Provo

Provo is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States. It lies along the Provo River at the northern end of Utah Valley, about 43 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, and is part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of roughly 120,000.

History and name: The area was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1849 and grew around early settlements near Fort Utah. The community was named after Étienne Provost, a 19th-century fur trader who explored the area and by whom the nearby Provo River is named. The city later developed around agricultural and transportation networks, and in 1875 Brigham Young Academy was established, eventually evolving into Brigham Young University (BYU).

Education and institutions: Provo is best known as the home of Brigham Young University, a private university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU’s campus and activities strongly influence the city’s economy, culture, and demographics. The area also lies near Utah Valley University in nearby Orem, contributing to the broader regional educational landscape.

Economy and culture: Beyond BYU, Provo has a growing service and technology sector and serves as a regional hub for government and civic services. Cultural attractions include the Provo City Center Temple, opened after the renovation of the historic Tabernacle, as well as museums, theaters, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding canyons and along the Provo River.

Geography and recreation: The city sits at about 4,500 feet above sea level and experiences a four-season climate with warm summers and cold winters. Nearby Provo Canyon offers hiking and skiing, and Bridal Veil Falls is a notable local landmark. The Utah Valley Express (UVX) bus rapid transit connects Provo with neighboring Orem along University Parkway.