History Museum Kanab Utah | Heritage House Museum | Kanab UT and Zion National Park

Tourists and locals alike are always on the lookout for free, fun things to do in Kanab. The Heritage House, a Kanab Utah history museum, is more than just another heritage exhibit. It offers the opportunity to step back in time and explore Kanab’s past during a guided tour. You will learn about the history of Kanab as well as the people who lived there.

When visitors come to the Heritage House, they are encouraged to mentally step back in time and explore Kanab’s history through the eyes of the early settlers. The Heritage House museum is on the United States National Register of Historic Places. In addition to guided tours during all open hours, the Heritage House can be reserved for private events. Admission is always free.

Heritage exhibit | things to do in Kanab | Kanab Utah History Museum Kanab Utah

The Kanab Heritage House was built in 1894 and was called the first “modern home” in Kanab. The house was originally constructed as a home for Henry and Mary Bowman. Henry worked as a schoolteacher in Kanab. He eventually opened “Bowman and Company,” Kanab’s first mercantile.

After living in the home for only two years, Henry sold his home, its furnishings, and his interest in Bowman and Co. to Thomas Chamberlain for $11,000. Because the home was furnished, much of the original furniture remains in the home until this day.

Thomas bought the home for his first wife, Elinor. Thomas and Elinor had seven children when they purchased the home, and an additional son was born to them while they lived here. In total, Thomas  had six wives and 55 children. After Thomas and Elinor died, their daughter Lillian and her husband lived in the home and raised their family there. In 1974, when they had both passed away, the city bought the home from their estate and restored it so that it would become a jewel in Kanab’s heritage treasury. It has served as a historic and heritage museum since that time.