Salt Lake City is a vibrant city with a variety of attractions for the whole family. You can explore the area on foot, bike or by trolley.
Salt Lake is home to the Utah State Capitol building and the Pioneer Memorial Museum. These museums feature historical artifacts and displays of Utah’s pioneers. Those interested in learning about the natural history of the region will enjoy the Natural History Museum of Utah. It features an impressive collection of 1.6 million objects, ranging from geological to biological.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) has a strong presence in the city. Many of its temples and other religious buildings are located in Temple Square. This three-block, 35-acre plaza in downtown Salt Lake City is filled with lush gardens and religious buildings.
Another attraction in Temple Square is the Salt Lake Temple. This is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints and its weekly church meetings are held here. There is a free tour of the temple grounds.
In addition to the temple, Temple Square is also home to the Mormon Tabernacle. Here, visitors can take part in a guided tour, or listen to a live concert from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Another great place to visit in Salt Lake City is the Gilgal Sculpture Garden. It was started by Thomas Child, a masonry contractor, and it features 12 original sculptures that depict religious, spiritual, and thought-provoking concepts.
Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Temple Square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Utah. This area is home to many museums, historic buildings, and monuments. In addition, it is close to dining and shopping options. There are also two visitor centers.
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building was built in 1911. It is dedicated to the first president of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith. Previously known as the Hotel Utah, the building was renovated in 1993. Inside, visitors can learn more about the history of the church.
A 26-floor observation deck offers views of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Mountains. Additionally, there are free tours of the temple.
Temple Square is a great place to enjoy the scenery, see art and culture, and experience a variety of performances. Concerts are held on weekends and weeknights. You can also attend free weekend concerts.
Temple Square is also a great place to learn more about the Mormon culture. There are two visitor centers with exhibitions. One focuses on the temple and the other on families. If you have a little extra time, you can also visit the Utah State Capitol.
You will also find a number of museums, such as the Family History Library. These libraries house historical documents and records of the Latter-day Saints. They are also open to the public, and you can get assistance from volunteers to make use of these records.
Aside from these sites, you can also take a stroll along the river and visit Memory Grove Garden.
Hogle Zoo
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a family-friendly attraction that’s worth a visit. It’s located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range, making it a great place to view some of the more exotic species in Utah.
The zoo is one of the most well-maintained in the nation. The Hogle family operates the facility, and visitors can expect to see 800 animals. Some of the more interesting exhibits include the White Rhino Encounter, where visitors get a chance to see white rhinos and other African elephants in a close-up setting.
Other attractions to be checked out at the zoo include the Clark Planetarium, which has a variety of exhibits to entertain the whole family. These include an IMAX theatre and a series of rotating feature films. There are also some very interesting interactive displays.
Other noteworthy attractions in the area include the Red Butte Garden, which has a series of themed gardens. Another is the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, which is a great way to teach kids about the world around them. In addition to its interactive exhibits, the museum hosts summer camps and children’s activities.
For the more adventurous, you can try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Those interested in history can also take a tour of the Utah State Capitol Building. The stately building boasts Corinthian-style columns and a dome.
Liberty Park
Liberty Park is one of the most popular parks in Salt Lake City. Located just southeast of downtown, it is a great place for families. You can find a variety of things to do, from playgrounds to tennis courts to a museum.
A good portion of the park is set aside for recreation, including a splash pad, a swimming pool, basketball courts, and a 1.5 mile jogging path. It is also home to an aviary.
The Tracy Aviary is a large bird sanctuary located in Liberty Park. It houses over 400 individual birds, many of them exotic species. They are displayed in natural habitat exhibits and ecosystem displays. There are daily feedings and educational programs to keep visitors entertained.
The Clark Planetarium is a must-see in Salt Lake City. This state-of-the-art facility features interactive exhibits and a rotating selection of feature films.
Other activities include the Seven Canyons water play area, which represents seven different canyons in Salt Lake. It includes lakes, waterfalls, and little rivers. These make for a fun summer excursion.
Another must-see in Salt Lake is the Family History Library, which is managed by the Mormon Church. The library offers a free admission. In addition to its books, it hosts many cultural events.
Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the premier natural history museums in the country. With over 1.5 million specimens, the NHMU houses a wealth of Utah’s geological and biological diversity. As well as its spectacular gemstone collection, the museum also features many interactive exhibits.
