Things to do / Travel Guide
It is widely believed that northern Utah is almost entirely defined by Mormonism, its practices, and practioners. In fact, the layout of Salt Lake City reflects Mormon values and influence, as the early Mormon leader and first governor of Utah, Brigham Young, planned the city's wide streets in a grid pattern with the Mormon Temple at the center. Today many local and state politicians consult with officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for advice about legislation and governmental matters. While nightlife in northern Utah is also lively and even rowdy, the Mormon church's policy prohibiting alcohol has led to the establishment of “dry” bars both in Salt Lake City and near the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo.
Because members of the Mormon Church believe that preserving their family histories is a religious mandate (souls of deceased relatives can be redeemed posthumously by Mormon descendents), the Church has compiled the largest collection of genealogical records in the world, located at the Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City. People from all over the world come to the city to investigate their roots.
And while Mormons and the Mormon Church have undeniably marked northern Utah's culture, history, politics, and demographics, over the past century Salt Lake City has also, in many ways, become remarkably diverse. Whereas Mormons were once the clear demographic majority in Salt Lake City, they now represent only about 50% of the city's religious affiliation. Polygamy was banned by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the official title of the Mormon church) in the late-19th century.
Salt Lake City boasts several forward-thinking, cutting-edge, non-governmental think tanks that push the nation's conventional boundaries on any number of issues. The 2002 Winter Olympics further strengthened Salt Lake City's ever-growing international, cosmopolitan and cultural consciousness, bringing athletes, tourists, and diplomats from around the world to the region. To accommodate the needs, interests, and tastes of these newcomers, Salt Lake City broadened the range of services offered in just about every area, from transportation to dining and cultural activities.
Moreover, Salt Lake City's economy is as modern as they come. Considered the industrial banking center of the U.S. (most industrial banks have headquarters in Salt Lake City), the city also relies on service-oriented inudstries including government, trade, utitilities, and transportation. Delta Air Lines is one of the region's major employers as is the University of Utah, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church). High-tech corporations including eBay, Micron, 3M, Unisys, and Siebel all have a large presence in the area. Ski resorts and tourism add yet another prosperous component to northern Utah's growing economy. And true to its nickname “The Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is among the busier airports in the nation, with over 20 million passengers passing through its gates annually.
Whereas many aspects of northern Utah have become compolitan and cutting-edge, the region does, however, remain ethnically homogenous. The over-1.5 million population of the Salt Lake City-Ogden metropolitan area (including Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake Counties) is overwhelmingly Caucasian (about 80%). The remaining population is approximately 18% Hispanic, about 2% Asian, and belonging to other racial and ethnic groups.
The Provo-Orem area provides an interesting contrast to Salt Lake City's modern, cosmopolitan, up-and-coming metropolis. Almost 90% of Provo-Orem's 100,000+ residents are Mormon. Provo's strong Mormon demographics are due, in part, to the presence of Brigham Young University, owned and run by the Mormon Church. The second-largest private university in the U.S., Brigham Young University enrolls nearly 34,000 Mormon-affiliated students and is one of the region's largest employers. Orem is also known for being the birthplace and hub of the well-known software company Novell, Inc.
Northern Utah is a culturally and politically complex region. Tourists to the Salt Lake City metropolitan area will encounter a mixture of big-city cosmopolitan flair intertwined with traditional, Mormon heritage and religion.
A lively and diverse group of people, northern Utahns have an equally varied list of interests. They relish their region's fine education, cultural and sporting events, and take full advantage of opportunities for outdoor recreation. While Mormons and the Mormon Church certainly contribute to the region's distinct local flavor, a healthy assortment of non-religious activities and interests round out the regional scene.
For starters, northern Utahns are avid supporters of the cultural venues and arts in their region. Art galleries featuring both contemporary and traditional arts in many different media abound both in downtown Salt Lake City as well as elsewhere throughout the region. Sundance Resort, started by Robert Redford, features a wide variety of arts programs and artists-in-residence and hosts the yearly Sundance Film Festival, one of the best and most well-known film festivals in the world. The bell-like sound quality of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has gained it world-class status, and the symphony, ballet, and theater companies in Salt Lake City and northern Utah are enthusiastically supported locally and recognized nationally for their excellence.
But the regional enthusiasm doesn't just stop with the song-and-dance (and arts) routine; northern Utahns also love their sports teams. Learn these four buzz words before you head to the region: Jazz, Starzz, Buzz, Grizz (referring to the region's NBA and WNBA basketball teams as well as its minor league hockey and baseball teams).
Salt Lake City is home to the University of Utah, Salt Lake City University, and Westminster College, among others. Founded and operated by the Mormon church, Brigham Young University, the second-largest private university in the U.S. with over 34,000 students, is also recognized as a fine institution of higher learning.
Given the overwhelming natural beauty and pristine wildlife in the region there are, of course, northern Utahns of a gun-totin', huntin' and fishin' mindset. Deer, duck, and pheasant hunting are popular among northern Utah residents and fishing is nothing short of a passion. But northern Utahns are also ardent animal lovers. Sheep and ranching farms are still ubiquitous, and the lifestyle sections of Salt Lake City's Deseret News abound with information about animal rights, loving and caring for pets, and handling horses with heart.
While many locals have a passion for outdoor recreation, they're usually not a rowdy and rugged bunch. This is where the Mormon Church comes in. The Mormon Church's history and tradition of industriousness, strict behavioral codes (like not drinking coffee or alcohol or eating chocolate), mutual help and respect, concern for social welfare, and education continues to set the tone in the region. Northern Utahns, Mormons and non-Mormons alike, are particularly known for being a refined and reserved, friendly, neighborly bunch, and Salt Lake City has one of the lowest urban crime rates in the country. Family values and family-centered lives characterize the northern Utahn homes. Liquor laws in Utah are strict. Brigham Young University, for example, is considered a “stone-cold sober” campus and many of the local Provo pubs, bars, and nightclubs are alcohol free.
Religiosity and church-going is certainly the center of many northern Utahns lives. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) maintains a significant, real, and notable presence in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Brigham City, Provo, and many other northern Utah communities, both small and large. Missionaries and Mormon followers from all over the world pour into Salt Lake City and northern Utah for religious education, instruction, and enrichment. Provo is home to the world's largest Mormon training center and up to 8,000 missionaries are trained there at any given time. Likewise, Mormon believers visit northern Utah on a regular basis, making pilgrimages to the Mormon historic and religious sites. Don't be surprised if you hear any number of languages spoken on the streets of northern Utah communities. This being said, half of Salt Lake City does not affiliate with the Mormon Church and maintains a secular lifestyle.