Stansbury Park, UT
- About Stansbury Park
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
- Sports, Recreation and Outdoor Adventure
- Museums and Historical Attractions
- Universities and Higher Education
Stansbury Park is a peaceful planned community in Utah's Tooele Valley, offering a resort-style lifestyle with a private lake, an 18-hole golf course, and easy access to outdoor recreation near the Great Salt Lake.
About Stansbury Park
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Stansbury Park (English)
- Administrative Status: Stansbury Park is a census-designated place (CDP) in Tooele County, Utah, United States . It is an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own municipal government and relies on Tooele County for most services .
- Location: It is located in the northern end of the Tooele Valley at the base of the Oquirrh Mountains, approximately 35 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City via Interstate 80 . Tooele County is known for its historic mining operations, including the Kennecott Copper Mine, and its vast expanses of desert and mountain terrain.
Date of Foundation and Age
- Year Founded: Stansbury Park was established in 1970 as a planned community by the developer Terracor .
- Current Age: The community is 56 years old (as of 2026).
- Origin of Name: The area is named after Howard Stansbury, a U.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers officer who led an expedition to survey the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding valleys in 1849 .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 40°37′48″N 112°18′16″W (40.6356, -112.3054) .
- Location: Stansbury Park is situated on State Route 36, about 6 miles north of the city of Tooele . It lies in a valley at the base of the Oquirrh Mountains.
- Elevation: The center of town is approximately 4,278 feet (1,304 meters) above sea level .
- Settlement Type: It is a planned residential community and a bedroom community for the nearby Salt Lake City metropolitan area .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Stansbury Park is primarily a residential community. Its economy is not based on major industry within its borders but rather functions as a "bedroom community" . Most residents commute to jobs in Tooele City, Salt Lake City, or at nearby industrial sites like the Kennecott Copper Mine . The local economy is supported by community services, schools, and recreational amenities like the golf course.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 9,851, a significant increase from 5,145 in 2010 .
- Population Class: Stansbury Park is a small town or large census-designated place.
- Demographic Features: It is one of the fastest-growing communities in Tooele County, with a population that nearly doubled between 2010 and 2020 . The community has a high percentage of families and married couples .
"Visiting Card" of the City
Stansbury Park offers a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle centered around its namesake lake and championship golf course. Visitors and residents are drawn to its planned community feel, with parks, an astronomical observatory, and the historic Benson Grist Mill nearby, all set against the backdrop of the Oquirrh Mountains.
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
- Oquirrh Mountains (Oquirrh Mountains): Stansbury Park is located at the base of the Oquirrh Mountains . This mountain range is known for its rich mineral deposits, most notably the massive Bingham Canyon Mine (Kennecott Copper Mine), one of the world's largest open-pit mines, located on the range's eastern side .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Stansbury Lake (Stansbury Lake): This is a central feature of the community, a manmade lake created as part of the original development plan . It is noted for boating (non-motor-powered boats and electric motors are allowed), swimming, and fishing . The lake is home to fish species including bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and yellow perch .
- The Mill Pond (The Mill Pond): A natural spring-fed lake located on the northern edge of the Stansbury Park area . Its outflow water feeds a pipe that supplies the Kennecott copper mine . It is located adjacent to the Benson Grist Mill .
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
- Great Salt Lake (Great Salt Lake): Located a short distance to the north and east of Stansbury Park, this massive, shallow lake is a unique geographic feature. It is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, known for its high salinity, unique birdlife, and the Spiral Jetty earthwork.
- Tooele Valley (Tooele Valley): The community sits within the Tooele Valley, a basin surrounded by the Oquirrh and Stansbury mountain ranges, characterized by its semi-arid high desert landscape .
National and Natural Parks
- Benson Grist Mill Pioneer Heritage Park: Located just north of Stansbury Park, this park is centered around the historic Benson Grist Mill and includes other pioneer-era buildings like the Bolinder Blacksmith Shop and the Forsyth Pioneer Cabin .
- Stansbury Park Observatory Park: A park dedicated to the Stansbury Park Observing Complex, offering public stargazing opportunities .
