About American Fork

Perhaps no community catches the Spirit of America more than the City of American Fork. Tenderly balancing the small-town charm it was founded upon with big-city retail and opportunity, American Fork enjoys steady growth in industry and population. The City has a population of 34,422.


Education

More than 30 percent of American Fork residents have a bachelors degree or higher.The State of Utah has an unmatched number of bilingual residents of all ages.


Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, Mountainland Technical College, Provo College, and Mandalyn Academy are just minutes away. The City is served by the Alpine School District and is also home to a number of private, charter and vocational schools for K-12.


Quality of Life

A Community Survey in 2021 resulted in a 90% ranking of good/excellent quality of life according to our residents. The top reason was proximity to family, schools and work, and a feeling of safety and security in our community.


The community is enriched by City services like the American Fork Library, Fitness Center, and diverse recreation programs. The Timpanogos Arts Foundation presents a variety of programs throughout the year. The City also enjoys the talents of the American Fork Symphony and the Utah Regional Ballet. The American Fork High School Bands have established a reputation for excellence. The American Fork High School Marching Band finished as a Semi-Finalist in the Grand Nationals competition in 2008, 2013, and 2022 and have been State Champions for more than 20 years.


 The City’s quality of life, with its well-educated workforce and low business costs, make American Fork a great choice for families and businesses.


Leisure

The City is popular for its outdoor trails, biking, hiking and outdoor recreational opportunities. Recreational and camping opportunities abound, from the American Fork Boat Harbor at Utah Lake to Timpanogos Cave National Monument and the Alpine Scenic Loop, located in beautiful American Fork Canyon. The City’s central location puts it within a half day’s drive of Utah’s 15 spectacular national parks, monuments, and recreation areas.

The City houses the popular Fox Hollow Golf Course and a fitness center with year-round programs, including swimming.


For a true celebration, come to American Fork during Steel Days. Parades, cooking contests, dances and golf tournaments are just some of the events held during the celebration each summer. 


Did You Know?

  • The City is a regional hub, home to the American Fork Hospital, Alpine School District headquarters, and a variety of retail shopping stores.
  • Interstate 15 runs through the city, providing convenient access to Salt Lake City (30 minutes) and downtown Provo (20 minutes).
  • American Fork's workforce has a rare and unique skill set, boasting an unmatched number of bilingual residents of all ages.
  • WalletHub ranked American Fork 27th in top small cities to start a business (2021).
  • American Fork touts a wide array of outdoor options from boating on Utah Lake to hiking in American Fork Canyon. 
  • With 27 parks within city limits to visit, recreation opportunities abound.
  • The American Fork High School Marching Band won the 2022 State Championship and the Bands of America Regional Championship.
  • The city takes its name from the American Fork River. It was formerly called Lake City. The streams running into the lake were known as forks. The first settlers on the American Fork creek took the name of the stream for the settlement. American Fork was settled by Mormon pioneers in the summer of 1850 and was incorporated in 1853.

Historical Buildings and Markers in American Fork

  • American Fork Presbyterian Church built in 1877
  • Apollo Hall
  • Bank of American Fork
  • City Hall Bell
  • Fort Wall of American Fork, 50 S. 100 East, in William S. Robinson Park
  • Harrington School, First Free Public School, 70 E. Main Street, Built in 1939
  • Historic City Hall
  • Log Cabin Grist Mill
  • Star Roller Mill

Historical Walking Tour

This 45-minute walking tour visits many of the historic places in American Fork.