The Soul of West Valley City: Its Historic Locations

West Valley City might look like a modern suburb when you first drive through it, but behind the busy roads and shopping centers is a story that stretches back to 19th-century farms, Olympic ice hockey, and today’s multicultural festivals. Long before it officially incorporated in 1980, this part of the Salt Lake Valley was home to small communities like Granger and Hunter, where settlers carved farms out of land west of the Jordan River. Over time, those quiet roads turned into the second-largest city in Utah.

If you want to get to know the real soul of West Valley City, historic locations are the perfect place to start. This guide walks you through five key spots:

Each one tells a different chapter of the city’s story, from pioneer homesteads to international concert stages. You’ll find places where locals still gather for art shows, hockey games, summer concerts, and quiet moments in front of homes that have stood for well over a century.

Utah Cultural Celebration Center

The Utah Cultural Celebration Center (UCCC) is one of the best places to see what West Valley City has become. Opened in 2003 and operated by the city, it was designed as a year-round gathering spot where art, music, dance, and community events all come together. The official site describes it as a place dedicated to “enriching and strengthening communities by promoting artistic experience, education, and human diversity,” which matches what locals see on a weekly basis: exhibits, performances, festivals, and classes.

The building sits just off 3100 South, with a modern design that includes gallery spaces, a large multipurpose hall, and outdoor areas used for concerts and markets. The city’s facilities page highlights how the center hosts cultural events, conferences, and community celebrations throughout the year.

The UCCC is especially known for its rotating exhibits and multicultural festivals. The exhibits page lists shows such as themed art displays, student art, and seasonal collections, all curated to reflect the diverse backgrounds of West Valley UCCC Exhibits. Around fall, visitors often mention the venue’s Día de los Muertos celebrations, which combine altars, live performances, and family activities. Special events like this are promoted on the upcoming events calendar, which is worth checking before you plan your visit.

Online reviews give a feel for the atmosphere. On TripAdvisor, one reviewer calls it “a wonderful venue with various visual and performing arts events for all audiences” and notes that “most of the events are free” , which is a big draw for families and locals on a budget. Others mention enjoying cultural heritage festivals, gallery receptions, and outdoor concerts that feel intimate and welcoming.

For visitors, the best move is to plan your stop around something specific: a festival, art opening, or performance. Many events are free or low-cost, and there’s plenty of parking. Even on a quiet day, you can stroll the grounds, check out public art, and get a sense of how West Valley City has embraced its role as a multicultural hub.

Maverik Center: Olympic Legacy & Local Pride

The Maverik Center is the arena that put West Valley City on international television. Originally opened as the E Center in 1997, it hosted ice hockey during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. According to its Wikipedia entry, the building seats over 10,000 people for hockey and more for concerts, and it has remained a major venue in the Salt Lake Valley ever since.

After the Olympics, the arena settled into a new life as a multi-purpose venue. It is now home to the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies and a steady rotation of concerts, family shows, and special events. The official site lists everything from comedy tours and rock concerts to holiday spectaculars and wrestling events, all under one roof: Maverik Center Events.

Reviews from visitors describe what it’s like to attend a game or show here. On Trip.com, which aggregates TripAdvisor content, one fan calls it “a great place to see a concert or hockey game” and praises the “friendly staff and good seating” . Others point out that the arena feels large but not overwhelming, and that you can get good views even from higher sections. At the same time, several reviewers warn that parking can be tricky on sold-out nights and recommend arriving early to avoid long lines.

Location is another historic advantage. The Maverik Center sits near I-215 and is easily reached via TRAX light rail, making it a convenient anchor for the west side. When you stand outside on a game night and see fans streaming in under the lights, it’s easy to imagine what it felt like during the 2002 Olympics, when this arena was one of the busiest spots in the state.

If you’re in town, check the schedule and consider pairing a visit here with a meal at nearby local restaurants. Catch a Grizzlies game for a classic minor-league hockey experience or come for a concert and enjoy the more intimate feel compared to much larger stadiums.

William McLachlan Farmhouse: A Pioneer Story “Over Jordan”

For a very different slice of history, head to the William McLachlan Farmhouse, a small brick and adobe home built in 1884–1885. It stands on what was once a 40-acre farm “over Jordan,” far from the center of Salt Lake City. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as one of West Valley City’s most significant historic structures.

The story behind the house is dramatic. According to the West Valley City History project’s detailed writeup, William McLachlan, a Scottish carpenter and Latter-day Saint, built the farmhouse for his second wife, Maggie Naismith during the height of federal anti-polygamy enforcement. To reduce the risk of seizure, McLachlan placed the land and house in Maggie’s name. The original section of the house measured about 22 by 21 feet, with adobe-lined walls, a cellar, and finishes provided by local craftsmen.