Islands and Archipelagos
- Antelope Island (Antelope Island): Located in the Great Salt Lake, approximately 40 miles northeast of Stansbury Park, this is the largest island in the lake. It is known for its herds of bison, antelope, and bighorn sheep, as well as its hiking trails and views of the lake and mountains.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Stansbury Park has a climate on the boundary between a cold semi-arid climate (BSk) and a humid continental climate (Dfa), characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, moderately snowy winters . It is a very sunny location, with an average of 3348 hours of sunshine per year .
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. The table below shows the average daily high and low temperatures in Fahrenheit (°F) .
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High (°F) | 36 | 43 | 55 | 63 | 72 | 84 | 92 | 89 | 78 | 64 | 49 | 37 |
| Avg. Low (°F) | 23 | 29 | 36 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 66 | 56 | 44 | 33 | 25 |
- Hottest Month: July, with an average daily high of 92°F .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average daily low of 23°F .
- Record Extremes: Temperatures can rarely drop to -20°C (-4°F) in winter or rise to as high as 37°C (100°F) in summer .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Approximately 18.5 inches (470 mm) .
- Wettest Months: March, April, and May are the wettest, with April averaging 1.4 inches of rain .
- Driest Months: June, July, and August are the driest, with July averaging only 0.4 inches of rain .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with December and January each averaging around 2.7 inches of snow .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunny Days: Stansbury Park enjoys a high number of sunny days, especially from late spring through early fall. August is the clearest month, with the sky clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 79% of the time .
- UV Index: The UV index is highest during the summer months, reaching extreme levels of 10 or 11 in June, July, and August, making sun protection essential .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June - August): Hot and dry with long, sunny days. This is the peak season for golfing and water activities on the lake. Highs are typically in the 80s and 90s°F .
- Autumn (September - October): Mild and pleasant with cooling temperatures and sunny skies. Excellent for hiking, exploring historic sites, and enjoying the changing colors on the mountains.
- Winter (November - February): Cold with periodic snow. The golf course is often one of the few in the region that remains open . A good time for indoor activities and visiting the grist mill.
- Spring (March - May): Mild and increasingly warm, but also the wettest time of year. The landscape turns green, and it's a good time for bird watching and outdoor recreation before the summer heat arrives.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to early September . For those who prefer milder conditions for exploring, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are also ideal.
Landmarks
Benson Grist Mill
- Full Name: Benson Grist Mill (Benson Grist Mill)
- Year of Construction/Restoration: Constructed in 1854 by skilled artisans using rock and wood. It was restored in 1983 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 .
- Description: This is one of the most intact industrial buildings from Utah's pioneer era . It was a water-powered mill that processed wheat and corn for local settlers until the 1940s, and its original equipment can still be seen inside .
- Location: 325 UT-138, Stansbury Park, UT, just north of the main community adjacent to the Mill Pond .
- Unique Features: The site also features the Bolinder Blacksmith Shop (1920s) and the Forsyth Pioneer Cabin (1872). It hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, such as Harvest Days and craft shows .
Stansbury Park Observatory Complex
- Full Name: Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (Stansbury Park Observing Complex)
- Year of Opening: The observatory has been developed over time; in 2017, a new building was erected to house the world's largest amateur-built reflector telescope .
- Description: This astronomical observatory, located at the north end of the community near the skate park, is owned and operated by the Salt Lake Astronomical Society .
- Location: Stansbury Park Observatory Park, north end of Stansbury Park .
- Unique Features: The facility houses several telescopes, including a 16" Ealing reflector, an 81 cm (32") reflector, and a 200 mm (8") refractor, all with computerized tracking and CCD imaging capabilities . It is a significant resource for amateur astronomers in the region.
Stansbury Lake and Captain's Island
- Full Name: Stansbury Lake (Stansbury Lake)
- Description: This manmade lake is the recreational heart of the community. A peninsula extending into the lake, known as Captain's Island, is a residential area featuring 178 homes .
- Location: Central Stansbury Park, southwest of The Mill Pond .
- Unique Features: The lake is reserved for non-motor-powered boating (with electric motors now permitted), swimming, and fishing . It is stocked with a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for local anglers.
