Set within historic Ophir Canyon, the Dalton Learning Lodge at the Ophir Canyon Education Center provides a welcoming, year-round setting where education, outdoor exploration, and community come together. Built entirely through donated funds and in-kind contributions to the Tooele Education Foundation, the lodge reflects the generosity of the many individuals, businesses, and organizations that shared a vision for creating new learning opportunities in Tooele County.

Hughes General Contractors played a key role in bringing the facility to life as the final addition to the education center. The lodge supports a wide range of programs, including STEM camps, leadership workshops, local history, geology, environmental science, photography, snowshoeing, and other hands-on experiences. Its flexible spaces also allow the center to host corporate retreats, individual and family gatherings, and community events.

The project carries a particularly meaningful legacy. The original vision grew from Dr. Ed Dalton’s belief that a portion of the historic mining town could become an outdoor classroom for generations of students. Years later, his son, a Hughes Superintendent, helped build the lodge that now bears the family name—bringing a father’s vision full circle and establishing a lasting place for learning, connection, and growth.