One of the most popular displays is the dinosaur exhibit, which features over 30 skeletal reconstructions of ancient dinosaurs. There is also an interesting display of fossils from the state of Utah.
Another popular display is the Asian Highlands Exhibit, which features several big cats. Visitors can also see a bald eagle, a red panda, a Siberian lynx, and a snow leopard.
Other displays include the Gemstone and Minerals exhibit, which has a beautiful collection of colorful Utah gems. There is also a working weather station on the fifth floor of the museum.
Another must-see display is the Past Worlds Exhibit, which showcases the world’s largest collection of horned dinosaur skulls. It also includes long-lost ecosystems and Utah-made fossils.
Lastly, the Great Salt Lake exhibit explores the fascinating history of the great salt lake. You can even hike along the shoreline of the old lake.
The NHMU is the perfect place to learn about the natural landscape of Utah and connect with the locals. It’s also a great location for a quick hike. To reach the museum, take the free shuttle from the University of Utah.
The Natural History Museum of Utah is open 7 days a week. Guests can also enjoy the cafe, which offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Salt Lake Utah Temple
The Salt Lake Utah Temple is a sacred building that was constructed over a century ago. Its architectural design is a great example of Early Modern Period architecture.
The temple is situated in Temple Square. It is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can visit the building by taking a guided tour.
If you plan to visit the Temple, you should wear clothing appropriate for outdoor activities. Some of the buildings to check out are the administrative offices, Assembly Hall, and the Tabernacle.
Another interesting building is the Gilgal Sculpture Garden. This garden features pieces from local artists.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints founded the garden. Visitors can enjoy its fifteen-acre landscape. There is also an arboretum and a botanical garden.
Other places to visit include Cove Fort Historic Site, a fort originally built for shelter and religious gatherings. The site has an antique prairie wagon, telegraph, and prairie furniture.
As part of its ongoing construction, the Church has scheduled several more temple dedications for the near future. In fact, the next temple to be dedicated will be the Pocatello Idaho Temple.
The Church also plans to complete several other new builds. During the October 2021 general conference, President Nelson announced 13 additional temple locations.
Utah State Capitol
The Utah State Capitol is one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the country. This elegant building is set on a 40-acre campus.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Capitol is its rotunda. It features a 165-foot dome and 52 Corinthian columns. Visitors can take a free tour of the building and enjoy its unique architecture.
You can also enjoy a visit to the Pioneer Memorial Museum. This museum has the world’s largest collection of artifacts related to Utah’s history. The museum is a great place to learn about Utah’s pioneers and the Mormon Church. There are several educational programs that are available at the museum.
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a must-see in Salt Lake City. This museum has many exhibits including a Dinosaur Gallery. They offer special exhibitions and educational programs for school groups.
The Utah State Capitol Building was built in 1912. Visitors can go on a tour of the building. Tours are offered on Monday through Friday. These tours are free and start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.
You can also take a walk on the Capitol Grounds. This park was designed to be a public park. The grounds feature hiking trails and picnic tables. If you want to bring your dog, you are welcome to do so.
You can also attend a free guided tour. Guided tours are available on the hour. For a larger group, you will need to make a reservation. However, tours with less than 10 people are free.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
The Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is a unique garden on the campus of the University of Utah. This park consists of 21 acres of developed gardens and natural areas that include 5 miles of hiking trails. With its location on the Wasatch Front, this park offers visitors spectacular views, nature, and entertainment.
Visitors can participate in a variety of programs offered by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum. These programs are designed to educate people of all ages. Classes include art, photography, and yoga. Children can also take part in nature-based learning workshops, day camps, and bird walks.
One of the highlights of the Red Butte Garden is its concert series. Each summer, the garden hosts world-class music acts. Many of the acts are popular with both children and adults. Ticket sales are usually sold out quickly. In addition to this, the garden has a variety of events throughout the year.
One of the newest additions to the Red Butte Garden is the Water Conservation Garden. It features 29,000 plants, including 530 species. During winter months, the garden is closed.
Other attractions at the Red Butte Garden include the Prospect Point Terrace and Pavilion, which features stunning views of Red Butte Canyon. Additionally, there are several different art exhibits. For more information on these exhibits, you can visit the Visitor Center.
The Red Butte Garden and Arboretum hosts numerous events throughout the year. There are many nature-based classes and workshops for kids, along with yoga and meditation sessions.