Woodland Park
- Full Name: Woodland Park (Woodland Park)
- Description: A unique park area near the southeast end of Stansbury Park that contains mature trees which existed on the site long before the community was developed in the 1970s .
- Location: Southeast Stansbury Park.
- Unique Features: The site was formerly a large horse stable complex. Today, it features a children's playground and a basketball court, offering a shaded green space with a more natural, established feel .
Transport
Main Airports of the City and Region
- Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City International Airport): IATA Code: SLC. This is the primary major airport serving the entire region, including Stansbury Park . It is located approximately 23 miles (30 minutes) east of Stansbury Park, on the other side of the Oquirrh Mountains . Travelers can reach it via I-80. The airport offers a full range of domestic and international flights.
Other Airports (Alternative)
- Tooele Valley Airport (Tooele Valley Airport): Located just south of Tooele City, this is a general aviation airport about 10-15 minutes from Stansbury Park. It is used for private and corporate aircraft but does not offer scheduled commercial flights.
Main Railway Stations and Depots
Stansbury Park does not have its own passenger railway station. The nearest major Amtrak station is in Salt Lake City.
- Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub (Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub): Code: SLC. Located at 340 South 600 West in Salt Lake City, this hub is about 35 minutes away and serves Amtrak trains, including the California Zephyr .
Public Transportation System (Bus)
Public transportation to and from Stansbury Park is provided by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) .
- Bus Service: UTA operates bus route F453, which provides commuter service between Stansbury Park and Salt Lake City . The bus departs from stops on Stansbury Parkway and travels to the Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub, with a travel time of about 1 hour . This service primarily runs on weekdays.
Major Highways and Roads
Stansbury Park is well-connected by road.
- Interstate 80 (I-80): This major transcontinental highway is the primary route to Salt Lake City (east) and Reno (west). It is accessible via exit 99, just north of the community .
- Utah State Route 36 (SR-36): This is the main north-south road running through the eastern edge of Stansbury Park, connecting it to Tooele City to the south and I-80 to the north .
- Utah State Route 138 (SR-138): This highway runs along the northern edge of Stansbury Park, providing access to the Benson Grist Mill and connecting to SR-36 and I-80 .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Stansbury Park is served by modern healthcare facilities that provide a range of medical services to the local community, with convenient access to specialized care through the University of Utah Health system.
Stansbury Health Center
The Stansbury Health Center (University of Utah Health Care) is the primary medical facility in the area, located at 220 Millpond Road . This neighborhood health center offers a comprehensive array of services including primary care, family medicine, and pediatrics . The center stands out for its extended hours, operating Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM, making healthcare accessible for working families .
What makes this facility particularly valuable for residents is its integration with the prestigious University of Utah Health system, bringing big-city medical expertise to this suburban community. The center offers same-day appointments and accepts most major insurance plans . Beyond primary care, patients have access to sub-specialty services including cardiology, dermatology, ear, nose, and throat care, as well as eye care from the renowned Moran Eye Center . An on-site pharmacy provides additional convenience for prescription needs .
The facility has achieved "Committed to Care Excellence" status as part of the Age Friendly Health System initiative, demonstrating its commitment to quality care for older adults . Spanish language services are available to serve the diverse local population .
Stansbury Springs Health Center
Located nearby at 576 E Highway 138, the Stansbury Springs Health Center provides additional healthcare options for residents . This practice features seven practicing physicians across six specialties, including Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics . The center accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Aetna, BCBS, CIGNA, Humana, SelectHealth, and UnitedHealthcare, making it accessible to many patients in the Tooele Valley .
Families First Pediatrics
For families with children, Families First Pediatrics at 5136 N Cambridge Way offers specialized pediatric care . Dr. Sadie West, one of the providers at this practice, has received positive recognition from patients for her exceptional care .
