Richfield Area Information

About the Richfield Area

Richfield, sometimes referred to as the "hub of Central Utah" is the county seat of Sevier County. It is located south of Salt Lake City near the center of the state, with a population of 7,111 in Richfield and 17,683 in Sevier County.

Richfield's Beginning

In the Summer of 1863 George W. Bean took a small exploring party and went up the Sevier River above Gunnison and looking for suitable locations for settlements. After crossing to the west side of the Sevier River, the party found a big spring where Richfield was later settled. There they found fertile soil, good water, and wood in the nearby hills.

The early settlers wasted no time. August Nelson planted cottonwood saplings and Joseph F. Doxford even organized a martial band. A temporary bowery was built. Early in 1865 about 100 more families arrived, most from Sanpete Valley. In February 1865 the first schoolhouse was built; the first teacher in the school was Hans P. Miller. A fort was started in the fall of 1865. In subsequent years, Richfield continued to grow with the development of businesses, hotels, restaurants, railroad service, and other amenities, reaching a population of 3,584 in 1947.

Richfield Today

Richfield currently continues to be both a shopping and cultural center for the central Utah area. The Richfield tabernacle, completed during 1929-30 and noted for its architectural beauty, is a frequent setting for the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera Company, plays, choral programs, and other cultural events.

Richfield Agriculture

Much of the surrounding area is devoted to agriculture: hay, barley, oats, corn silage, cattle, hogs, sheep, turkeys, commercial feed lots, and dairy herds. Also, a well-developed business district serves Sevier County as well as adjacent counties. Government agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service ha ve their area offices in Richfield. Governed by a mayor and city council, the community emphasizes preserving its past as well as preparing for the future.

Events and Clubs

The city features an elaborate Fourth of July celebration including a parade, park activities, and a patriotic pageant. A county fair is held annually, and a September arts festival was inaugurated in 1992 and is projected as an annual event. Another annual event is a light parade held each December. Some service clubs, including Elks, Rotary, and Lions, are active in the community, contributing to a quality lifestyle. Local clubs for both men and women provide much service as well as social opportunities. Churches of various denominations also add to community life.

Richfield Contact Information

Local State Parks

Fremont Indian State Park

The park was established to preserve Clear Creek Canyon's treasury of rock art and archaeological sites. Fees: $5 for day-use and $11 for camping are required. 11550 West Clear Creek Canyon Road, Sevier. (435) 527-4631.

Goblin Valley State Park

Wind and water have carved unique goblin-like sculptures out of rock, creating an some amazing and unimaginable formations. For reservations or information call 1-800-322-3770.

Green River State Park

Green River State Park is an oasis on the bank of the Green River where tall cottonwood trees shade well-manicured lawns. Fees of $4 for day-use and $11 for camping are required. (435) 564-3633, Golf (435) 564-8882.

Huntington State Park

This beautifully landscaped park is 237 acres of boating, swimming and fishing fun. Fees: $4 day-use and $9 for camping are required. (435) 687-2491.

Millsite State Park

A secluded lake at the mouth of Ferron Canyon awaits visitors who love water activities, as well as, excellent off-highway vehicle and mountain bike riding areas, fishing, and golf. Fees: $5 day-use and $15 for camping are required. (435) 687-2491.

Otter Creek State Park

Year-round fishing and boating are the park's featured activities. Fees: $5 day-use and $14 for camping are required. Antimony, Utah. (435) 624-3268.

Palisade State Park

Palisade State Park & Reservoir draws swimmers, year-round anglers, non-motorized watercraft enthusiasts, golfers, and hikers. Fees: $5 day-use and $14 for camping are required. 2200 Palisade Road, Sterling. (435) 835-7275, golf (435) 835-4653.

Piute State Park

Open year-round for trophy fishing. Popular activities include camping, boating, waterfowl hunting in season and rock hounding. Fees: $5 day-use and $8 for camping are required. Antimony, Utah. (435) 624-3268.

Territorial Statehouse State Park

Territorial Statehouse in Fillmore is Utah's oldest existing government building. Fee: $5 day-use. 50 West Capitol, Fillmore (435) 743-5316.

Yuba Lake State Park

Warm water and sandy beaches, Yuba lures visitors for boating, swimming, picnicking, waterfowl hunting in season and year-round fishing. Fees: $6 for day-use and $8 to $14 for camping are required. Levan, Utah (435) 758-2611.