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Murray Park is a large park in Murray. It features your standard park amenities, plus two pools, a rec center, hockey rink, sports fields, pavilions, etc. Aside from all that, it features an arboretum, Little Cottonwood Creek, and some monuments and art. We have explored the back end, and the middle part, just never really got around to exploring the front part, until today.
Quick Details:
Length: We did about 9/10s of a mile meandering out and back..
Trail Type: Meander. out and back, loop options.
Difficulty: It’s pretty flat, and mostly paved even. DR2.
Elevation Gain: NA
Restroom: Several. I am not sure if they are open in the winter. I suspect the ones in Pavilion 5 might be, because they were heated last time we were here in October. But, that was a special event so… again I don’t know for sure.
Dogs? Yes, leashed. Please clean up after your furry friends.
Other Info:
To Get Here:
From i15 take the exit for 5300 South, head east. to State Street turn left, then in about 1500 feet, turn right into the park. We parked in the middle by Pavilion #5.
The Trail:
The first thing I wanted to see was this neat archway, because, well, it is neat. But also, because for whatever reason we have always walked around the other side of it, and after I started asking people what some of the buildings were, someone eventually mentioned there is a key on this side. Derp. So, I wanted to come see it for myself.
It is called Over The Cottonwoods.
“East Side (left to right)
1. 1848 - The first pioneers settled in the Murray area which originally was called South Cottonwood. The group arrived from the southern states in October 1848 under the direction of Amasa Lyman and lived in wagons and dugouts for their first winter just south of the present South Cottonwood LDS Ward Chapel.
2. Cahoon Mansion and Street Clock was built in 1899 by the prestigious Cahoon family who owned the Miller Cahoon Company (lumber and hardware), Progress Company (power). Murray Orchard (irrigation) and Salt Lake Pressed Brick (now known as Interstate Brick). The Mansion is built on 4 levels, contains 33 rooms and has more than 12,000 square feet. It was placed on the historic register in 1984.
3. Automobile Transportation began to grow after the turn of the century and for many years moved alongside the trolley tracks.
4. Carnegie Library Better known as the Vine Street Library built in 1916 was one of two Carnegie libraries built in Utah with a $10,000 donation by US tycoon Andrew Carnegie.
5. State Street Trolley came to Murray in 1895 and operated from electric wires hung above the tracks.
6. Harker Building and Murray Mercantile were built side by side in 1898. The Harker Building is Murray’s only historic three story brick structure and has housed apartments, doctor offices, floral shops, bakeries, taverns, jewelry stores, and the Murray Eagle. The Murray Mercantile featured many turn-of-the-century items such as buggy whips and button shoes which were still on hand when the store closed in 1976.
7. Street Lights were some of the first improvements added by the newly incorporated city.
8. Cooperative Stores were common during the early days if the community when the settlers would trade their own crops and produce for things they needed. This particular store front was designed from one of the first stores in Murray owned by Mr. Warenski.
9. Pioneer Family and Adobe Home represents early settlers. Between 20-and 40 families farmed the Murray area during the first 20 years. The pioneers first lived in dugouts and log cabins. Eventually they were able to use the clay soil to make adobe bricks for their homes.
10. 1902 - residents voted to incorporate as Murray City with C.L. Miller as the first Mayer.
About The Artwork
Various metals have been used to fabricate this historic gateway. The base is made form Corten steel with the sculpted buildings and figures made from steel, copper, brass, and wire screens. Some materials have plated (galvanize, nickel, chrome) to create a variety of colors and three-dimensional illusions. The average height of the individual figures and buildings is three feet with the smelter stack standing at seven feet from the beam. The large support beam was brought on a semi-truck and previously constructed pieces were welded to the beam before Murray Power trucks hoisted the gateway onto the side supports. The base of the side supports was lined by Murray Park personnel with a rock foundation to match the rock design for other archways in Murray Park.
About The Title
The Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks provided early settlers with water as they began to settle this area as early as 1848. Today, Murray City has spread out and around these creeks which are abundantly landscaped with Cottonwood trees.
About The Artist
William R Littig is a highly respected designer and stained glass artist in Utah. He has created a number of sculptures at places such as Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake International Airport, Guadalupe Park, and Derk’s Field. He has been an art instructor in Salt Lake and Granite School District, U of U, Weber State, and Salt Lake Art Center.
