Mormon Attractions in Utah
There are many interesting and historical Mormon attractions in Utah . One of the most important is Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is also one of Utah’s most visited attractions, partially because it is accessible, as well as the fact that it houses over 20 attractions pertaining to Mormon pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake City Temple, the Tabernacle – home of the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir – and the Family History Library. It takes a short time and no extra parking or travel for visitors to explore these attractions. There is also a walking tour that can take you through the area, and if you do not wish to pay downtown parking fees, you can park nearby and ride local buses to Temple Square.
Also found in the area of Temple Square are the Museum of Church History and Art, the Conference Center, Relief Society Building, the Church Office Building, Brigham Young Historic Park, Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument, Social Hall Heritage Museum, Beehive House – showing family life in 1855 – and Lion House, another of Brigham Young’s residences, which today features homestyle meals and baked goods. All of these landmarks are maintained and contained within a 10 acre block of land, and include the largest genealogical library in the world, the Clark Planetarium, restored pioneer homes, Hogle Zoo, a variety of galleries and the Utah State Capitol Building.
In addition to all the history in Temple Square, visitors can visit the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, The Tabernacle Organ, Garden Tours, Temple Square Concert Series (year round), LDS Humanitarian Center – collecting and sending clothing, medical supplies, blankets and food to needy areas throughout the world – and the Family Search Center – where you can look for your ancestors.
Salt Lake City also encompasses Trolley Square, which is a block of enclosed trolley barns that date back to the 19th century. The barns are filled with exclusive boutiques and are near to Gardner Historic Village, which offers quaint shops in buildings that date back to pioneer times near Archibald Mill, which was once owned by a famous Mormon Polygamist.
University of Utah is also an important in Utah history. Located in Salt Lake City, it features a Health Sciences Center, Research Park, Red Butte Arboretum and art and natural history museums.
There are seven canyons which flow into the city and once provided water for Mormon pioneers who settled there around 1846. Spring brings waterfalls and wildflowers to the canyons and summer offers fishing, hunting, biking, boating, rock climbing, picnicking and more – all of this just minutes from downtown. In the fall, indescribable colors of reds, oranges, persimmons, golds and yellows decorate the magnificent canyon walls, and in the winter, the seven nearby ski resorts are abuzz with visitors. Throughout the year, the city is a gateway to ten national parks including Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion and others.
Salt Lake City is not the only area that features Mormon Attractions in Utah. In Southern Utah, Mormon pioneers left their mark on history as well. There are many beautiful temples, pristine and white, as well as tabernacles, one room school houses and residences of early settlers including Brigham Young – one of his homes being located on St. George Boulevard in the Historic District of St. George.
St. George Temple is considered one of the most classic examples of Mormon architecture and is magnificent. It was originally designed in the Gothic style and dedicated in 1871. It is made of local red sandstone, plastered over with white. The St. George Tabernacle is also considered classic Mormon architecture and is called the “jewel in the desert.” The clock built for the tabernacle was created by Thwaites and Reed, the oldest clockmakers in the world – who were responsible for maintaining Big Ben.
Capital Reef National Park contains many historic buildings, a one room schoolhouse, and a pioneer settlement, all of which accommodated Mormon settlers in the 1800’s. The Green Gate Village Historic Inn has a unique collection of eight pioneer and early Victorian homes, surrounding a village green and swimming pool. Located in St. George, several of these homes were built by original settlers Orson Pratt (1862) and William Bentler (1876). Others were kept in tact and transferred from nearby areas – some were moved brick by brick – over a 20 year period. Visitors will also find the original carriage house, granary and general store, which are fully restored and used as an historic inn and restaurant.
The Rock Church in Cedar City is also another historic and unique building. Since the Mormons needed a new church but had no resources because of the depression, they worked to build the church using local rocks of different types, using metal lamps, carpets, western cedar pews and other furnishings made by local craftsmen. The Church is open for tours and is a beautiful site to see.
Spring City is an extremely significant historical site. In fact, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A visit here will transport you to the 19th century, back to a Mormon pioneer town as though you were part of it. You will find the Old Spring City School, restored 1860 stone house, Orson Hyde Home and more. The town has been referred to as “Little Denmark” because of the Scandinavian influence brought by the pioneers sent by Brigham Young to settle there.
