History comes alive with Camp Floyd State Park’s winter events

As the holiday season approaches, Camp Floyd State Park is rolling out a lineup of educational events, offering visitors the chance to step back into Utah’s past.

Park Manager Clay Shelley says these opportunities can be especially meaningful to new residents to the area.

“Many local residents don’t realize just how much history we have right in their backyard,” Shelley explains. “These programs let people really connect with the Pony Express, the soldiers, and the stagecoach travelers who passed through Fairfield and Eagle Mountain more than 150 years ago.”

Here’s a look at what’s happening before the calendar turns:

Nov. 29 – Guided Walking Tour
On Nov. 29, Camp Floyd will host a walking tour of key historic sites. Starting at the commissary and winding through the grounds, the tour highlights the era of Camp Floyd, the red-light district once known as Frog Town, the Pony Express route, and the Fairfield Schoolhouse. Reservations are required and the fee is $10 per person. Shelley notes that this smaller-group format helps people engage more deeply with the stories of the past.

Dec. 6 – Fairfield Town Parade & Festivities
On the evening of Dec. 6, the town of Fairfield comes alive with a big parade, fireworks, and plenty of local charm. Camp Floyd will open its commissary and gift shop for holiday shopping, and the kitchen will be serving food before the fireworks begin—making it a festive gathering for families and history lovers alike.

Dec. 13 – Spirit of the Season at Camp Floyd
The park’s biggest event of the season takes place on Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can tour historic buildings, including the commissary and the restored Stagecoach Inn, and talk with re-enactors dressed as 1850s soldiers who will share how the Army celebrated the holidays. At around 1 p.m., Santa will make a special appearance, and from 1 to 4 p.m., a caroler will perform, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Homeschool Fridays in December
In addition to these marquee events, Camp Floyd is hosting two “Homeschool Fridays” in December. These sessions engage families in hands-on learning activities that explore local history—from military life to pioneer school days. Shelley emphasizes that smaller, interactive groups allow for deeper understanding than many larger school-field-trip settings.

Learning the Cedar Valley’s history

For families and local residents, these programs are an opportunity to rediscover a foundational chapter of Utah’s past.

Camp Floyd tells the story of a time when President James Buchanan sent 3,500 troops to the Utah Territory. The camp and the surrounding town swelled to nearly 7,000 people, making it one of the largest communities in the territory.

The restored commissary building now functions as a museum, and nearby is the Stagecoach Inn, which once hosted weary travelers and soldiers. The Fairfield Schoolhouse—another historic structure—is also part of the park experience.

Shelley believes that bringing history to life isn’t just for tourists.

“These smaller groups, it really benefits them. This is more of a one-on-one thing where they can receive information,” he says.

That kind of personal attention gives visitors a chance to dig into stories that often don’t make the headlines, but that shaped the region.

To stay up to date on upcoming events, visit the Camp Floyd State Park website, or follow them on Facebook, Shelley encourages.