Valley Hospitality
Our History
A Cherished Place to Call Home
Midway’s Valley Bounty
In the mid-1800s, sawmill workers called the high valley between Salt Lake and Provo “paradise land.” Soon ranchers, farmers, and settlers recognized its potential, creating towns like Midway infused with alpine charm and European culture. Homestead has long served as a place to pause or play in the heart of this vibrant landscape.
1864 – The Schneitter Arrival
Simon Schneitter and his family joined pioneering Swiss immigrants in Midway, Utah, drawn by verdant valleys and snow-capped Rockies reminiscent of home. While farming the land, Simon discovered a massive geothermal hot spring—dubbed a “hot pot” by settlers.
1886 – Schneitter’s Hot Pot Resort Opens
The opening of Schneitter’s Hot Pot Resort set a beloved story in motion. With dining, lodging, and the two-story Virginia House, Homestead became a sought-after destination. Simon “Jake” Schneitter ran the resort for over 60 years, with his wife Fanny’s home-cooked meals forming an essential part of the resort’s enduring hospitality.
Virginia House Restoration
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, Virginia House is the only remaining example of Federal-style architecture in the area. Following a year-long restoration project, the property has been thoughtfully preserved and repurposed to feature new attributes, including a locally curated gift shop, community gathering spaces, and the Homestead, Autograph Collection Residences.
The Crater
Within this hollow dome, a 400-foot-wide, 55-foot-tall limestone crater bubbled with mineral-rich waters, fed by snow and rain from the Wasatch Range. Its natural warmth quickly attracted the community, transforming the Schneitter farm into the valley’s first resort. Echoing Simon’s pioneering spirit, the crater remains a hub for modern explorers to blaze their own trails through Utah’s natural wonders.
Legacy & Transformation
Nearly 140 years ago, Homestead established itself as the heartbeat of the community. Today, it continues to welcome wanderers from across the globe, blending historic charm with modern luxury and unforgettable experiences.
Textures of Time
Celebrating layers of old-world craft and new-world comfort, Homestead honors its humble beginnings while thoughtfully reinterpreting the past. Reclaimed architecture features regional materials, intricate craftsmanship, and subtle nods to local heritage—from exposed timber beams to stonework and metal roofs. Even the Crater inspires design elements throughout the resort, connecting past and present with modern sensibility.
The Barn, Carriage House, & Outdoor Event Spaces
The new Barn takes cues from historic Wasatch barns, evoking a timeworn yet inviting atmosphere. Across the property, subtle design winks honor Midway’s cultural heritage and integrate the iconic shapes of the Crater into modern spaces.
Endless Adventures
Homestead provides a natural playground for all seasons: fly-fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, river rafting, championship golf, and winter sports in “The Greatest Snow on Earth®.” Guests also enjoy the only warm-water scuba-diving destination in the continental U.S.—the 10,000-year-old Crater.
Reimagined Experiences
New offerings fuse heritage and innovation:
- Luxury pool oasis with year-round warm water
- Night swimming, SUP yoga, snorkeling, and scuba in the Crater
- Tail-wagging trails and fun for kids
- Outdoor games, bike rides, scavenger hunts, and nature activities
Whether spending a day on property or exploring Midway’s surroundings, every moment ends with a return to Homestead’s warm hospitality—a haven where small-town pleasures meet big-world adventure.