The 3 Best Tourist Attractions Around Sanpete County

From custom cars to sacred architecture to sun-sparkled lakes, Sanpete County’s tourist attractions tell a story as diverse as its landscape. This corner of central Utah may be rural, but it’s rich in experiences that surprise and delight visitors year-round. The Best of Sanpete County contest recognized attractions that capture the region’s heritage, creativity, and natural beauty — the kind of destinations that make even locals pause and say, “We’re lucky to live here.”

Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s Rat Fink Museum

There’s no mistaking Manti’s most unconventional landmark: the Rat Fink Museum, a shrine to car culture and the mind that shaped it. Created in honor of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, the legendary artist and custom car builder, the museum showcases his outrageous designs, hot rods, and the iconic Rat Fink character that helped define 1960s counterculture. Every wall bursts with color and personality — a tribute to artistic rebellion and imagination on overdrive. For gearheads and art lovers alike, it’s a must-see stop that’s equal parts history lesson and joyride through American creativity.

Manti Utah Temple

Standing gracefully on a hill overlooking the city, the Manti Utah Temple is one of the state’s most recognizable and beloved structures. Completed in 1888, it remains an enduring symbol of faith, craftsmanship, and pioneer perseverance. Visitors are drawn not only by its spiritual significance but also by its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and meticulously landscaped grounds. By day, it gleams in the sunlight; by night, it glows softly against the mountain backdrop. Whether admired from afar or explored up close, the Manti Temple is a cornerstone of Sanpete’s identity and beauty.

Palisade State Park

Just outside Sterling, Palisade State Park is the county’s outdoor playground — a serene mix of lake views, campgrounds, and golf greens set against the mountains. Families come to fish, kayak, and picnic along the water’s edge, while golfers take on one of Utah’s most scenic 18-hole courses. In the evenings, the setting sun turns the lake into liquid gold. Palisade strikes the perfect balance between recreation and relaxation, reminding everyone that some of life’s best attractions don’t need admission tickets — just a sense of adventure.

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