Another article on the same site, focusing on William and Maggie’s family life , explains how William spent nearly eight years in hiding to avoid arrest, working on the Manti Temple and returning only periodically. Maggie managed the farm and children largely on her own, enduring financial hardship and the heartbreaking loss of three sons to diphtheria in 1894. The farmhouse, which survives today with many original details, is a physical reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of less-wealthy polygamist families.

Architecturally, the home is a rare example of a Mormon homestead-style farmhouse west of the Jordan River. The National Register documentation notes its brick exterior with adobe infill, simple rectangular floor plan, and modest ornamentation, all typical of a working farm rather than a showpiece mansion. Standing on the street and looking at the compact size of the house, it’s easy to picture a small family doing everything—cooking, sleeping, working, and gathering—within those walls.

Because the farmhouse is a private residence, it’s important to stay on the public sidewalk and be respectful. Think of it as a quiet, drive-by history stop rather than a full tour. If you’re already exploring the 3200 West corridor, it pairs perfectly with a stop at Hawarden, just a bit up the road.

Hawarden (Ira W. Bennion House): A Glimpse of Early 1900s Farm Life

Just north of the McLachlan Farmhouse, the home known as Hawarden (or the Ira W. Bennion House) offers another window into West Valley’s rural past. The City of West Valley’s historic sites list identifies it as a single-family dwelling built in the early 1900s, reflecting the style and lifestyle of farming families in the area at the time.

Local research notes that Hawarden was associated with Ira W. Bennion and his family, who were involved in agriculture and ranching. While it may not be as widely written about as some other Utah mansions, it stands out on 3200 West for its scale and age. The house’s design, with its solid massing and period details, contrasts with the newer homes that surround it, giving you a visual sense of how the neighborhood has changed over the last century.

The city’s recognition of Hawarden on its historic sites inventory underlines the value of preserving everyday residential buildings, not just churches and public monuments. These homes tell stories about what daily life looked like for families who worked the land here long before big-box stores and multi-lane roads arrived.

As with the McLachlan Farmhouse, Hawarden is a private residence, so the best way to appreciate it is from the street. A slow drive or short walk along this stretch of 3200 West lets you compare the two historic homes and imagine what the area looked like when farm fields and orchards lined the road instead of cul-de-sacs.

Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (Formerly USANA Amphitheatre)

A newer but still important piece of West Valley history is the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre , known for many years as USANA Amphitheatre. This large outdoor concert venue opened in 2003 and quickly became a key stop for major touring acts in the western United States. It was renamed in 2024 after Utah First Credit Union acquired naming rights, a change covered in local outlets such as KSL.com .

The amphitheatre is known for its huge capacity and open-air lawn with views toward the mountains. A venue guide on SaltLakeAmphitheater.com notes that it can host around 25,000 people, with both reserved seating and a grassy hillside where fans spread blankets and chairs. Over the years, the site has hosted shows by everyone from classic rock legends and country stars to pop icons and big touring festivals.

Visitor impressions are mixed but passionate. On TripAdvisor, some guests love the big-concert experience under the stars, while others are frank about parking and crowd challenges. One reviewer writes that “the venue itself is beautiful, but getting in and out of the parking lot can be a nightmare” , while others praise the sound quality and views from the lawn seats. Reading through a few reviews gives you a realistic picture: it’s an impressive place to see a big show, but planning ahead makes the night much smoother.

In a historical sense, this amphitheatre represents how West Valley City has changed from primarily agricultural land to a major entertainment destination. On concert nights, the glow of stage lights, food stands, and thousands of fans gathered under the sky feels very different from the quiet farm lanes that once occupied this part of the valley. Yet it’s still part of the same story: people coming together on the west side to enjoy music, community, and the landscape.

If you decide to go, check the venue website or your ticketing page for rules on bags, chairs, and outside food. Arrive early, bring layers for cooler evening temperatures, and give yourself time to exit after the show. It’s a big, bustling experience, but for many visitors, the combination of live music and mountain views is worth it.

Planning Your Historic Day in West Valley City

You can visit these locations in any order, but a simple route might look like this:

By the end of the day, you’ll have seen West Valley City from several angles: as a modern, multicultural city; as an Olympic-era sports host; as a place shaped by pioneer families and complex religious history; and as a major player in the region’s music and entertainment scene. All of these stories live side by side here, and that mix is what truly makes up the soul of West Valley City.