6 Places to See in Temple Square in Salt Lake City
In 1847 Brigham Young and Mormon pioneers founded Salt Lake City to practice their religion freely. Today, explore Temple Square and uncover your own family’s history.
1. Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Reason to Go: See this world-renowned, all-volunteer singing group for free during its rehearsals Thursday evenings or on Sundays for its weekly radio show when the choir is not touring.
Quirky Fact: President Ronald Reagan dubbed this choir “America’s choir” after it sang at his inauguration parade. The choir has sung at seven presidential inaugurations.
2. Beehive House
Reason to Go: See the home of Brigham Young, second president of the church and first governor of the Utah Territory. It has been restored to look like how Young would have known it.
Quirky Fact: Look for the beehive symbol on top of the building. It’s the state’s symbol, embodying the work ethic and team efforts required of the Mormon pioneers who settled in Utah.
3. FamilySearch Center
Reason to Go: Whether you are Mormon or not, you’ll find your family’s history here. It’s free.
Quirky Fact: Don’t miss the FamilySearch Discovery Center, which opened in 2017. You’ll get an iPad that docks into stations, making your family history interactive.
4. Garden Tour
Reason to Go: This half-hour tour showcases more than 700 different plants from around the world, including 165,000 bedding plants.
Quirky Fact: A four-acre rooftop garden awaits you on top of the Conference Center on your tour April through October.
5. South Visitor Center
Reason to Go: See replicas of pioneer tools and furniture as you learn the stories behind the 40-year construction of the temple.
Quirky Fact: Non-Mormons are not allowed inside the temple, so peer into the model of the temple here.
6. Joseph Smith Memorial Building
Reason to Go: Head to the Roof Restaurant for elegant dining and outstanding sunset views that light up the Great Salt Lake. Or peek your head in to see the incredibly ornate lobby.
Quirky Fact: Opened in 1911, this elegant building served as Hotel Utah for 76 years, hosting President John F. Kennedy, among others.
For more information:
(801) 531-1000
50 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
www.templesquare.com