Paul Heath is a local artist who has distinguished himself in a number of local art exhibitions throughout Utah. He has produced public commissioned exhibits at the Salt Palace and The Franklin Quest Stadium.”
Phew. Okay, that covers the east side.
I have been debating about how I was going to do this, but I settled on this. Above is my transcript of the sign. Here I will cover what I know has become of the buildings.
2: Cahoon Mansion And Street Clock - Now the Murray Museum.
4: Carnegie Library: Demolished in 2020. An old gas lamp has been relocated from here to the Murray Museum. Image from Jacob Barlow (outside link).
6: Harker Building and Murray Mercantile: I am pretty sure these building are ones I recently saw during the Murray Tree Lighting Ceremony, and I believe are set to be torn down. But I need to dig a little bit more.
Okay, moving on to the other side,
The west side.
“West Side (left to right)
11. Smelter Building and Stacks represent one of the most notable visual landmarks in the Salt Lake Valley. The smelter industry began in Murray in 1870 with up to 16 different smelters operating at different times in the south end of the valley. ASARCO began operating in 1899 where the previous Germania Smelter had been operating since 1873. ASARCO was the last operating smelter in Murray which rebuilt its tallest smokestack in 1918 at 455 feet to help dissipate large concentrations of Sulphur.
12. Farmers Plowing With Horse represents the agriculture element that was present in Murray for many years. In 1859, James Fickel made the first plow in Murray using iron from braces and wheels of old army wagons. The plow was hammered into its shape and pulled by three yoke of oxen.
13. City Hall was built in 1908 on the northeast corner of Vine and State Street. The two story building was made of granite blocks for the foundation. Oak paneling was used inside and a beautiful clock tower and large bell adorned the top. The building housed a courtroom, police station, city officials, and later a small library. Restrooms called comfort stations were built under city hall with entrance location outside and downstairs. This beautiful building was destroyed in the 1950’s.
14. Fire Men stand around a fire tuck ready to serve the public. The first fire station was built in 1909 and originally used a fire cart which was pulled by volunteers. Eventually engine fire trucks were acquired. When the siren sounded, a flagman would run out onto State Street with a red flag to direct traffic so the engines could leave as soon as the volunteers arrived.
15. Day Murray Music began operation in 1947 in the former Waverly Building which was built in 1897. This building originally housed the First National Bank and later became the Lyon Drug Store and the popular Tommy Harrop’s Candy and Soda Fountain Store.
16. Murray Laundry was opened in 1910 by George Strike. In the 1930’s it was moved to 4200 South State. The massive water tower with a capacity of 240,000 gallows (SIC) of water was continually filled by nine artesian wells. The landmark reads “soft artesian water - Murray Laundry.” For many years, the steam whistle blew so faithfully four times each day, that people would actually set their watches to the sound of the whistle.
17. Murray Theater opened it’s doors to the public with a community parade in October 1938 and featured classic films such as “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone with the Wind”.
18. Trains arrived in Murray via the Southern Railroad in 1871 and the Denver Rio Grande arriving in 1881. This form of transportation created the perfect environment for many smelters in the area and significantly impacted the industrial development of Murray City. In the early 1870’s the Murray area was called Franklyn which was the name of the train stop at 4800 south.
19. Trees were located mostly along the Cottonwood Creeks when the first settlers arrived but were slowly added throughout the area by the early farmers. Groves of trees were planted in the area which now comprises Murray Park. In the 1950’s the city began a formal tree planting program and has received the distinction of Tree City for many years."
Covering the buildings on this side of the sign:
1922
Today: 2026
11: Smelter Building and Stacks: Demolished 2000 Now Intermountain Health (as seen from today). You can learn more about them at the Murray Museum.
13: City Hall: Demolished in the 1950's. Current (4th) iteration built in 2023
15: Day Murray Music
16: Murray Laundry: Started in Murray ended technically in Holladay and now an apartment building. The original water tower still stands, with just a few modifications.
17: Murray Theater: Recently renovated and restored to it's original glory in 2025.
Well, I thought finally figuring out all of the stuff on the sign would create another fun scavenger hunt for us to do, but... we seem to have seen what is left to see.
Another plaque on the west side.
“Over the Cottonwoods
Commissioned Art by William Littig and Paul Heath
For Utah’s 1996 Centennial Celebration
Murray Arts Advisory Board
Lynn Chatterton
Dawna Davies
Viola Murray
Marge Tuckett
Diane Koetter
Don Krause
Douglas Clawson
Gae Cowley
Leesa Lloyd
Mayor
Lynne F. Pett.
