Salt Lake City is home to several tourist attractions and sightseeing options, many of which are linked with its importance as a religious centre. At the centre of Salt Lake City is Temple Square, which houses quite a few of the city’s leading attractions that include Salt Lake Temple, Assembly Hall, Seagull Monument and the Tabernacle.
Beehive House
This grand mansion was home to Brigham Young, president of the Mormon Church and governor of the Utah territory, who lived here with his dozen children from 1854 until his death. Today, the restored house features period furnishings and is open to the public for tours. Named after the beehive, the state symbol representing prudence and diligence, the house stands in bright contrast to the 300-square-foot cabin once home to the ‘wealthy’ Deuel family and now displayed just two blocks west near the Museum of Church History and Art. Guided tours begin every ten minutes and are free. Phone: +1 801 240 2671
Clark Planetarium
Housed in an impressive limestone structure built in 1905, this interactive museum gives the young and young-at-heart an engaging look at the universe. Located near Temple Square, the museum encourages participation with simulated space flights, star shows and dancing laser lights. Astronomy courses are held for all ages in the summer and special programmes are scheduled all through the year.
Phone: +1 801 456 7827; website: www.clarkplanetarium.org
Classic Cars International Antique Auto Museum of Utah
Over 200 antique and classic cars are crammed into several showrooms here, many of which are for sale. Even though the collection is continually changing, some of the vehicles on show include a 1903 Steven Duryea, a stunning bright yellow 1926 Stutz Bearcat, a stylish 1929 dual cowl Duesenberg, a 1936 Packard V-12 two-door convertible, several 1959 big-finned Cadillac convertibles and a 1925 Packard Phaeton convertible once owned by gangster Al Capone. A number of muscle cars from the 1960s can usually be seen as well. All cars in the collection, whether original or restored, are fully functional. Other exhibits include antique slot machines, gas pumps and a jukebox.
Phone: +1 801 322 5509;
website: www.classiccarmuseumsales.com
Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Mine
The world’s largest open-pit copper mine is two miles wide and one mile deep. A sight to behold, it is almost as fascinating as the gigantic trucks that move the ore. The visitors’ centre, 2,000 feet above the floor of the open-pit mine, provides a stunning view and you might even get to see an explosion as rock is blasted away to expose more copper ore. As well as the observation area, the visitors’ centre features interactive exhibits, including 3-D microscopes for studying minerals and offers a 14 minute video presentation that tells the mine’s history and geology as well as illustrating its operations. Takings from admission fees are donated to local charities. Phone: +1 801 252 3234
Temple Square
The world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcasts its programme ‘Music and The Spoken Word’ from the historic tabernacle. Tours of the tabernacle and grounds are led by friendly guides, who drop a pin at the pulpit to demonstrate the remarkable acoustics. The architecture of both buildings has been nationally recognised, as has the tabernacle organ, which features over 11,000 pipes and is also the world’s 12th largest. Concerts of many kinds are regularly held in the tabernacle and adjoining assembly hall. Phone: +1 801 240 3323
Red Butte Gardens
These botanical gardens, operated by the University of Utah, offer visitors panoramic valley views and an extensive collection of plants, trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world. The gardens and arboretum stay open all year with changing displays according to the season. The visitors’ centre offers regular educational programmes, miles of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts and light shows, chamber concerts and guided treks have visitors guests entertained throughout the year.
Phone; +1 801 581 4747;
website: http://www.redbuttegarden.org
Go For a Salty Swim in the Great Salt Lake State Park
This is where noon swimmers will stay afloat as well as professional swimmers. No swimming ability is required because of the high salt content of the water keeping everyone afloat. Bathers should however be aware that the extremely salty water may irritate throat, eyes and nose.
Be A Farmer At Wheeler Historic Farm
This farm is a living-history dairy farm offering demonstrations of farming and other activities from the late 19th century. It is home to one hundred year old farm buildings, a small petting zoo and a nature preserve. Activities on offer include trying your hand at various farm chores, such as egg gathering and cow milking, farm house tours and tractor-driven wagon rides.
Imitate An Olympic athlete
Take advantage of the facilities at an Olympic stadium. Salt Lake City was host to the 2002 Olympic Winter games and residents and visitors alike can now enjoy the Olympic facilities, including Utah Olympic Park, Soldier Hollow and Utah Olympic Oval, which offer a range of activities for people of all ages, abilities and aspirations.
Watch a Major League Game
Basketball fans can watch the NBA’s Utah Jazz in action at the Energy Solutions Arena. Real Salt Lake plays major league soccer. Utah’s newest professional sports team is the Utah Blaze, playing in the Arena Football League. Ice hockey fans can watch the ECHL Utah Grizzlies at the ‘E’ Center.
Go Bird-Watching at Tracy Aviary
This is the oldest aviary in the US and home to a collection of more than 130 different species of birds. Spend an enjoyable afternoon admiring the aviary’s feathered friends and learning more about them through informative exhibits and educational programmes.
