Benson encompasses rural living in Cache Valley
From its early years as cattle grazing grounds to its many crop fields today, Benson has always centered itself around agriculture. Located within the Cache Valley, mountain ridgelines frame the community, and several rivers and a reservoir make for abundant recreation. “It has a lot of lowland farms and is not densely populated, aside from cows and chickens,” says Mitch Duffin, Realtor with Adobe & Co Real Estate and longtime Cache Valley resident. It’s a cool place for someone looking for ranch living with big lots.” While its rural setting offers reprieve from city bustle, multiple congregations of The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints provide a sense of community, and the amenities of Logan are just east.
Water recreation, hunting and American West Heritage Center keeps locals active
Most of Benson’s recreation revolves around waterfront activities. Benson Marina offers a fishing dock and public boat launch onto Cutler Reservoir. “People go there to fish, paddleboard and take the jet skis out,” Duffin says. Railroad Bridge Trail circles the nearby marsh. Trapper Park features a woodland-themed playground, exercise equipment and a small mountain biking course. At Muddy Road Outfitters, locals can partake in guided waterfowl and pheasant hunting adventures. “A lot of locals skeet shoot, and hunt pheasant and duck out there,” Duffin says. American West Heritage Center is an Old West-themed attraction and hosts interactive exhibits, such as gold panning, summer camps for children and events like an annual Fall Harvest Festival.
Acreage varies across the community, and do architectural styles
Benson presents a patchwork of sprawling agricultural fields that sprout corn, hay and other crops in the spring and summer. Marshes, rivers and tributaries separate the rural community into sections, where ranch-style homes sit back from the road, keeping the horizon open for views of distant mountain ridgelines. Bungalows and split-level-style homes with detached garages or sheds appear occasionally alongside recently built New Traditional-style homes. Plot sizes can range from a few to 20-plus, with enough room for a barn and a small or large-scale farm. Homes rarely come on the market, but homebuyers can expect a median home price of $274,000.
Logan's shopping centers are a couple of miles east
Besides a couple of dairy farms, Darrell’s Appliance Service and Sales is the only store in the community. “Anytime anyone says Benson, they think of Darrell’s,” Duffin says. Logan directly east serves as the greater area's hub for shopping and dining. Shopping centers along Main Street offer a combination of chain restaurants and locally owned spots like Sabores, which serves a blend of international dishes and unique eats such as peanut butter burgers. Angie’s is a laid-back American diner and has been a staple of the area for more than four decades. Several grocers like WinCo Foods and Market Los Primos fill the corridor, alongside big-box stores, like T.J. Maxx, Walmart Supercenter and more.
Athletes excel in Cache County School District high schools
Cache County School District serves the community. Niche gives the district a B-plus and ranks it the best school district in the state for athletes. During the 2024 fall season, the district’s schools brought home three state championship wins and six regional titles. Logan River Academy is one of many nearby private options. Postgraduates can attend Bridgerland Technical College-Logan Campus or Utah State University, within 7 miles of the community.
State Route 30 and Interstate 15 serve as the area's main thoroughfares
State Route 30 cuts through the community, linking residents to Logan to the east and Interstate 15, 15 miles west. The latter connects the area to surrounding townships and cities, including Salt Lake City, some 86 miles south.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
