Utah State Hospital has a long history of providing mental health treatment, but few realize it is home to one of Provo’s most unique historic sites, a giant stone castle amphitheater.
The hospital has been in Provo since 1885. Historian Janina Chilton explained some of its long history.
“We celebrated 140 years in this location last year. We're the oldest institution in its original location,” Chilton said.
In the 1930s, the hospital added the castle amphitheater on the hill of the grounds for patient recreation.
“There was still a recognition we needed someplace for recreation,” Chilton said.
The castle sat mostly unused because of difficult accessibility until its renovation in 1976.
“We use it with our patients a lot once we restored it in 1976. That kind of opened the door for our patients,” Chilton said.
The site was registered as a historical landmark in the community and became a park with public access, managed by the hospital.
“We love the castle. It’s beautiful, and we are really committed to making sure the castle remains here,” Chilton said.
The castle amphitheater is open during Utah State Hospital campus hours and is available both to those interested in exploring an unusual Provo landmark and to those who simply want to recreate.