COMMUNITY PROFILES / TOOELE COUNTY

County Offices
47 South Main Street
Tooele 435-843-3100
https://tooeleco.org/

Chamber of Commerce
154 South Main Street
Tooele 435-882-0690
https://www.tooelechamber.com/

With a total population that would be considered by many to constitute a “midsized” American town, Tooele County is a vast expanse of uniquely beautiful landscape. Dramatic rock formations, towering mountains, arid deserts, and fertile valleys are all encompassed in this scenic region of Utah. Unique terrain like the Bonneville Salt Flats or the Great Salt Lake itself add mystery to the decidedly rural landscape. Enhancing the virtually endless bounty of possibilities for outdoor adventure, Tooele County enjoys Utah’s legacy of sun-drenched days and low humidity. The county’s average elevation at 4,820 feet above sea level translates into mild summer temperatures that peak at an average of 76 degrees in July as well as temperate winters that average a high of 28 degrees in January.

Many of the county’s small towns were first settled by miners and ranchers, giving each community a distinctive personality, a rich sense of history, and an ethnically diverse population. Most of the population centers are concentrated in the peaceful valleys nestled in the eastern part of the county. While Tooele County offers all the open space, friendliness, and slower pace of country living—the bright lights of Salt Lake City are easily accessible.

No doubt, the efficient transportation network has contributed to the county’s desirability as a place to do business. As activity at the Tooele Army Depot and Dugway Proving Ground diminished in recent years, commercial and industrial expansion have provided a healthy diversity. Successful manufacturing enterprises produce such items as plastics, chemicals, clothing, and even fish food. Most population centers in Tooele County are 25 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, although county facilities include two municipal airports, railroad access, interstate freight carriers, and highway connections via Interstate 80.

Services
Tooele County consistently strives for excellence in public education, including special programs for the gifted and challenged as well as extracurricular activities designed to promote self-expression and leadership. College credit is available to high school students through innovative concurrent enrollment programs, and Salt Lake Community College maintains a campus in Tooele County. Students of all age are able to pursue personal enrichment, learn a new trade or skill, earn certifications or degrees in a number of two-year programs, or launch a four-year degree in an affordable and user-friendly environment. Public and private colleges are available in nearby counties, offering a wide range of campus sizes and settings.

Newcomers to Tooele County can look forward to state-of-the-art healthcare close to home, whether the need is routine or advanced. Mountain West Medical Center in Tooele City integrates advanced medical and surgical specialties with the compassionate, patient-centered care associated with a community hospital. The hospital serves the entire county with 24-hour emergency care, intensive care, various therapies, a women’s center with birthing rooms, and dialysis. Same-day surgery as well as surgical specialties like laparoscopy and colonoscopy are also available. Other services include cardiopulmonary, home care and hospice, advanced imaging, rehabilitation, a senior circle, and sports medicine.

Lifestyle
Tooele County refers to its vast expanse of terrain and natural playground as the place “Where Land and Sky Embrace.” From the brilliant hues of rock canyons to the cool pine stands of the high country, this region boasts some of the finest recreational amenities in the entire nation. High mountain ranges invite such winter sports as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and alpine helicopter skiing. Newcomers will discover ideal conditions for sailing, swimming, camping, backpacking, off-road exploring, mountain biking, wind surfing, fishing, hunting, hiking or rock climbing.

In addition to springs and lakes that attract snorkelers, Seabase offers a geothermal training site for divers that includes underwater observation areas and the chance to feed and swim with tropical fish. This unusual attraction has gained fame as one of the West’s most acclaimed water-sport destinations. Those who prefer the skies can paraplane at Skybase, an activity described as “flying a parachute” driven by a small engine.

Community life throughout Tooele County is rich in interaction and activity in facilities from parks and campgrounds to golf courses, bowling facilities, tennis courts, sports fields, and swimming pools. Throughout the year, residents are enjoying one colorful festivity or celebration after another. Among the highlights are the Tooele County Arts Festival, Tooele County Fair, Grantsville Old Folks Sociable, the Fourth of July extravaganza, Cinco de Mayo, the Native American Pow-Wows, and Tooele City’s “Hometown Christmas.” Historic treasures are the focal point of a few county attractions, including a carefully maintained and restored Pony Express Trail. The Native American petroglyphs etched into the rough-hewn rocks on Stansbury Island may be as ancient as 11,000 years old.

No other attraction in the world rivals Bonneville Speedway for racing thrills and environmental uniqueness. From the middle of the summer through autumn, vehicles that reach speeds in excess of 600 miles per hour attempt to break the current land speed record across snow-white salt flats. The popularity of America’s original sport of baseball has never waned in Tooele County, where the Babe Ruth Baseball League reigns supreme. More than 40 uniformed teams enjoy well-groomed, exceptional facilities that include three of Utah’s finest: Dow James Park, Erda’s Allen B. Warr Memorial Park, and Elton Park.

Newcomers to Tooele County can choose from a pleasing selection of housing, from modest homes nestled in the heart of tree-shaded neighborhoods to luxurious ranches graced by as many as 40 acres or prime land. Those who desire horse properties or generous lots will find reasonably priced options that suit every lifestyle. With a density of just four people per square mile, Tooele County will be attracting new residents to its pristine countryside for decades to come.

COMMUNITY PROFILES

Tooele City
City Hall
435-843-2100
https://tooelecity.org/

Chamber of Commerce
435-882-0690
https://www.tooelechamber.com/

Serving as the county seat as well as the retail and commercial center, the anchor community of Tooele City bridges urban and rural lifestyles. A regional hospital, local employment, an extension for a major university, fine museums, county fairgrounds, premier ballparks, golf courses, fitness centers, and lush parks are all included in the city’s amenities and conveniences. With its superb economic opportunities, the city seems destined to evolve into a regional trade center. Located near the entrance of Settlement Canyon, Tooele City offers select homesites with breathtaking vistas of the nearby mountains. Housing choices range from modest homes in the heart of town to newer construction in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges. For world-class shopping, fine dining, professional sports, and internationally acclaimed performing arts, Salt Lake City is easily accessible.

Grantsville
City Hall
435-884-3411
https://www.grantsvilleut.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
435-882-0690
https://www.tooelechamber.com/

With less than 7,000 residents, Grantsville is nevertheless the second largest community in Tooele County. Claiming roots as a fort in Utah’s pioneering days, Grantsville evolved into a well-balanced residential community with a number of amenities. Attractions to this small town include the Donner-Reed Pioneer Museum, a premier equestrian center, and Grantsville Reservoir with its abundance of rainbow trout. Housing options within the city limits and the surrounding countryside are diverse and attractive. Those who desire spacious lots for gardens or just the feeling of open space will find the ideal home site. Horse properties are also common, and equestrian activities are part of the lifestyle for many Grantsville residents. Retail establishments are available to meet the need for basic goods and services.