Salt Lake Utah Temple

Observe the Salt Lake Temple, a granite structure completed over 40 years (1853-1893) by pioneer craftsmen who quarried and hand-cut each stone nearby. The guide explains the six spires, including the tallest at 210 feet, the Angel Moroni statue atop the central spire, and the temple’s symbolic architectural elements. Though the interior is restricted to Church members, stories about its construction and cultural importance are shared. Photo opportunities are available on the landscaped grounds of this National Historic Landmark that has shaped Salt Lake City's skyline for more than 130 years.

5 min

Temple Square

Explore Temple Square, a 10-acre spiritual and historical site in downtown Salt Lake City. The 35-acre complex includes the Salt Lake Temple with its six granite spires, the historic Tabernacle known for its acoustics, seasonal flower displays, and pioneer statues. The guide discusses the 40-year temple construction, pioneer settlers, and architectural highlights like the Gothic Revival Assembly Hall and the Seagull Monument. The well-maintained gardens and cultural significance of this National Historic Landmark are also explained.

15 min

Organ Recitals In The Tabernacle

Attend an organ recital in the Tabernacle at Temple Square, built in 1867 with a roof designed for exceptional acoustics allowing a pin drop to be heard across the hall. The pipe organ has over 11,000 pipes, producing clear and deep sound. The guide recounts the pioneer craftsmanship and acoustic innovations predating modern technology, the organ’s evolution, and its ongoing role in musical and spiritual events.

15 min

Salt Lake Tabernacle

Enter the Salt Lake Tabernacle, constructed in 1867 with a 150-foot self-supporting dome free of interior pillars, providing unobstructed views and acoustics that carry sound up to 170 feet. The venue houses the 11,632-pipe Tabernacle Organ, one of the largest worldwide. The guide shares stories of pioneer construction, acoustic engineering before modern technology, and the building’s cultural role. Visitors see the detailed woodwork, organ facade, and galleries that have welcomed millions over 150 years.

15 min

Utah State Capitol

Visit the Utah State Capitol on Capitol Hill, completed in 1916 with a 285-foot copper dome. This Neoclassical building offers views of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Mountains. The guide explains Utah’s statehood history, building restoration, and design symbolism. Inside, see the rotunda with marble columns, murals depicting Utah history, and a large chandelier. Outside, panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley framed by mountains are available. The Capitol is a National Historic Landmark representing Utah’s heritage and government.

20 min

The Conference Center Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints

Experience the LDS Conference Center, the largest religious auditorium worldwide, completed in 2000 with seating for 21,000 and advanced acoustics. Features include a rooftop garden with waterfalls and native plants, grand bronze doors, and during summer, a 21,000-seat auditorium with a 7,667-pipe organ. The guide discusses construction techniques, sound engineering ensuring clear acoustics for all seats, and the building’s role alongside the historic Tabernacle. Summer Tabernacle Choir performances occur here.

1 min

Mormon Battalion Monument

See the Mormon Battalion Monument honoring 500 Latter-day Saint volunteers who marched 2,000 miles from Iowa to San Diego during the Mexican-American War (1846-1847). The guide tells of their military service, hardships crossing deserts and mountains, discipline earning respect, and how their pay helped fund Salt Lake Valley’s pioneer settlement. The monument includes bronze sculptures and plaques depicting their journey and sacrifice, highlighting the complex relationship between early Saints and the U.S. government.

5 min

City and County Building

View the City and County Building, completed in 1894 in Romanesque Revival style with sandstone walls and a 256-foot clock tower. The guide shares its history as the seat of local government for over 130 years, the restoration efforts preserving this architectural landmark, and its significance as a civic symbol. The building features ornate turrets, arched windows, and stone carvings. The landscaped grounds provide photo opportunities of this National Historic Landmark contrasting with the modern city.

1 min

Cathedral of the Madeleine

Admire the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Utah’s only Catholic cathedral, completed in 1909 in Gothic Revival style. It features 220-foot twin spires, intricate stonework, and notable stained glass windows. The guide discusses its construction by European craftsmen in a predominantly Latter-day Saint city, restoration in the 1990s, and symbolic design elements. Located in the historic Avenues neighborhood among Victorian mansions, this National Historic Landmark reflects the city’s religious diversity.

5 min

This is the Place Heritage Park

Visit the site where Brigham Young declared "This is the right place" in 1847, ending the pioneers’ 1,300-mile journey from Illinois. This location marks where 148 pioneers first saw the Salt Lake Valley after Emigration Canyon. The guide recounts their trek, challenges, and why this valley was chosen. A 60-foot monument commemorates this moment. Visitors can view the Salt Lake Valley, Wasatch Mountains, and Great Salt Lake as the pioneers did, standing at a key point in Western expansion.

15 min

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Experience a segment of the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, the 1,300-mile route used by over 70,000 Latter-day Saint pioneers from Illinois to Utah (1846-1869). The guide shares stories of determination and sacrifice as families traveled by handcart and wagon through plains, rivers, and mountains, facing harsh weather and limited supplies. Monuments and markers along the trail commemorate this migration, illustrating the resilience and community spirit that helped establish Salt Lake City.

5 min

City Creek Center

View City Creek Center, a three-block shopping, dining, and entertainment complex opened in 2012 with a $1.5 billion investment. The guide explains its innovative design, including a retractable glass roof and the restored historic City Creek flowing through the property. The development transformed downtown Salt Lake City into a pedestrian-friendly urban area with over 100 stores and restaurants. Its modern architecture, gardens, fountains, and natural creek honor the waterway that supported early pioneers.

