Temple Square

Address:Salt Lake City, Utah

If you've ever wondered what life was life in the 1800's for the Mormon pioneers, then you may want to join the millions of visitors who, every year, visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah's most popular tourist attraction. Tourists come to see the many attractions related to Mormon history, and afterwards make a visit to nearby downtown Salt Lake City.

Temple Square was established in 1847, when Mormon pioneers proclaimed the place as a religious temple. Soon it became the headquarters of the Latter Day Saints Church. Today, it is a central location for tourists and the local religious community, attracting three to five million visitors every year. The three large assembly buildings on site also host many conferences and gatherings throughout the year.

The main attraction in Temple Square is the temple, a 10-acre sanctuary built in 1853, surrounded by beautiful landscape, two visitors' centers, flower gardens, and statuary. Free tours of the temple area are available in 40 languages, although not inside the temple, itself. You can visit the Tabernacle, home to the world- famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and a large, impressive electric organ with 11,623 pipes. The temple also contains the Assembly Hall, a Gothic-style building with stained-glass windows built by Latter-day Saint pioneers in 1877, where you can hear a concert every Friday and Saturday evening.

During the summer months, the Temple Square Concert Series presents Concerts in the Park, and during the Christmas season, concerts are held Tuesday through Saturday. Also a popular attraction in Temple Square is the Seagull Monument, which stands as a memorial to the flocks of seagulls that saved the crops of the early Saints in the Salt Lake Valley during the summer of 1848. At the North Visitors' Center, you can view exhibits on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as well as a scale model of Jerusalem from biblical times.

Located directly across the street from the west entrance of Temple Square, is the Museum of Church History and Art, where you can see an 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon, witness how the pioneers lived in the 1800s, and view international art. At the Beehive House, you can take a free 30 minute tour of everyday life in the 1800s. If you enjoy learning about pioneer life, don't miss the Deuel Pioneer Log Home, a typical pioneer home built in 1847.

An additional attraction at Temple Square is the Joseph Smith Building, formerly Hotel Utah, which features a movie of the building's restoration. At the Church Office, you can admire the view of the Wasatch mountain range to the east, the Oquirrh range to the west, and the State Capitol Building to the north. Last, but not least is the Family Historical Library where you can browse through genealogical resources and maybe discover your ancestors.

Two of the most affordable priced lodgings near Temple Square are Salt Lake City at Temple Square Travelodge or My Little Cottage. If you prefer to stay downtown, try the Marriot Salt Lake City Downtown, the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, or the Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, among other great hotels.

For an authentic pioneer dining experience for lunch or dinner, visit the Lion House Pantry, which offers home-style meals and baked goods, and also serves as a social center. Other dining options include the restaurants inside the Joseph Smith Memorial Building; The Garden, which offers natural choices, The Roof, which offers elegant fine dining, and Nauvoo, which serves fast food.

Temple Square is located on West North Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. Parking is limited and expensive, but public transportation will take you straight to Temple Square from downtown Salt Lake City. You can take any modern transportation to get there, but once you arrive, you may find yourself reliving the days as a pioneer from the 1800s!