Spanning 250 miles — from the small town of Fairview south to the Arizona border — this district is home to National and State Parks and Monuments, recreational areas, pageants, artists' colonies, museums and more. The heritage area has been divided into five districts, each with a special flavor and personality:

• In Little Denmark, which is basically Sanpete County, you see the influence of Scandinavian pioneers sent by Brigham Young to settle the area. You can see it in woodworking and stained glass, downtowns filled with buildings listed on the National Historic Register, distinct architecture ranging from humble homes to the Manti LDS Temple. Celebrations such as the Scandinavian Festival in Ephraim and the Mormon Miracle Pageant offer local flavor.

• In Sevier Valley, heritage is tied to the land, where farmers and ranchers follow the traditions of their fathers and grandfathers. You can shop for cowboy gear where real cowboys have shopped for a hundred years, listen to stories and songs of outlaws and adventurers around a campfire, feast on a Dutch oven dinner or just hang out with locals who love and nurture the land.

• The Headwaters offers insight and adventure tied to the waters that make the land in southern Utah blossom. You can hear tales of lost gold and find tiny towns where the spirit of mining endures. You will hear about settlers who crossed snow-packed mountains by walking on hand-made quilts to bring supplies to their starving families. You will learn of people who lived the ultimate sharing experience, the United Order.

• Under the Rim, named for its location beneath the redrock rims of the Colorado plateau, you see why Hollywood fell in love with this rugged landscape. You will also find Western memorabilia as well as high-quality Native American crafts and jewelry.

• The Boulder Loop, which begins and ends on U.S. highway 89, not only travels through some of the most dramatic scenery in the state but also takes you through some of the most isolated towns in America. It is not surprising that the area is drawing artists and craftspeople in increasing numbers. And, the pickle-and-pinto-bean pies at the Sunglow Restaurant in Bicknell are a heritage experience all their own.

For more information, visit www.utahheritage.com.

Great Basin National Heritage Route