Visit Camp Floyd State Park’s Museum and Stagecoach Inn
The history of Camp Floyd is interesting. Although not much of the original camp still exists today, a visit to the Utah State Park lets you get a closeup look of why one of the largest armies in the United States setup camp in Utah back in 1858. You don’t need a lot of time to visit Camp Floyd State Park, but if you can time your visit with one of the major events they host, it’ll improve your experience at this state park.
Here’s a rundown on the four sites you can see during your visit. But first, I’ll share a few of the events you should consider attending.
Events at Camp Floyd State Park
Although COVID-19 put the kibosh on many of the scheduled activities at Camp Floyd State Park, those events are starting to resume. Check the park’s website for a full list of all events. My biggest travel tip for this destination is to plan your visit around one of the events.
Events span from April through October, and include day and night events. Here’s a brief summary of a few of the event types:
Bring your own flashlight and join in on a night-time Lantern Tour of the Commissary, Stagecoach Inn and Schoolhouse. The tours start at 8:30 a.m. There is a $10 fee per person and advanced reservations are required.
Johnston’s Army Camp is held on Memorial Day Weekend, while Camp Floyd Days is held in September. Both events bring you back in time to play games and join in on some military drills done by Johnston’s Army. Kids can even wear a period military uniform.
Celebrate the Day of the Cowboy at Camp Floyd State Park. The day includes activities for kids, food and of course, cowboy poetry and music.
The Campfire Program is an opportunity roast some s’mores and listen to stories from the days when Camp Floyd was full of troops. The event starts at 6 p.m. and costs $10 per person. Advanced reservations are required.
In October, the Ghosts of Camp Floyd event allows visitors to explore the camps paranormal activities. Guests can bring their own cameras, recording devices, or even infrared cameras so park staff can help you evaluate the ghosts of the park. Cost is $10 per person and advanced reservations are required.
Explore the Commissary (Museum)
The Commissary was built in 1858 and served as a store. Troops were able to purchase provisions and military equipment. In 1861, the building was abandoned as troops withdrew from the camp and headed east to fight in the Civil War. Today, the building serves as a museum to walk you through the history and artifacts of life at Camp Floyd.
The Commissary is where you should begin your visit to Camp Floyd State Park. Pay the entrance fee (or show your Utah State Parks annual pass), which then gives you access to all parts of the park. There’s also a small gift shop where you can purchase a souvenir patch, rock candy, books and other pioneer life games and trinkets.
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One of the best ways to begin your tour is to watch the 10-minute introductory video about Camp Floyd. If you want to save time and get a better sense of what you’ll see during your visit, you can watch Forgotten City in the Desert online. With that history and background, the elements of the museum and state park will all come together.
It took us about 10-15 minutes to walk through and read all the information boards in the museum. Small artifacts discovered at the site are on display, including bullets, coins and smoking pipes. After your visit in the museum, walk across the street to the Stagecoach Inn.
Wander Through the Stagecoach Inn
Life was a lot more simple back in the 1800s. There are no TVs, computers or iPods. Activities included spinning cloth, playing checkers or building your talents at the piano or organ. Enter the building from the east side – there are signs to help direct you to the right spot.
The Stagecoach Inn was built in 1858. The location was a perfect stop for travelers – including Pony Express riders and troops – traveling between Salt Lake City and California. The owners of the building ensured it remained one of the few respectable establishments in the city, despite the saloons and other entertainment locations.
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During your self-guided tour through the Stagecoach Inn, you’ll see multiple items that paint a picture of what life would’ve been like back in the day. However, the only original item to the initial Inn is a rocking chair. The Inn features multiple bedrooms (a bed and small nightstand), kitchen, dining room and a living room. The bathroom is small and the large metal tub in the middle of the room gives you an idea of what bath time was like. Even worse, a wooden chair with a hole in the middle served as the toilet. Gross.
As you tour the house, you’ll head upstairs, out onto the upper balcony and back inside, then down another set of stairs before exiting. Be sure and close all the doors behind you.
After your tour, you can either walk the two blocks to the Schoolhouse or drive over.
See the Old Schoolhouse
The schoolhouse is an interesting part of Camp Floyd State Park. The building wasn’t constructed until 1898, which is well after the troops left Camp Floyd. After serving the students of Fairfield, Utah, the school was closed in 1937 when kids were bussed to Lehi for school.
We weren’t able to see inside the schoolhouse. It’s only open during select events, or on a school field trip. Classes can plan a field trip to the park and learn what it’s like to have school in a one-room schoolhouse. The building is also available for rent, if you’re looking for a venue for a meeting, retreat, wedding or other event.
After seeing the schoolhouse, head over to the final venue of Camp Floyd State Park – the cemetery.
Quick Drive to see the Cemetery
The cemetery isn’t exactly within walking distance. So you’ll probably want to drive. Head out to the main read and head east. A quarter mile down the road you’ll turn south and travel about a half-mile until you see the cemetery fence on the east side of the road. Follow the road to the parking lot, and find a spot to park.
There’s one main monument about 50 feet after entering through the main gates. There’s also an information sign, with a rundown on the history of this cemetery.
One thing you’ll notice during your tour of the cemetery is that all of those buried had the same name – Unknown. 😉 They actually have no clue who is buried in the cemetery. In 2011, experts used radar to find where bodies were buried and new headstones were placed to mark burial sites. Headstones are scattered, with pretty much no rhyme or reason. There isn’t a lot to see at the cemetery, so this portion will be a quick stop on your visit to Camp Floyd State Park.
The Details:
Address: In Fairfield, Utah, 22 miles west of Lehi along State Route 73. Physical address is 69 West Main Street, Fairfield, UT 84013
Cost: $3 per person, or $10 per family. Fees for events are a little more – $5 per person or $15 per family.
Hours: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it’s open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outside of those dates, it’s open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Sundays).
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/camp-floyd/
Phone: (801) 768-8932
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