Visit Ogden City's Historic 25th Street
By Ogden City
Historic 25th Street in Ogden City draws more than a million visitors a year with its colorful history and family-friendly culture. It is truly one of Utah’s most dynamic communities. Also known as “Two-bit Street” this commercial thoroughfare, running east to west through Ogden City, is a destination of things to see and do. A cultural gem with historic architecture, an amphitheater, and an assortment of restaurants, outdoor dining areas, artisans, and merchants.
There is something here for everyone. 25th Street is registered as a National Historic District and is a symbol of the impact the transcontinental railroad had on the United States and will take you on a charming stroll through turn-of-the-century architecture. As the junction between the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific Railroads, this historic district is a living memorial to the significance of a bygone era. A unique crossroads between Visit Ogden City’s Historic 25th Street the industry of the past and the progress of today, 25th Street will take you on a walk down Ogden’s own memory lane.
A Little History
Before Utah was a state, the building of the Transcontinental Railroad ushered in thousands of railroad workers. Immigrants worldwide and migrants from other states flocked to Ogden for railroad work. Integrating with the residents of the city, Ogden became an old west melting pot. As a result, railroad workers and travelers became a dominant source of cultural influence as they settled in the bustling hub of downtown Ogden. In the beginning, both railways had their own depots which created a logistical nightmare. Workers and travelers had to contend with over a quarter of a mile of boardwalk connecting the two. It didn’t take long for locals to realize a more functional solution was needed, and the project for a permanent structure for
Union Station began. Positioned at the west end of the street, the second Union Station was built in 1889 after the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. This main depot was a short distance from 5th Street and included several hotels and restaurants. In 1889, 5th Street officially became 25th Street. It did not take long for the station to grow and became a hub for rail lines heading north to Idaho. A fire in one of the hotel rooms in 1923, burned much of the interior and destabilized the original clock tower.
Although the main depot was still functional, the clock tower eventually collapsed killing a clerk. The decision was then made to change the structure. A year later on the same foundation, it was rebuilt in the Italian Renaissance style. This made Union Station the landmark locals know and love today. In the early part of the 20th century, 25th Street was the hub for shopping, eating, hotels, and industry. At the same time, 25th Street gained a reputation for illicit activities, narcotics, gambling, and prostitution. This area of Ogden had such a seedy reputation that it gave birth to urban legends of secret tunnels, opium dens, bootleggers, and speakeasies. One such myth is credited to Chicago crime boss Al Capone who is rumored to have said “Ogden is too wild a town for me.” A citywide effort to reduce crime in 1954, helped clean up 25th Street and make it more friendly to businesses and families. More recently efforts to revitalize and restore this historic district have turned it into a safe, popular, and fun place to be any day of the week.
Today’s 25th Street
Nowadays, 25th Street is far removed from its rebellious and seedy past. It is a gathering place for sightseers, travelers, art collectors, and foodies.
An ideal place to spend the day shopping and eating. Each season brings something new to entice visitors. If you are coming to town to ski the nearby slopes or attend a business conference, 25th Street should be on your bucket list of things to see. The street ranks among the Best Places in America by the American Planning Association.
Seasonal events are always a part of 25th Street’s calendar. The biggie is Ogden’s Christmas Village which runs through the entirety of December. The annual Santa Run and light parade make this a holiday highlight and annual tradition for many locals and surrounding communities. Warmer weather, of course, brings more outdoor events and many local restaurants feature outdoor seating.
For fans of the culinary arts, Ogden’s Restaurant Week puts a fork in the calendar sometime after the summer with several local eateries along 25th Street participating. The warmer season also marks the arrival of Ogden’s Farmer’s Market which makes an appearance just a block north of 25th Street. It’s worth a short walk to enjoy all the local produce and artisans at the market. The historical ambiance of 25th Street also makes ghost tours a natural thing to do. With scary-fun tours that give you some insight into Ogden’s past.
If a stroll down memory lane is something you like to do, then visit Union Station at 25th Street’s west end. There are art galleries, a railroad museum, a cowboy museum, The Browning Gun Museum, and food to eat—all located in a grand historical train station built in the roaring 1920s. For more information visit the Union Station website at OgdenCity.com
Twenty-Fifth Street is easily accessible from I-15 and has plenty of free parking along the street and in public lots. Public transportation and the Frontrunner train also make frequent stops (for public transportation schedules, visit RideUtah.com).
So, if you have a taste for good food, art, entertainment, and shopping— with a little history on the side, then visit Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. It’s fun for the whole family, or a date night to remember.
