Gifford Homestead

Mormon pioneers began to settle in Capitol Reef National Park in the early 1880s. Nestled near the Fremont River, they enjoyed a long farming season and planted a variety of fruit trees. The settlement was called Fruita. A national monument was erected in 1937, and many of the existing houses and buildings were demolished in the 1960s. The Gifford Homestead, originally built in 1908, remains intact and serves as a gift shop and museum.

The Gifford Museum is open in the summer months. Cinnamon rolls and homemade freshly baked fruit pies can be purchased here. They also make home-made ice cream, which you can also enjoy in the picnic area in front of Gifford Homestead.