Helper, Utah

Helper is a historic mining and railroad town, once the primary commercial hub for the coal camps of Carbon County. The town gets its name from being the place where extra helper engines were added to push freight and coal trains up Price Canyon and over Soldier Summit into Utah County. As a coal mining town in the early 20th century, Helper attracted workers from all over the world, making for a diverse and tightly knit community that persists to this day. With its many preserved historic buildings and its location directly below famous local landmark Balance Rock and surrounded by the lovely Book Cliffs, Helper’s historic Main Street is a picturesque and fun place to stop and get coffee or enjoy a meal. A few of our favorite Main Street businesses are listed below!

Local dining recommendations 

  • Angel’s Craving - Tasty authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, sopas, and more. Served from a food truck located at the north end of Main Street!

  • Balance Rock Eatery and Pub - Great breakfast plates, tasty burgers, and a full dinner menu. 

  • Happiness Within - Hot & iced coffee and tea drinks, small snacks, and bakery items.

  • Helper Beer- Making world-class beer and serving amazing pizza. We love sharing it all with the ones we love.

And for more information on Helper’s incredible history, be sure to make time to visit Helper’s Mining and Railroad Museum at 294 S. Main Street. The museum has four floors of exhibits that explore the history of Helper and Carbon County communities, as well as everyday life for workers and their families in the local mining and railroad industries.