Utah Ghost Towns: Old Irontown Ruins

There are many ghost towns in Utah - the ruins of Old Irontown are located about 25 miles west of Cedar City. Southern Utah was known in history for its mining industry, especially during the late nineteenth century. Mormon pioneers from Cedar City were sent to Irontown to create an iron works facility, which is how it came to be known as Old Irontown.

First referred to as Iron City, Old Irontown was the second city set up in Utah for the purpose of mining. Visiting the Old Irontown ruins is the perfect activity for a family wanting to visit ghost towns in the region and explore the local history. When the town was first established, it had a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, a foundry and a charcoal kiln. Although the town experienced a decent amount prosperity at first, it eventually slowed, forcing the town to close down after seven years.

When you arrive at the park, look for the ruins of the iron works and enjoy the historical remnants. A preserved beehive shaped charcoal oven is one of the many interesting things you get to see at this location. There is also a nature trail for walking through the area.

The trail runs for about a quarter of a mile, and information posts along the way provide facts regarding the ruins and the objects that have been left behind such as the kiln, furnace, and foundry.

To get there from Cedar City, travel west on Hwy U-56 for about 20 miles. Turn south onto Old Iron Town Rd. for five miles directly to the ruins.