Murray City Council
P.Gary Ferrero
Lynn H. Turner
Wendell D. Coombs
Norman E. Nielsen
Leon B. Robertson
Doug Hill, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mary Ann Kirk, Cultural Arts Specialist.”
Ooph, that was a lot of transcribing.
Into the park.
Gazebo and Little Cottonwood Creek.
Closer to the gazebo.
The path along the creek.
Bridge across the creek.
“Murray Park Little Cottonwood Creek Trail
In about 1901, James P. Freeze built his seven-room home on a large tract of land east of modern State Street and north of 5300 South, including an area which eventually became known as Freeze Hill. James’ property featured a '”village” of barns, outbuildings, corrals, and fifteen houses which he rented to smelter employees. Little Cottonwood Creek flowed through the Freeze property, and with artesian wells, nourished a rich meadow, pasture land, and fruit orchard. James kept a stock of about fifty head of cattle.
In 1924, Murray City obtained some of the land from Sherman G. Freeze, James’ son, as a beginning to Murray City Park. The first improvements were made that year, when an artesian well was drilled, a flag pole erected, and seventy-six trees were planted. The park began as a green space to protect the city from flooding caused by the overflow of Little Cottonwood Creek. It has been further developed to provide recreation opportunities including this trail along the creek.
It is Murray City’s goal to provide a coordinated and integrated network of multi-purpose trails and pedestrian pathways to link Murray’s neighborhoods and parks. The Little Cottonwood Creek Corridor connects Murray Park with the Jordan River Parkway. To that end, Murray City and the Murray Rotary Club provided funds to construct a portion of the trail from State Street to this point in Murray Park. The effort served as an impetus to develop the Little Cottonwood Creek Trail to the Jordan River Parkway.”
So the plan is to one day connect this trail down to the Little Cottonwood Confluence on the Jordan River. Currently only this section, and a short section near the river are complete. It looks like there is a small path neat the Hospital across State Street too. I might need to explore soonly, but there is not a direct way across State Street at this time.
I would also love to see the trail make its way all the way up to the Little Cottonwood Trail at the mouth of the canyon, but, I can see that likely not happening in my lifetime... or ever.
Little Cottonwood Creek.
Duckies.
Continuing along.
Stone dedicated to the Murray Rotary Club.
“Murray Rotary Club Summer 2003
Rotary International Four Way test
1. Is it the TRUTH.
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER RELATIONSHIPS.
4. Will it be BENEFITIAL to all concerned?”
The calisthenics course.
The creek again.
Really old looking control valve.
Closer.
It says Waterman 18 in canal gate.
Some old, large cottonwoods.
Another Rotary Club dedication. this one says the same thing as the other one, but there is also a memorial at the bottom.
“In memoriam Roland J. “Dave” Davis. Charter member and benefactor Murray Rotary, 1958 - 2003”
This is a neat old looking building.
From what I can tell it is just offices. But I wonder if it is historic.
The Intermountain Health Intermountain Medical Center. This is on the site of the now demolished ASARCO Smelter building and stacks. A long time landmark of Murray. They were demolished in 2000. Sadly I never got a chance to take pictures, but I definitely remember them.
1922. Image from Wikipedia.
The Intermountain Medical Center opened in 2007.
Better shot, with the backside of my next point of interest.
Where Little Cottonwood Creek goes under State Street.
As I mentioned earlier, there does appear to be a little bit more trail on the other side. But I am certainly not going to attempt to Frogger across freaking State Street!
There is a light about 430 feet to the south for Intermountain Drive. So, not a huge detour. But meh, I might come back to explore it sometime though.
The Chief Wasatch sculpture is what I was after today. We pass by it all the time in the car, but I just have not gotten around to come see it more closely until now.
Again. It is a really neat wood carving.
Landis asked what it was made of and I said its carved from a tree! But, they have put some kind of protective coating over it to help preserve it I assume.
“”Chief Wasatch”
To raise the nation’s conscience to the plight of the first American so they won’t be forgotten, -but will be remembered- in our minds and in our hearts.
This statue is sculpted out of a giant cottonwood tree in honor of Utah Native Americans -- Southern and Northern Ute, Southern Shoshone, Goshutes, Paiute, and Navajo. Creator, Peter “Wolf” Toth is sculpturing statues for all 50 states.
