NEWS

This story was updated on April 18
Ogden, Utah —The city of Ogden, Utah has been nominated by a panel of expert judges for "Best Main Street" in the USA TODAY Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards for 2024 and is rallying to move into first place. The city is currently ranked third as voting enters the final week. Visit Ogden encourages local businesses, residents, and fans of the city to vote daily now until April 8.

This nomination emphases the remarkable transformation of Ogden’s once abandoned and forbidden Historic 25th Street into one of the community’s biggest sources of pride, and honors the collective efforts of Ogdenites past and future to build, restore, and protect the treasure it is today.

Visit Ogden stated in a press release, “In 1869, The Golden Spike brought together the first transcontinental railroad, roughly fifty miles to the northwest of Union Station, and created a boom town in Ogden. Looking at Historic 25th Street now, it’s hard to believe it was once home to brothels, political scandals, and the ‘dark ages’ of gang rivalries so intense you couldn’t walk the three-block length in safety.”

Visit Ogden's Director of Marketing and Communications, Taylor Hartman, said the community has rallied to keep Ogden at the top of the list throughout voting.  

“We’ve seen so many people come out to vote and celebrate 25th Street,” stated Hartman in a press release. “Our community’s rallied together in a way that only Ogden can. We are buckling down to rise to the top spot. This is a huge honor to be a finalist and would be an even bigger honor to win this recognition.”  

The public is encouraged to help bring Ogden to first place by casting their votes daily for Ogden as their favorite Main Street, from now through April 8. Votes can be cast here.

“This is a chance for the community and supporters nationwide to rally behind Ogden and help highlight it as a leading destination on the national stage,” Hartman said.

The winners of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards 2024 will be announced on April 17.

Update: On Wednesday, April 17, Ogden was named third place in the “Best Main Street” category of the USA Today Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards 2024.

Taylor Hartman, Director of Marketing and Communications for Visit Ogden, shared his enthusiasm:

“Securing third place in this competition is a phenomenal achievement for our city. It reflects the hard work and passion of our community in preserving the unique character and welcome atmosphere of 25th Street. We are grateful to everyone who voted and showed their love for our beautiful city.”

Emporia, Kansas took second place, and #1 Best Main Street went to Howell, Michigan. There were a total of 20 nominees in each category.

The Best Main Street category description reads:

“Main streets across the United States are experiencing a renaissance. Once abandoned and boarded up as people shifted to the suburbs, these iconic thoroughfares are now thriving. These 10 places with charming main streets —nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — offer more than just a road; these streets are living history, have a vibrant culture, and serve as the hearts of their communities.”

The top 10 in each category are listed at 10best.usatoday.com.