Beyond the Lakes! The Fascinating Tourist Spots of Salt Lake City, USA

What comes to mind when you think of Salt Lake City? Perhaps the "Great Salt Lake" or the "Winter Olympics"? The Great Salt Lake is a must-see destination. However, there are plenty of other fascinating spots to visit! Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah, a state in the western United States where 70% of the population are Mormons. The city itself has several facilities related to the Mormon faith, offering plenty to see. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, visitors can enjoy camping in the summer and skiing in the winter, making it a year-round destination. Let’s dive into seven of the most popular tourist attractions in Salt Lake City.

1. Great Salt Lake

A visit to Salt Lake City isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Great Salt Lake. Renowned for its higher salt concentration compared to the ocean, this unique lake is fed by three converging rivers. In ancient times, this entire area was covered by the sea, and what remains today is a remnant of seawater that didn’t completely evaporate.

Walking on the lake feels as if you’re strolling across a blanket of snow, thanks to its striking white surface. The Great Salt Lake has been a popular filming location, with notable movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Independence Day shot here.

The lake’s high salinity makes it uninhabitable for most species, except for Artemia, a small arthropod often referred to as a “living fossil.”

Sunset paints the salt-covered landscape in soft pink hues, offering a surreal and breathtaking scene—making it an ideal time to visit for an unforgettable experience.

2. Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol, considered one of the most beautiful in the United States, is a landmark you shouldn’t miss. Standing at 87.2 meters tall and 123.1 meters wide, this grand building commands attention. Its exterior is crafted from locally sourced stone near Salt Lake City, with its dome made of Utah copper. It’s a visual marvel and a designated National Historic Landmark.

The interior is equally stunning, featuring a grand central staircase beneath a vast atrium that evokes the grandeur of European palaces. Visitors can admire sculptures and large-scale paintings that chronicle Utah’s history, providing an enriching and captivating experience.

The surrounding grounds host monuments, including the Vietnam War Memorial and the Mormon Pioneer Memorial. Perched atop a hill, the capitol offers sweeping views of Salt Lake City’s skyline. With free admission (as of February 4, 2019) and guided tours available, this impressive site is not to be missed.

This highly popular destination often attracts repeat visitors, and its romantic nighttime illumination adds to its charm.

3. Temple Square

Salt Lake City, known as a city established by Mormons, still has a significant Mormon population, accounting for 70% of Utah's residents. Temple Square serves as the global headquarters of the Mormon Church. Most areas, with a few exceptions, are open for visitors regardless of faith.

The Great Tabernacle is home to one of the largest pipe organs in the world, and regular concerts featuring the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir are a must-see. The temple’s stunning exterior, adorned with six spire-like minarets, exudes grandeur, particularly when illuminated at night. The grounds are meticulously landscaped, showcasing vibrant flower gardens that enhance its charm.

A visitor center is available where multilingual guides provide insightful tours. Temple Square is a landmark of Salt Lake City and a wonderful addition to your itinerary.

4. Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island, the largest island within the Great Salt Lake, is a wildlife haven, home to species like antelope, bison, and bighorn sheep. Bird watchers will also enjoy the diverse avian population that flocks to this natural retreat, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Begin your visit at the hilltop visitor center, where you can gather information and take in sweeping views of the lake. From there, explore the island by searching for wildlife, hiking trails, horseback riding, or mountain biking.

For those with more time, camping overnight on the island is highly recommended. The night skies here are spectacular, offering a peaceful escape under the stars. Accessible by car via a road that stretches across the lake, the journey itself is a unique experience. The Great Salt Lake’s high salinity allows only certain plants to thrive, creating a surreal landscape to enjoy along the way.

5. Bingham Canyon Copper Mine

Located approximately 10 km southwest of Salt Lake City, this copper mine is known as "the richest hole on Earth." In addition to copper, it is also a mining site for gold, silver, and molybdenum and has greatly contributed to the development of Salt Lake City, which was once a wilderness.

Originally a mountain, continuous excavation has resulted in a massive hole now 4 km wide and 1 km deep—a truly astonishing transformation. It is said that this man-made hole, the largest excavated on Earth, is visible from space. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

A visitor center is available, showcasing exhibits on mining methods. Tours are also offered, but they may be canceled due to poor weather conditions, so it's recommended to confirm in advance. The driveway to the site is narrow, requiring careful driving, as some visitors have noted. While the breathtakingly dynamic scenery is worth the trip, do take extra caution while driving.

6. Beehive House

Constructed in 1854, the Beehive House was the home of Brigham Young, the founder of the Mormon Church and a key figure in Salt Lake City’s history.

Brigham Young, often called "the American Moses," led persecuted followers from Illinois to safety in Salt Lake City. Beyond his religious influence, he played a significant role in politics before passing away in the city. Today, his residence is a museum and a popular tourist spot where visitors can see how Brigham Young lived.

The name "Beehive" means "hive," a reference to the large family that lived in this house. A free guided tour lasting about 30 minutes (as of February 4, 2019) is offered, allowing visitors to learn about life in a large family during the time, including the practice of polygamy. The Beehive House is conveniently located right next to Temple Square, making it an ideal spot to visit together.

7. Rio Tinto Center at the Natural History Museum of Utah

The Rio Tinto Center, part of the University of Utah campus, opened in 2011. Built at a cost of $140 million, it blends naturally into the Rocky Mountain landscape.

The exhibits are impressive, including countless displays of dinosaurs, minerals, gemstones, rivers, lakes, stargazing, and terrain, offering a clear explanation of Utah's natural features. It’s a museum you won’t get bored of even after spending an entire day there. The top floor, featuring exhibits on Native American culture, is particularly recommended. Although it’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City, it’s a tourist spot worth visiting.

◎ Summary

TRAX light rail operates in Salt Lake City, making it convenient for sightseeing. For those who want to explore nature outside the city, renting a car is recommended. Some may worry that the city’s large Mormon population limits access to coffee or alcohol, but there’s no need for concern. Breweries exist, and many hotels provide coffee.