1 min

Governor's Mansion

See the Utah Governor’s Mansion, built in 1902 and located in the Federal Heights neighborhood. Originally a private home, it became the official governor’s residence in 1937 and has housed governors for nearly 90 years. The guide discusses its architectural style, prominent city views, and role in Utah’s political history. The mansion’s dignified exterior and manicured grounds reflect the state’s highest office and the elegant neighborhoods developed during Salt Lake City’s early growth.

1 min

Salt Lake City Public Library

View the Salt Lake City Public Library, designed by Moshe Safdie and opened in 2003. This six-story building features a curved glass wall and rooftop garden, recognized internationally for its architecture. The guide explains the $84 million project’s innovative design and why it is considered a leading example of contemporary public architecture. The building’s dramatic angles and glass facade contrast with nearby historic structures, representing Salt Lake City’s modern and sophisticated public spaces.

1 min

Beehive House

View the Beehive House, Brigham Young’s official residence from 1854 to 1877. This adobe building, named for the beehive symbol representing industry and cooperation, served as Utah’s territorial governor’s home and social center. The guide shares stories of Brigham Young’s life, the house’s role in politics and society, and its architectural details. Located next to Temple Square, it is a National Historic Landmark illustrating pioneer leadership and early Salt Lake City’s character.

1 min

Council Hall

View Council Hall, a red-brick Greek Revival building that served as Utah’s territorial capitol from 1866 to 1896. The guide recounts political events held here, including debates on polygamy, women’s suffrage, and governance leading to statehood in 1896. Originally downtown, the building was moved brick-by-brick to Capitol Hill in 1963 to prevent demolition. Its proportions and history make it a National Historic Landmark representing Utah’s political heritage and transition from territory to state.

1 min

Olympic Cauldron Park

Look up at the Olympic Cauldron, a 72-foot glass and steel structure symbolizing the 2002 Winter Games hosted in Salt Lake City. The guide explains the city’s efforts to secure the Olympics, build venues, and welcome athletes from 77 nations. Stories include record-breaking performances, the Opening Ceremony, and the Games’ lasting impact on Utah’s global profile. The cauldron stands as a reminder of the community spirit and innovation associated with the event.

1 min

Delta Center

See the Delta Center, Salt Lake City’s arena and home of the Utah Jazz basketball team. The guide discusses its architectural presence and role in the city’s identity since the 1990s. The venue has hosted NBA playoffs, Olympic figure skating, and major concerts. Connections to the 2002 Winter Games and memorable Jazz moments are shared. The arena remains a symbol of local pride, community, and entertainment in downtown Salt Lake City.

1 min

Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Admire the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, formerly the Hotel Utah, opened in 1911 as the city’s first luxury hotel. The white-terracotta Beaux-Arts structure welcomed presidents, celebrities, and travelers. The guide details its history as a social hub with rooftop dining and ballrooms, the restoration preserving its architectural beauty, and its current role. The building reflects Utah’s hospitality history and downtown Salt Lake City’s cultural development.

1 min

The Gateway

Visit the Gateway, an open-air district in Salt Lake City built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Once rail yards, the area now features art, dining, and public spaces. The guide explains its transformation from industrial use to a cultural hub, the vision behind its design, and its role in the Olympic Games. Fountains, public art, and a restored depot connect Utah’s past with present-day urban renewal and community life.

1 min

FamilySearch Library

View the Family History Library on Temple Square, the world’s largest genealogical library founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The guide describes its collection of billions of ancestral records and Utah’s role as a global center for family history research. Stories include pioneer values of heritage and record-keeping and the use of modern technology through FamilySearch. The building symbolizes Salt Lake City’s legacy of memory, connection, and family ties worldwide.

1 min

FamilySearch Library

View the Family History Library on Temple Square, the world’s largest genealogical library founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The guide describes its collection of billions of ancestral records and Utah’s role as a global center for family history research. Stories include pioneer values of heritage and record-keeping and the use of modern technology through FamilySearch. The building symbolizes Salt Lake City’s legacy of memory, connection, and family ties worldwide.

1 min

Fort Douglas Military Museum

Glance across the parade grounds of Fort Douglas, established in 1862 under Colonel Patrick Connor during the Civil War. Built to protect mail routes and assert federal presence, the fort overlooked Brigham Young’s settlement. The guide shares how Connor’s troops monitored the Saints, how nearby mining affected Utah’s economy, and the fort’s influence on city growth. The red-brick barracks and hillside location remain reminders of frontier defense, politics, and faith in the American West.

1 min

Fort Douglas Post Theatre

Glance across the parade grounds of Fort Douglas, established in 1862 under Colonel Patrick Connor during the Civil War. Built to protect mail routes and assert federal presence, the fort overlooked Brigham Young’s settlement. The guide shares how Connor’s troops monitored the Saints, how nearby mining affected Utah’s economy, and the fort’s influence on city growth. The red-brick barracks and hillside location remain reminders of frontier defense, politics, and faith in the American West.

1 min

Abravanel Hall

View Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City’s concert venue and home to the Utah Symphony, opened in 1979. Its glass façade and bronze details contrast with historic landmarks, reflecting the city’s cultural development. The guide discusses Maurice Abravanel’s influence on Utah’s music scene and the hall’s role in the arts. Though not entered, the building’s design and history illustrate Salt Lake City’s commitment to culture and the arts.

1 min