Nestled against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City beckons travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As the capital of Utah and the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, colloquially known as the Mormon or LDS Church, Salt Lake City offers visitors a captivating mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and spiritual experiences. At the heart of this dynamic city lies the iconic Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, a renowned musical ensemble that has enchanted audiences for generations. As you explore Salt Lake City, don’t miss a visit to the Tabernacle Choir. To learn more about Mormons, visit Mormonism Explained.
Discovering Salt Lake City’s Charms
Salt Lake City welcomes visitors and offers a wealth of attractions to explore. For outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Lake City is a paradise waiting to be explored. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the nearby Wasatch Mountains, where many trails offer breathtaking views of the city below. In winter, hit the slopes at one of the nearby ski resorts, renowned for their powdery snow and world-class amenities. For a more leisurely experience, take a scenic drive along the Great Salt Lake and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Next stop: Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at Temple Square, a 10-acre complex that serves as the spiritual and cultural center of the LDS Church. Marvel at the majestic Salt Lake Temple, an architectural masterpiece built by Mormon pioneers that took over 40 years to complete. It was finally finished and dedicated as a temple of God in 1893. It is adorned with intricate spires and gleaming white marble. As of 2024, this historic building is undergoing a massive upgrade to make the pioneer structure earthquake-safe.
Also located on Temple Square are various meticulously landscaped gardens surrounding the Temple, Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, Lion House, Relief Society building, and the Joseph Smith Memorial building. You can also learn about the pioneers who settled the region at the Church History Museum or your own ancestors at the Family Search Center. All of these attractions are free and open to the public.
Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Harmony of the Tabernacle Choir
No visit to Salt Lake City is complete without experiencing the uplifting music of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Founded in 1847, the choir has a storied history dating back to the early days of Mormon settlement in Utah. Today, the Choir has over 360 volunteer singers. The first choir members were the original pioneers who trekked to Utah. The first Black members of the choir were Wynetta Martin Clark and Marilyn Yuille. Although Blacks in Mormonism were subject to the priesthood ban at the time, both joined the choir in 1970. Members of the choir have traditionally had to live within a certain distance of Salt Lake City, however, the choir introduced a new program in 2023, called the global participant program. This program allows members of the Mormon Church who are qualified to join the choir during the church’s semi-annual General Conference every April and October.
The choir has earned international acclaim for its impeccable vocal performances and diverse repertoire, which spans classical masterpieces, spiritual hymns, and contemporary arrangements.
Attend a live performance at the iconic Salt Lake Tabernacle, a historic circular auditorium renowned for its remarkable acoustics. You can listen in at one of the choir’s weekly rehearsals, held every Thursday evening, and witness the dedication and passion that infuse every note sung by its members. You can also attend one of their weekly Sunday performances at 9:30 am. Whether you’re a devout believer or a curious traveler, the Tabernacle Choir’s performances are sure to leave a lasting impression. When planning your trip to Salt Lake City and the Tabernacle Choir, be sure to check the choir’s performance schedule and reserve tickets in advance, as concerts often fill up quickly.
For those unable to attend a live performance in person, the Tabernacle Choir offers a wealth of digital content, including recordings of past concerts and behind-the-scenes interviews with choir members. Tune in to the choir’s weekly broadcast, “Music & the Spoken Word,” which airs on radio and television stations worldwide, and let the soothing melodies uplift your spirits wherever you may be.
Other Attractions
Additionally, take advantage of the city’s vibrant dining scene, which offers diverse culinary delights to suit every palate. From farm-to-table eateries serving locally sourced cuisine to international restaurants showcasing flavors from around the globe, Salt Lake City has something for everyone to enjoy.
Located near the University of Utah campus, the Natural Museum of Utah offers engaging exhibits on the region’s natural history, including dinosaurs, Native American cultures, and the geology of the Great Basin. Utah is renowned for its rich paleontological heritage, particularly its abundance of dinosaur fossils and tracks, some of which can be found in the museum.
If you are willing and able to travel further than the environs of Salt Lake City itself, the state’s varied geology and ancient landscapes have preserved a treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts, making it a prime destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and researchers alike. Dinosaur National Monument is located in Vernal, Utah, near the border of Utah and Colorado. Visitors can view hundreds of dinosaur fossils embedded in the quarry walls, including the remains of Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. The park also features scenic hiking trails, river rafting opportunities, and petroglyphs from ancient Native American cultures.
The Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is also located near the University of Utah’s campus in Salt Lake City. Explore over 100 acres of botanical gardens and hiking trails at Red Butte. The gardens offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a diverse collection of plants from around the world, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
This is the Place Heritage Park, a living history museum in Salt Lake City that focuses on offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s pioneer past. The park occupies over 450 acres of picturesque terrain and features historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences that celebrate Utah’s rich heritage. The park’s name, “This Is The Place,” commemorates the spot where Brigham Young, leader of the Mormon Church, famously declared, “This is the right place,” upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Mormonism, explained celebrates this pioneer heritage.
Visitors to This Is The Place Heritage Park can explore a variety of attractions and activities that showcase different aspects of pioneer life. They can tour historic buildings and a replica of a Native American Village. Artisans and reenactors demonstrate traditional pioneer crafts and trades, such as blacksmithing, candle making, spinning, and woodworking. They can also take a train ride or pony ride and visit the petting zoo.
The Great Salt Lake, for which the city is named, is just a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City. It is a natural wonder worth exploring. Visitors can hike, swim, or float in the lake’s buoyant waters or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from Antelope Island State Park.
In conclusion, a journey to Salt Lake City, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, or any of Salt Lake City’s many attractions promises to be a memorable and fun-filled experience. Whether you’re drawn by the city’s natural beauty, its rich history, or the transcendent music of the Tabernacle Choir, you’re sure to be captivated by the wonders that await you in this enchanting corner of the American West.
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