Roadside Attraction
Fruita Schoolhouse
Capitol Reef National Park
Overview
One of the more popular roadside attractions when passing through Capitol Reef, the Fruita one room schoolhouse is worth a stop. The schoolhouse dates back over a hundred years to 1896 when local Fruita settlers build it. The current version is refurbished and is meant to look the same as it did around 1936. The last class to use the school graduated in 1941. How far the area has come in the last 70 years! It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Most times of the year, deer can be seen foraging in the Fruita orchard across the road.
Getting There
From the visitor center, travel east on Highway 95 just under a mile to mile post 80.1, where the school is located on the north side of the road. (11.5 miles east of Torrey.)
Route Description
From the NPS information sign:
Mormons valued education highly. Therefore it is not surprising that the Fruita residents donated the land, materials, and labor for this schoolhouse and the money for the teachers' pay. The building opened in 1896. Eight grades were taught in one room with eight to 26 students attending classes at any one time. The building also served as a community meeting place, Sunday school, and Saturday night social center. The school closed in 1941 due to declining enrollment; the few remaining Fruita students were then bused to consolidated area schools.
Maps
12S 478281E 4237813N
38°17'17"N 111°14'54"W