Selected as the spot for the epic Mormon Temple by Brigham Young himself, the iconic Temple Square is the religious locus of Salt Lake City. A stirring mosaic of history, religion, architecture and sophisticated gastronomy, the historic Temple Square invokes an ethereal picture further riddled with the nuances of the art, theater and culture. Ever since it was first built, Temple Square has been the headquarters of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, containing not only the Salt Lake Temple but the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Family History Library and the Assembly Hall as well. This revered downtown expanse is laced by a tapestry of shops, restaurants, parks, gardens and an array of other historical sites. The elaborate South Visitors' Center illustrates the history of the temple whereas the North Visitors' Center is home to a scaling statue of Christ, called 'The Christus'.
The Natural History Museum of Utah lets you embark on a journey into the natural world offering extensive collections of biological, archaeological and anthropological documentation, archives and articles. It also offers exhibits specific to the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau and is a center for information on a variety of subjects. Located at the University of Utah, the Museum is educational as well as entertaining for adults and children alike with impressive, interactive displays. Their biology collection includes more than 300,000 species of mammals, vertebrates, birds, insects as well as seeds while the geological collection boasts of more than 50,000 minerals, rocks and fossils. These collections are carefully exhibited in the Cooper Hall of Anthropology, Earth science galleries, Norton Hall of Minerals, Life science halls and the Dumke Gallery. In addition, the museum is an address to the fascinating Quinney Dinosaur Discovery Hall. Special statewide outreach programs include curriculum kits for teachers, field trips, guided tours and natural history classes.
The Corinthian theme beautifully amalgamates with the Neoclassical style of architecture to reveal an imposing structure in the form of the Utah State Capitol Building. Completed in 1916, this ornate Seat of the Utah government is crowned with a 165 feet (50 meters) rotunda while its interior is brought to life with artist Lewis Schettle's painting. Massive ionic columns, each carved from a single piece of marble, are thought to be the largest solid marble columns in the United States. Epic paintings around the arches and the rotunda represent Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers.
Operated by the University of Utah, these botanical gardens offer visitors panoramic valley views and an extensive collection of plants, trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world. The gardens and arboretum remain open all year with displays changing to fit the season. The visitors' center offers frequent educational programs, miles of hiking trail beckon outdoor enthusiasts and light shows, chamber concerts and guided treks entertain guests throughout the year.
For a fantastic shopping experience, come to City Creek Center where you can find international brands, great bargains and scrumptious restaurants. This shopping center is perfect for pedestrians with a skybridge and stunning visuals, including a creek that runs across the venue. City Creek Center also has a retractable roof, so you can shop rain or shine.
Once the home of the Hotel Utah, this historical building stands majestically in downtown Salt Lake City. On the top floor are two restaurants, The Garden and The Roof, both overlooking Temple Square. The building and its facilities are owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elsewhere in the building, 13 banquet halls offer space for meetings, banquets and wedding receptions. The church welcomes members and non-members alike to use the facilities.
The largest and most central property of the city's public park system, this 80 acre Liberty Park offers recreational activities for all. Children applaud the Children's Garden and boating pond, playground, amusement park and snack bar. Older visitors enjoy the swimming pool and the tennis park's 16 lighted courts. Recent developments have added a well-conceived interactive map that uses pools and fountains to depict the topography of Utah. Liberty Park is also home to the ever-popular Tracy Aviary, the Chase Mill and the Chase Home Museum of Folk Art.
Have you ever seen a human imprinted bird? Interested? Then this downtown aviary is the place to go. Housing more than 500 birds from 150 species, this is a great place to encounter birds up close and personal. Enjoy an amazing bird show during the warmer months, and gawk at the beautiful peacocks that roam the grounds.
With an excellent staff and educational programs, this zoo remains a favorite with kids. The Hogle Zoo plays home to over 200 species. Outstanding exhibits include Elephant Encounter exhibit, the Primate Forest and The African Savannah. The zoo remains open all year. Children two years and under are admitted free.