Visit Salt Lake City – Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is famous for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Mormons, fry sauce and green Jell-O. Yet there is more to this little gem resting along the I-80 corridor than meets the eye. With a fascinating pioneer history and an active outdoor culture, Salt Lake City is home to a diverse set of activities that will please any traveler searching for fun, adventure and experiences. Here are a few suggested activities to enjoy while visiting Salt Lake City.

1 – Temple Square

This historical landmark is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon culture is steeped in pioneer lore; of their ancestors crossing the plains to reach Utah’s desert and salty lake to settle here and practice their religion without fear of mobs or persecution. They built the gothic spired Temple in downtown Salt Lake City and the area is well worth a tour. You cannot tour the temple itself without having a temple recommend; however, you can tour the nearby visitor’s centers, Church museum, the famous Tabernacle with her inspiring organ, the nearby church conference center which seats over 21,000 people and the small chapel that sits on the Southwest corner of Temple Square. Take a moment to look up your family history in the Genealogical library just to the Northeast of Temple Square and dine in The Joseph Smith Memorial Center at either The Roof or The Garden Restaurant.

2 – Liberty Park

Considered one of the largest parks in Salt Lake City, Liberty Park hosts a number of activities. Inside the park you’ll find Tracy Aviary, filled with owls, flamingos and exotic parrots. There is a small area with a Ferris wheel and small rides for the children nearby. Utah’s free folk art museum is inside the park and is worth walking through. The park is fantastic for children with handicaps, since a handicap-friendly playground is specially designed for those using wheelchairs or with other disabilities. There is a swimming pool along with tennis courts, horseshoe pits, picnic areas and a large pond with paddle boats.

3 – Lagoon

Salt Lake’s most exciting amusement park is just north of Salt Lake City. Find thrilling roller coasters, midway games, a water park and pioneer park with historical pioneer buildings inside the gates. Lagoon is home to one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still in use today and the park brings in a new, thrilling ride each season.

4 – Hogle Zoo

Wild things abound throughout Hogle Zoo. Dedicated to conservation and education, Hogle Zoo has updated their exhibits over the past ten years to create a beautiful, interactive zoo experience. Ride the small train or attend the bird show after visiting Elephant Encounters.

5 – This is the Place Monument

Just across from Hogle Zoo, are a pioneer village and a famous monument of Brigham Young as he entered the Salt Lake Valley and announced to the pioneers, “This Is the Place.” As you tour the village, be prepared to see pioneers in full pioneer garb going about their business just as they would’ve in the 1800’s, using the same tools and supplies available back then. As you visit each home, there are small crafts to assemble or watch using traditional pioneer methods. Print a sheet of newspaper using an old printing press, ride a small train, visit the first hospital in Utah, pet the animals at the petting zoo and grab lunch or ice cream at the Huntsman Hotel.

6 – Professional Utah Sports

Utah is home to the Utah Jazz, the Grizzlies, Real Salt Lake and the Bees. Grab tickets to your favorite sport and head to one of their arenas to enjoy a game. Even the non-professional sports are worth watching. Among the locals, the rivalry between Utah and BYU is a hotly debated contest.

7 – The Great Salt Lake

Salt Lake City’s famous landmark is the dregs of a giant prehistoric lake that used to cover the Salt Lake Valley called Lake Bonneville. The Great Salt Lake is an alluvial lake, which means there is no outlet. All seven of Salt Lake City’s major rivers flow into the Great Salt Lake, leaving behind their mineral deposits as the water evaporates. No fish survive the lake, but a thriving brine shrimp industry has built up around the lake. When you visit, be prepared for a bit of a stench. Drive out to Antelope Island and walk along the beaches or visit the farm on the South side of the island. You can rent out sail boats, but watch the weather as storms frequently hit the lake.

8 – Utah Ski Resorts

In the canyons surrounding Salt Lake City, ski resorts dot the area providing hours of fun for ski bunnies and snowboarders. Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, Alta, Park City, Deer Valley and more are waiting to lift you up the mountain to carve some powder. Each resort has a warm lodge with a restaurant after a cold day outside.

9 – Thanksgiving Point

South of Salt Lake City, in Lehi is a wonderful destination for families. Thanksgiving Point has a living farm, a large dinosaur museum, a movie theater, a glass-blowing art studio and small restaurants. Watch for seasonal events such as haunted corn mazes or the princess ball.

10 – Capitol Hill

Interested in Utah’s legislative process? Well, journey up Capitol Hill to visit the marble building where it all happens. Take a tour of the Governor’s Hall, the Gold Room, the Senate chambers and more. Children are given a treasure hunt map to find specific features of this beautiful domed building.

These are just a few of the exciting finds in Salt Lake City. You’re invited to take a look around and discover the family friendly environment, the fresh mountain air and explore the diverse area for even more fascinating attractions.