Manti (10km north on US-89) is the county seat of Sanpete County and worth a stop for the Manti Utah Temple — the striking 1888 limestone temple that sits on a hill above the town and is visible from miles down the valley. The building is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Mormon architecture, and the hilltop setting is dramatic. The outdoor Manti Pageant, held each summer, draws large crowds from across Utah and is a significant cultural event for the region.
Ephraim (15km north) is home to Snow College and has a modest historic district of 19th-century pioneer buildings. A pleasant half-hour stop on the way through the valley.
Spring City (about 10km east of Manti) is arguably the most rewarding stop in the wider area: a small, beautifully preserved 19th-century Mormon farming town with a disproportionate concentration of well-maintained sandstone and adobe buildings. It has been designated a Utah Heritage Site and is now something of an artists' community. Very quiet, very photogenic.
Cove Fort (about 1 hour south on I-70) is a well-preserved pioneer fort built in 1867, now a free historic site managed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Moab (about 3 hours south) is the gateway to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park — a full-day excursion at minimum, but easy to justify as an overnight if you want to explore the canyon country properly.
