An opulent granite monument, designed in a Gothic style, the Salt Lake Temple is commonly known as the Mormon Church. As testimony of the faith and devotion of the people, this structure took over 40 years to build from 1853. Like other Latter-day Saints temples, this one too is not open for public tours and only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are permitted to enter. However, the temple grounds can be visited, making it a popular tourist attraction for those looking to experience the magnificence first-hand.
Occupying an impressive limestone structure built in 1905; this interactive museum offers the young and young-at-heart an entertaining look at the universe. An ideal reward for kids who behaved well while touring nearby Temple Square, the museum encourages participation with simulated space flights, star shows and dancing laser lights. Its Hansen Dome Theater boasts of over 200 seats and is the first of its kind to give viewers the pleasure of exploring the universe in three dimension without the use of glasses. The theater has spectacular projectors and its state-of-the-art acoustics are second to none. In addition, the Clark Planetarium is home to an ATK IMAX Theater which showcases Hollywood blockbusters along with informative films. The films generated by the Clark Planetarium have reached corners of the globe, and some of their applauded shows are Perfect Little Planet, Gateway to the Stars, Extreme Planets and the Ultimate Universe. Astronomy courses are available for all ages in the summer and special programs are scheduled throughout the year.
Brigham Young, president of the Mormon Church and governor of the Utah territory, lived in this genteel home with his dozen children from 1854 until his death. Today, the house is restored with period furnishings and open to the public for tours. Named after the beehive, the state symbol signifying thrift and industry, the house stands in vivid contrast to the 300-square-foot cabin once occupied by the "prosperous" 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.
A teeming nature preserve in Salt Lake County, this serene park rests along the southern shore of the Great Salt Lake. Sheltering a sprawling marina, the Great Salt Lake State Park began operations in 1978, and has been popular with bathers since the Mormon Pioneers first arrived in the middle of the 19th century. A small visitors' center offers a museum, local information and a video about the lake, while the private SaltAir development provides a few shops, food outlets, and space for events. A breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, the park is sheathed in extensive wetlands, and has been a popular site with birders.
Located inside the Utah Olympic Park, entry to this museum is free for all. Dedicated to the man who was named Utah's Athlete of the 20th Century, Alf Engen was a skiing legend who shaped the ski culture and won many races over the years. The museum has many interactive features including a chance to take simulated ski run from the 2002 Winter Olympics. The video and sound will make you feel like a champion and will definitely take you through an enthralling experience.
Whether you are just visiting the area or live here full time, the public library is the place to be. Many educational activities for both children and adults are available. Spend the day reading, studying or researching on the Internet. If the main branch does not have what you are looking for, try another area branch. Inter-library loans make it convenient to obtain and return materials from any location.
This is an elegant gallery which exhibits of beautiful pieces of different forms of artwork. Artwork by local artists is showcased here and includes beautiful fine art pieces as well as abstract contemporary pieces. In front of the gallery, a sculpture garden displays a beautiful exhibit of statues. From ceramic work to photography, the installations are varied and change every few weeks, so that you find something new every time you visit.
Holdman Studios and Glass Art Institute is an unique gallery creating masterpieces from glass. The place is known for their stained glass creations which have adorned churches, private collections as well as artistic assignments since 1988. Managed by a talented team of artists, their works on glass are sure to mesmerize your vision. Apart from stained glass, the place is known for their creations of blown glass that make for perfect gifts as well as conversation pieces for your home.
Because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints encourages its members to trace their genealogical histories, many visitors to Salt Lake City spend considerable time in this interactive computer center and its more detail-oriented counterpart, Family History Library. Searchers plug in names, birthplaces and marriage dates, and the FamilySearch computers spit out mind-boggling arrays of genealogical records. Admission to the center is free, as is use of the 180 user-friendly FamilySearch computers. Serious searchers should call ahead for recommendations regarding pre-visit research.
Located inside the Utah Olympic Park, entry to this museum is free for all. Dedicated to the man who was named Utah's Athlete of the 20th Century, Alf Engen was a skiing legend who shaped the ski culture and won many races over the years. The museum has many interactive features including a chance to take simulated ski run from the 2002 Winter Olympics. The video and sound will make you feel like a champion and will definitely take you through an enthralling experience.
Located right in the heart of the bustling city of Park City is Gallery MAR which displays abstract and unusual artworks. Modern and contemporary art dominate the spaces and walls. Non-commercial artists are especially encouraged by the gallery which is visited by amateur as well as seasoned collectors.