Dedicated: November 23, 1985
Mayor: Larell D. Muir
Park Operations Superintendent’s: Lynn P. Pett Bill D. Crocker.”
I had no idea it was part of a larger project so, I decided to do a little digging. His goal of sculpting a statue for all 50 states was called Trail of the Whispering Giants, and he completed it with the 58th sculpture in Hawaii May, 1988. Dude, that is an admiral goal, and kudos for completing it!
The now, 74 sculptures range from 20 to 40 feet high. Ours was #52.
I am not having any luck finding other stats such as it’s specific height. But it is big!
Looking up at it.
Again.
From the south.
The Murray City Park west entrance arch.
Neat old drinking fountain.
“Donated to Murray City Park June 14, 1924 by Murray Aerie 1760 Fraternal Order of Eagles.*L*T*J*E* reconstructed October, 1978”
I am not 100% sure, but I suspect this might be one of the artesian wells. I will have to come back in the summer.
Another old fountain, that I also suspect may be an artesian well.
“Donated to Murray City Park June 14, 1924 by Murray City Volunteer Fire Department”
In fact, this one might be the one the previous sign mentioned that was part of the first improvements to the park.
Intermountain Health again.
The Rose Garden.
“In honor of Richard Stauffer For his countless hours in serving the city of Murray and for the caring and nurturing of this beautiful rose garden we thank you. Donated by Mayor Dan Snarr Jerry and Cheryle Cunningham”
The neat structure in the middle.
Lots of different varieties of roses, each with its own tag. I might have to come and see it in the summer time.
Looking east. I was squirreling all over the place down here. But there was just so much to see.
Viet Nam Veterans.
“The Viet Nam War Memorial Fountain
In honor of the young men from Murray City who served in Viet Nam from 1963 to 1973. Their efforts were designed to preserve, defend, and protect the integrity and dignity of the individual and promote peace and freedom throughout the would.
May this fountain inspire us all to maintain unity in our community in a manner that will assure success in carrying out these policies of social justice to all mankind”
Uhm… well, it is not a fountain anymore. It doesn’t look like it has been one for some time.
More Viet Nam Veterans listed on the other stone.
Some neat giant guns. We decided to go check those out. See, totally squirreling all over the place.
Light pole with the Murray logo. I love how Murray slaps their logo onto just about everything.
That is a big ass gun!
Again.
“Mark XX MODI #” 50 Cal, gun mount
Muzzle velocity 2700 ft. per second Max Alt, 19800 ft. at 84 degrees elev. Max range 14600 yds at 45 deg. elev. Donated to Murray City by NSD Clearfield.
Through efforts of American Legion Post No 60”
Alright.
From the other side.
The back.
There is a second gun just to the south.
The front.
The other side.
The back. This one is a two-seater.
I couldn’t help but notice that they both appear to be aimed at Intermountain Health. However, I am pretty sure these have been here and positioned long before the tower came up, so just a coincidence. Plus, I am pretty sure that they have been made completely inert. Despite what random TV shows may show, I really doubt anybody could just… activate them.
The park. One of the restrooms in the middle. I am not sure if they are open in winter though.
We started making our way back to the Little Cottonwood Creek Trail. Mount Olympus above.
Little bridge over the creek. It leads to some sports courts, which only were built around 2017, as well as the bridge.
Upstream.
And a little bit of ice even. This has been the weirdest, dry and warm winter ever! So ice is kind of exciting.
Downstream.
The calisthenics course.
Gnarly cottonwood tree.
Following the creek.
The park.
Neat tree.
Back to the Over the Cottonwoods arch.
The east side.
Upstream.
Beyond the park, the next place upstream you can enjoy the creek is Wheeler Farm.
Downstream.
To the north of the park is the now closed Superette (PSP). As I understand it, the used to sell snacks and drinks and such. I might have to dig into it a little bit more.
Mountains (PSP).
Well, that was a lot of typing up old signs! Oof. But there was a lot of neat art and monuments to enjoy and learn about. Murray Park is huge, and offers a lot to explore, I think we just now have finally explored most of it! I really enjoyed it all today. Going with 10 squirrels out of 10.
As for difficulty, it is fairly flat, and easy going. You can stay on pavement if you don’t squirrel as much as I do, DR2.
Dogs are allowed, leashed. Please clean up after your furry friends.
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