a way to celebrate almost any interest. While you’re visiting, you can feast on a diverse culinary mix of international and hometown tastes while feasting your eyes on the many works of art on display at the city’s galleries, museums, and theaters.
Custom Homes In Parowan
When you’re building your custom home, it’s important to work with an experienced builder who understands the area and provides clear and constant communication throughout your build. Choice Builders has over 30 years of experience as a design-build firm that has helped people put down roots in various cities across Iron County.
You’ll see that through the entire process of building your home with us. Our 5-step design-build process includes:
- A complimentary consultation
- A detailed design of the home
- Permit pulling and guidance through important decision-making
- The construction of your home
- The final walk-through of the home
We work with top-quality vendors and provide a unique online portal for you to stay updated on your build. The portal includes easy access to documents, progress photos, and project schedules. You’ll be able to make selections and changes, review job logs and send messages all through the portal as you go through our design-build process.
Voted Iron County’s Home Builder of the Year by the Iron County Home Builders Association, Choice Builders can create your vision of a perfect home so you have everything you want, the way you want it. To see the quality of work in the homes we build, browse through the portfolio of custom homes.
Parowan, Utah has a rich history with several relics from the past still standing today. While a walk through the city may feel like a walk back in time, Parowan is a city that’s looking to the future. Build a custom home here and be part of it. Contact Choice Builders to get started building your new home today.
