Step back into the Wild West and visit this historical haven! During a free, guided tour of Cove Fort, you can travel back to the days of horseback and covered wagon and discover what sort of accommodations a 19th-century traveler could have expected.
The History of Cove Fort, From Then to Now
Cove Fort was constructed in 1876, halfway between Fillmore and Beaver, as a vital way station for telegraph lines, the Pony Express, and travelers. In the 1860s, the 60-mile trip between these towns required two days of travel; Cove Fort supported the journey between them and made it easier to get to southern Utah settlements, providing a safe overnight stop to find shelter, food, water, and livestock feed.
The Purpose of the Fort
In the fall of 1849, President Brigham Young of the Mormon church sent Parley P. Pratt and 50 men to explore southern Utah. This group passed through the Cove Creek area before returning home to recommend that communities be established north and south of Cove Creek. The pioneers who built these towns traveled through the Cove Creek region, as did many traders, trappers, and settlers.
Cove Creek was barren and desolate, but because of its strategic location, the area was determined to be ideal for a fort to provide lodging and food for weary travelers as well as protection from Native American raids resulting from the Black Hawk War. Fortunately, the settlers and native tribes maintained peaceful relationships, so the fort was never attacked.
On April 12, 1867, Brigham Young sent a letter to Ira Hinckley asking him to leave his home in Coalville and travel 220 miles south to supervise the construction of this fort. In a decision that would change his and his family’s lives forever, Ira responded that he was prepared to go and would leave on the appointed day. On April 17, Ira left his family behind and departed for Cove Creek. His family would join him seven months later when the fort was complete. Running the fort became a family matter — from preparing meals to running the ranch.
Cove Fort Today
Today, Cove Fort is a historical site operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS Church). President Gordon B. Hinckley of the church’s First Presidency dedicated the restored Cove Fort complex on May 21, 1994, to the many thousands who would pause in their travels to learn, reflect, and meditate on the sacred and divine.
The fort brings the past to life and continues to serve as a spiritual way station for visitors to remember the faith and sacrifice of their forefathers — notably, the values of hard work, charity, service, and devotion to God and family.
Cove Fort Construction
Built primarily of volcanic rock and limestone from a nearby quarry, the fort’s perimeter walls are 100 feet square and 18 feet high. Its 12 rooms, six on the north side and six on the south, have been restored to reflect the 1867 to 1877 period, complete with authentic period furnishings and artifacts.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
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38.6007° N, -112.5818° W |
Cove Fort is located immediately northeast of the junction of I-15 and I-70, in the southeast corner of Millard County, 20 miles south of Kanosh.
- If you are coming from Salt Lake City or the North- Take I-15 Southbound to exit 135. Turn left on to UT 161 and continue for 2 miles. You’ll see the fort on your right and houses on your left.
- If you are coming from St. George/Las Vegas- Take I-15 Northbound until exit 135. Turn right on to UT 161 and continue for 2 miles. The fort will be on your right and the historic houses will be on your left.
- If you are coming from I-70- continue westbound on I-70 and take exit 1. Turn right on UT 161 towards Historic Cove Fort. Continue for 1 mile. The fort will be on your left and the Historic houses will be on your right.
What to expect & how to prepare
Come visit! You can expect to spend around one hour exploring the fort.
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Hours of operation: Cove Fort is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, from 11 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. |
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Amenities: Free parking, picnic areas, drinking fountains, and clean restroom facilities are all located on the property. |
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Nearby attractions: The fort is the main attraction, but the historical site also includes a blacksmith shop, barn, and garden open for exploration. |
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Cost: Cove Fort is entirely free to the public. |
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Tours: Missionaries from the LDS Church offer guided tours beginning every few minutes. Reservations are suggested for groups of 20 or more. You can make a request online. |
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Accessibility: The site is mostly wheelchair accessible but has some limitations. |
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
The Cove Fort historic site is open to visitors all year long. However, much of the tour is outdoors, and temperatures can often reach below freezing in the winter and the 90s in the summer — so come prepared!