These areas are some of the important highlights of Mormon attractions in Utah. There are others dotted throughout the landscape all over the state. These landmarks bring to life the essential history of a unique time, unique people and a unique and important state.
Utah Tourist Guide
Also found in the area of Temple Square are the Museum of Church History and Art, the Conference Center, Relief Society Building, the Church Office Building, Brigham Young Historic Park, Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument, Social Hall Heritage Museum, Beehive House – showing family life in 1855 – and Lion House, another of Brigham Young’s residences, which today features homestyle meals and baked goods. All of these landmarks are maintained and contained within a 10 acre block of land, and include the largest genealogical library in the world, the Clark Planetarium, restored pioneer homes, Hogle Zoo, a variety of galleries and the Utah State Capitol Building.
In addition to all the history in Temple Square, visitors can visit the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, The Tabernacle Organ, Garden Tours, Temple Square Concert Series (year round), LDS Humanitarian Center – collecting and sending clothing, medical supplies, blankets and food to needy areas throughout the world – and the Family Search Center – where you can look for your ancestors.
Salt Lake City also encompasses Trolley Square, which is a block of enclosed trolley barns that date back to the 19th century. The barns are filled with exclusive boutiques and are near to Gardner Historic Village, which offers quaint shops in buildings that date back to pioneer times near Archibald Mill, which was once owned by a famous Mormon Polygamist.
University of Utah is also an important in Utah history. Located in Salt Lake City, it features a Health Sciences Center, Research Park, Red Butte Arboretum and art and natural history museums.
There are seven canyons which flow into the city and once provided water for Mormon pioneers who settled there around 1846. Spring brings waterfalls and wildflowers to the canyons and summer offers fishing, hunting, biking, boating, rock climbing, picnicking and more – all of this just minutes from downtown. In the fall, indescribable colors of reds, oranges, persimmons, golds and yellows decorate the magnificent canyon walls, and in the winter, the seven nearby ski resorts are abuzz with visitors. Throughout the year, the city is a gateway to ten national parks including Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion and others.
Salt Lake City is not the only area that features Mormon Attractions in Utah. In Southern Utah, Mormon pioneers left their mark on history as well. There are many beautiful temples, pristine and white, as well as tabernacles, one room school houses and residences of early settlers including Brigham Young – one of his homes being located on St. George Boulevard in the Historic District of St. George.
St. George Temple is considered one of the most classic examples of Mormon architecture and is magnificent. It was originally designed in the Gothic style and dedicated in 1871. It is made of local red sandstone, plastered over with white. The St. George Tabernacle is also considered classic Mormon architecture and is called the “jewel in the desert.” The clock built for the tabernacle was created by Thwaites and Reed, the oldest clockmakers in the world – who were responsible for maintaining Big Ben.
Capital Reef National Park contains many historic buildings, a one room schoolhouse, and a pioneer settlement, all of which accommodated Mormon settlers in the 1800’s. The Green Gate Village Historic Inn has a unique collection of eight pioneer and early Victorian homes, surrounding a village green and swimming pool. Located in St. George, several of these homes were built by original settlers Orson Pratt (1862) and William Bentler (1876). Others were kept in tact and transferred from nearby areas – some were moved brick by brick – over a 20 year period. Visitors will also find the original carriage house, granary and general store, which are fully restored and used as an historic inn and restaurant.
The Rock Church in Cedar City is also another historic and unique building. Since the Mormons needed a new church but had no resources because of the depression, they worked to build the church using local rocks of different types, using metal lamps, carpets, western cedar pews and other furnishings made by local craftsmen. The Church is open for tours and is a beautiful site to see.
Spring City is an extremely significant historical site. In fact, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A visit here will transport you to the 19th century, back to a Mormon pioneer town as though you were part of it. You will find the Old Spring City School, restored 1860 stone house, Orson Hyde Home and more. The town has been referred to as “Little Denmark” because of the Scandinavian influence brought by the pioneers sent by Brigham Young to settle there.
These areas are some of the important highlights of Mormon attractions in Utah. There are others dotted throughout the landscape all over the state. These landmarks bring to life the essential history of a unique time, unique people and a unique and important state.
Utah Tourist Guide