Sports, Recreation and Outdoor Adventure
While Stansbury Park itself is a peaceful residential community, its location in the Tooele Valley provides residents and visitors with exceptional access to sports facilities, motorsports, and outdoor recreation. The area has become a destination for racing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Utah Motorsports Campus
Just 15 minutes southeast of Stansbury Park in the Erda area, the Utah Motorsports Campus (UMC) stands as one of the premier racing facilities in the western United States . This multi-purpose venue hosts auto, motorcycle, bicycle, and kart racing events throughout the year. The facility is also available for corporate events and has attracted professional racing series and amateur competitors from across the country. The campus features multiple track configurations and has become a hub for motorsports culture in the region, drawing enthusiasts who appreciate high-performance racing against the backdrop of Utah's stunning landscape .
Deseret Peak Complex
The Deseret Peak Complex, located approximately 15 minutes southeast on UT-138, serves as Tooele County's premier recreational hub . This expansive multi-use facility offers an impressive array of sports and activity options:
- Pitch n' Putt Golf Course – A casual golfing experience for players of all skill levels
- BMX Track – Designed for bicycle motocross enthusiasts
- Motocross/ATV Tracks – Separate tracks for beginners and experienced riders
- Aquatic Center – Swimming and water activities for all ages
- Softball Complex and Baseball Fields – Home to local leagues and tournaments
- Multi-purpose Fields – Flexible space for soccer, football, and other sports
- Archery Park – Target practice areas for archery enthusiasts
- Equestrian Facilities – Including horse stables and a race track
- Outdoor and Indoor Arenas – Hosting various events year-round
The complex also houses unique attractions like the Oquirrh Mountain Mining Museum and the Utah State Firefighting Museum, adding cultural and historical dimensions to the sports experience .
Outdoor Recreation and Hiking
The natural surroundings offer exceptional opportunities for hiking, cycling, and ATV adventures. Numerous trails wind through the Oquirrh Mountains and foothills directly east of Stansbury Park, the Stansbury Mountains to the west, and Stansbury Island to the northeast . A convenient trail map and parking area are located at the western end of Pheasant Lane, just one mile north of the community, providing easy access to the trail system . For detailed trail information, the Tooele County Trails website (www.tooelecountytrails.com) offers comprehensive resources for planning outdoor adventures .
Great Salt Lake State Park
Located just 15 minutes east on I-80, Great Salt Lake State Park provides unique recreational opportunities on the legendary lake . The park features boat slips for sail and motorboat access, public viewpoints offering spectacular vistas of the lake, and serves as a search and rescue operations center. The lake itself, two to seven times saltier than the ocean, creates a surreal floating experience where swimmers bob effortlessly on the surface. The park has also become a premier destination for bird watching, as the Great Salt Lake serves as a critical stop for millions of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway .
Museums and Historical Attractions
The Stansbury Park area, while suburban in character, sits within a region rich with Western American history. Several notable museums and historical sites within a short drive offer glimpses into Utah's pioneer past, mining heritage, and unique cultural landmarks.
Benson Grist Mill
The crown jewel of local historical attractions is the Benson Grist Mill, located just 5 minutes south on UT-138 . Now more than 150 years old, this remarkable structure was hailed as "the most significant structural landmark between Salt Lake City and Reno, Nevada" when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1972 . The mill stands as a testament to pioneer engineering and the settlement of the American West.
Visitors can explore the restoration-replica museum to understand how early settlers processed grain and built communities in this challenging landscape . The site features the original mill structure with its distinctive architecture, along with outbuildings and interpretive displays that bring 19th-century life into focus. The grounds provide a peaceful setting for picnics and reflection, and the mill occasionally hosts special events including pioneer craft demonstrations, seasonal festivals, and living history programs that transport visitors back in time . For those interested in photography, the mill with its surrounding pond and mountain backdrop offers stunning compositions throughout the year.
Oquirrh Mountain Mining Museum
Located within the Deseret Peak Complex, the Oquirrh Mountain Mining Museum preserves the rich mining heritage of Tooele County . This region played a significant role in Utah's mining history, with the Oquirrh Mountains yielding valuable minerals that fueled economic development. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and equipment that tell the story of the miners who worked these mountains and the communities that grew around the mining industry.
Utah State Firefighting Museum
Also housed at the Deseret Peak Complex, the Utah State Firefighting Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of firefighting in the state . The collection includes vintage fire apparatus, equipment, and memorabilia tracing the evolution of firefighting technology from bucket brigades to modern motorized vehicles. This museum honors the bravery of firefighters past and present while educating visitors about fire safety and prevention .
