Visit Salt Lake City: what are the best things to do and see in this emblematic city, also known to be the city of Mormons?
The Utah is a State of United States enclaved in the heart of the sublime and very famous Rocky Mountains. For the small history, this state was marked by a very late accession to the Union, due to a strong colony of Mormons, which tried without success to obtain a vast political autonomy upon their arrival in 1847. Its capital, Salt Lake City, has about 1 million inhabitants and extends from the desert Great Lake Salt with spectacular gorges of the Wasatch Range (mountain chain) that stands on the outskirts of the city.
Fly away to discover this incredible city, founded by the Mormons and the capital of genealogical research. Are you wondering what to do in Salt Lake City? This is it!
1. Temple Square
Photo credit: Flickr – Jerry and Pat Donaho
Located in the centre of the city, Temple Square is one of the most visited attractions of Salt Lake City.
It is in fact a huge garden of fourteen hectares on which its located several historical sites. You can admire the Temple of Mormons, the tabernacle with its silvered dome or we advise you to attend a representation of the famous Mormon choir, including up to 350 chorists, not forgetting the Assembly Hall, a true visual treasure of Gothic style. Some mormons offer private guided tours if you are curious about this community and their history.
2. The State Capitol
Photo credit: Flickr – Kent Kanouse
Near Temple Square you will find the Capitol of the State of Utah with its architecture strongly inspired by that of Washington . This Corinthian-style building serves as a seat for the federated Utah government.
Like Temple Square, it is one of the most popular places of visitors. To discover it out of the beaten paths, why not opt for a giant track game ? An original visit, sold by a treasure hunt, which offers to discover Salt Lake City and its heritage, otherwise!
3. The FamilySearch Centre
Photo credit: Flickr – Kristina D.C. Hoeppner
Known as the world's capital of genealogy, Salt Lake City is the ideal place to conduct research into your family history. Indeed, FamilySearch Center (Joseph Smith Memorial Building) is none other than the richest genealogical library in the world that allows you to trace your ancestors! Free and accessible from available PCs, research can be full of surprises, who knows? In any event, this genealogical library remains a must if you choose to visit Salt Lake City!
4. The garden of sculptures Gilgal
Photo credit: Flickr – orientalizing
The sculpture garden Gilgal is a fantastic free place to visit. This small public park is an amazing place to discover (it is free): it is full of sculptures by Gilgal representing symbolic statues of Mormons.
5. Seagull Monument
Photo credit: Flickr – Ken Lund
Translated, this place is no other than The Mouse Monument . A small building in front of the Assembly Hall, it was built in 1913 to be dedicated to birds and, according to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the saints of the last days, it pays tribute to the seagulls, true symbols of the Utah.
According to legend, in 1848 the Mormon pioneers who had sown their first seeds were victims of an invasion of crickets in their fields: the crops were devastated, the farms invaded. Then the mormons pray, and it was not in vain: the story tells that thousands of sheep came to devour the pest crickets. The harvests saved, the mormons came out of misery. Since then, the Seagull Monument has echoed this "Miracle des Mouettes"!
6. The coastal hiking trail Bonneville
Photo credit: Flickr – Liji Jinaraj
If you want to cut some of the city and breathe pure air, this path will be ideal! Located outside the city, you can practice mountain biking, racing and hiking, as it offers many trails covering more than 160 km and giving incredible views of the city below.
7. La plain de Bonneville Salt Flats
Photo credit: Flickr – Tom Kelly
Only 1h50 drive from Salt Lake City, this place is really worth a detour! You will discover a huge salt desert with an area of more than 260 square kilometres due to the drying of a gigantic salt lake (the Bonneville Lake) that occupied the area 17,000 years ago. It is composed of sodium chloride, such as table salt, up to two meters thick. This gives a white expanse to the feet of the mountains.
8. Great Lake Salé
You can't come to Salt Lake City without going through the Great Salt Lake! It is the largest in the American continent, with an average area of 4400 km2. Swimming in the Great Salted Lake is not to be missed. Its salinity exceeds 12% and makes it very floating, making the swim very easy. And because it is shallow, it is warm enough... a summer paradise for bathing.
9. The island of Antelope
Photo credit: Flickr – Michael Karl Witzel
Located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, island of Antelope is actually a natural park where you can find antelopes, sheep and bison. The park has many trails where you can walk, enjoy the surrounding nature that promises great memories!
10. Log in a Ranch
Photo credit: Flickr – Wayne Hsieh
An incredible experience to feel immersed in the Far West by being served by cowboys and cowgirls and enjoy excellent home meals while staying in a comfortable chalet surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Learning the gathering of cattle, horse riding, camp fire under the stars... A real adventure not to be missed if you ask yourself to do in Salt Lake City.
How to get to Salt Lake City?
To get to Salt Lake City, count 11 hours. From Paris, several companies offer direct flights to the city’s airport, located 7 kilometres from the centre of Salt Lake City. To find cheaper flight, think of our partner Ulysses !
Salt Lake City is also a destination to visit during a road trip in the west of the United States! It is located at the crossroads of highways 15 and 80, in the north of Utah. Once on site, the car is set.
Where to stay in Salt Lake City?
If you choose to visit Salt Lake City, you can read our article about areas where to stay in Salt Lake City . We recommend you choose accommodation in Downtown SLC – the city centre, to be – as the name suggests – central, and close to the main attractions the city offers. Apartments, hotels and hostels: in terms of foot to ground, the offers are numerous! Whatever your choice, Compare hotels will offer you the best offers of the moment.
If there is a place on earth that made filmmakers, writers and artists dream from all over the world, it is the great American west. Discover the city of Salt Lake City and its surroundings, for exceptional memories. Are you still wondering what to do in Salt Lake City? Your American dream starts here!
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