The Great Saltair
For those seeking something truly unique, the Great Saltair stands as one of Utah's most unusual landmarks, located just 10 minutes east on I-80 . Originally built in 1893 in an anachronistic Indian style complete with domed ceiling and minarets reminiscent of a wooden Taj Mahal, the Saltair entertainment pavilion has endured a dramatic history. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times after fires and other catastrophes, each incarnation has adapted to serve new purposes .
Today's Saltair functions as a popular concert venue, hosting major musical acts in a setting that, while lacking some of the architectural grandeur of its predecessors, offers a uniquely atmospheric experience against the stark beauty of the Great Salt Lake shoreline . The venue has become a beloved stop on tour routes for alternative and rock bands, drawing music lovers from across the Salt Lake Valley. The contrast between the modern concert experience and the building's exotic history creates an unforgettable atmosphere that Atlas Obscura has recognized as a must-see destination .
Nearby Cultural Attractions
For those willing to venture a bit further, the nearby cities of Riverton (73 km away) and Murray (53 km away) offer additional cultural attractions including Mount Timpanogos and This Is The Place Heritage Park, which celebrates Utah's pioneer heritage . The broader region contains hundreds of tourist attractions, from natural wonders to historical sites, making Stansbury Park an excellent base for exploring Utah's rich cultural landscape.
Universities and Higher Education
While Stansbury Park itself does not host a university campus, residents benefit from exceptional access to higher education through its connection to the University of Utah Health system and proximity to major educational institutions in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
University of Utah Affiliation
The Stansbury Health Center's affiliation with the University of Utah Health system brings academic medicine to the community . This connection means that residents have access to healthcare providers who are part of a world-class academic medical center, with opportunities to participate in clinical research and benefit from the latest medical advances. The University of Utah, founded in 1850, stands as one of the premier research institutions in the American West, with highly ranked programs in medicine, law, business, and engineering. Its medical school and hospitals are consistently recognized among the nation's best.
University of Utah (Salt Lake City)
Approximately 35-40 minutes east on I-80, the main campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City offers comprehensive higher education opportunities. As the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education, the university enrolls nearly 35,000 students across 17 colleges and schools. The university is particularly renowned for:
- Health Sciences – Including Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing
- Engineering – Especially in fields related to computing and biomedical engineering
- Law – The S.J. Quinney College of Law
- Business – The David Eccles School of Business
- Fine Arts – Including the renowned College of Fine Arts
The university's research enterprise exceeds $600 million annually, with particular strengths in genetics, biomedical engineering, and natural resources. Students from Stansbury Park can easily commute to the university or take advantage of its extensive online and continuing education programs.
Salt Lake Community College
For students seeking two-year degrees, professional certifications, or a pathway to four-year universities, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) operates multiple campuses throughout the Salt Lake Valley, with the closest locations approximately 25-30 minutes from Stansbury Park. SLCC is Utah's largest college, serving over 60,000 students annually with affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive academic programs. The college offers seamless transfer pathways to the University of Utah, Utah State University, and other four-year institutions.
Tooele Technical College
Closer to home, the Tooele Technical College in nearby Tooele (approximately 15 minutes south) provides career and technical education aligned with regional employment needs. The college offers programs in healthcare, information technology, construction trades, manufacturing, and transportation, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce with marketable skills.
Westminster University
Salt Lake City is also home to Westminster University, Utah's only private liberal arts institution. Founded in 1875, Westminster offers small class sizes, personalized attention, and a distinctive approach to higher education that combines liberal arts with professional preparation. The campus is approximately 35-40 minutes from Stansbury Park.
Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning
The proximity to these institutions means Stansbury Park residents can participate in the rich cultural and educational offerings of a major metropolitan area while enjoying suburban living. From lecture series and concerts at the University of Utah to community education classes at SLCC, opportunities for lifelong learning abound. The University of Utah's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers non-credit courses and programs designed specifically for adults aged 50 and better, with locations throughout the valley.