Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah state. It’s the only state capital with three words in its name. As the name suggests, Salt Lake City is named after the adjacent Great Salt Lake. In fact, it was originally called Great Salt Lake City. Additionally, Salt Lake City is home to the world’s first KFC. In 2002 the Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City. Over half of Salt Lake City residents are Mormons and it’s home of the Salt Lake Utah Temple. The city and surroundings are fascinating for any visitor so let’s explore the Salt Lake City landmarks. Firstly, we’ll look at how to book your trip and hotels independently through KAYAK, then we’ll go through my Salt Lake City landmarks to give you some travel inspiration.
Why Use KAYAK to Plan Your Salt Lake City Trip?
Salt Lake City is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. For this reason, new hotels are popping up all the time! With thousands of hotel rooms to choose from, I recommend you use KAYAK to filter out your preferred hotel at the best price available. KAYAK will compare the price of a the same hotel room with the hotel directly as well as with travel websites. In addition, the hotel room search will be conveniently listed for you with easy to use filters available for you to refine your search. Within a few clicks you’ll be able to confirm a hotel room and start planning the Salt Lake City landmarks you wish to visit. This same comparison method works when you book hire cars as well as flights too.
Utah Olympic Park – My Top Salt Lake City Landmark
My favourite Salt Lake City landmark is the Utah Olympic Park. Here you can see where the action of the famous 2002 Winter Olympics took place. You can take guided tours of the park and there are lots of adventure activities you can take part in. The most exciting activity available is to ride the bobsled down the original 2002 Olympic track!
Utah State Capital
The Utah State Capitol building will grab your attention. This Neoclassical Revival style building is over 100 years old. If you wish to explore the grand interior, guided tours are available on most weekdays. Additionally, architecture photographers must visit around golden hour.
Salt Lake Utah Temple, Tabernacle and Temple Square
Temple Square is 10 acre space with Salt Lake Utah Temple as its centerpiece. Tourists like myself can admire the beauty of the Salt Lake Utah Temple from outside. If you wish to pray then you’re welcome inside. An interesting fact about the temple is that it’s the largest latter-day Saint temple in the world. Pay attention to the details as the temple has several exterior symbols. In front of the temple is the Salt Lake Tabernacle which is home to a very impressive organ. You can organise a tour of the Tabernacle.
Eccles Theater
Salt Lake City is home to a very unique theater. As a matter of fact, the architects have created the Eccles Theater with inspiration from the Utah landscape. Check the events schedule to see what’s on when you’re in town.
Salt Lake City Public Library
Salt Lake City Public Library interior is one of the most architecturally impressive locations in Salt Lake City. For this reason, it’s also a top Instagram spot in the city. When you enter the library, the stunning Urban Room will take your breath away.
Wells Fargo Center
At 422 feet, the Wells Fargo Center is the tallest building in Salt Lake City. This is closely followed by the LDS Church Office Building which has an observation deck on the 26th floor. Another notable skyscraper is 111 Main which joins the Eccles Theater.
City Creek Park
City Creek Park is the central park of Salt Lake City. Additionally, it also leads past the Utah Capitol Building and up to the City Creek Canyon trail which you can follow for spectacular city views.
World’s First KFC
Who else thought the first KFC was in Kentucky? You’ll be surprised to learn the first KFC was in fact in Salt Lake City, Utah! That’s a long way from Kentucky. Colonel Sanders originally opened the Harland Sanders Cafe in Corben, Kentucky. Later , Colonel Sanders franchised the restaurant to Salt Lake City where the name changed to Kentucky Fried Chicken. As a result, Utah is the home of the world’s first KFC. Moreover, inside you can see KFC memorabilia here including an original Colonial Sanders suit.
This Is The Place Monument
This is the Place Monument is named in honor of Brigham Young’s famous statement. It was in 1847 that the Latter-day Saint pioneers should settle in the Salt Lake Valley. Finally, the monument is part of Place Heritage Park.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
Gilgal Sculpture Park is a top Instagram spot in Salt Lake City. Not only is it home to some detailed sculptures but these are all located in well kept gardens.
Beehive House
Pay close attention to this building as it’s named after a sculpture on top of it. Yes, there’s a beehive sculpture displayed on top of the house! In addition, Beehive House was the residence of Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Cathedral of Madeleine
Which is the only cathedral in the US under the patronage of St. Mary Madeleine? Salt Lake City’s Cathedral of Madeleine. If mass is not ongoing, tourists are welcome to respectfully explore the interior. Pay attention to the stunning rose window.
Salt Lake Palace Convention Center
The Salt Lake Palace is one of the most inspiring Salt Lake City landmarks. In fact, it was designed as a hub for inspiration. More commonly referred to as the Salt Palace, major conventions and events are held here. Lastly, photographers who love architecture will be rewarded for setting up here during golden hour.
Antelope Island
As I mentioned earlier, Salt Lake City is named after the surrounding Great Salt Lake. There are many places to view the salt flats from including the Interstate! However, I recommend wildlife lovers view the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island State Park to the north of the city. The island is home to bison, bighorn sheep as well as over 250 species of birds.
Vivent Arena
Vivent Arena is the home of the Utah Jazz basketball team. Check the schedule to see if there’s a game on when you’re in town. Alternatively, take an arena tour. In additional to the sport spectaculars, Vivent Arena also hosts music concerts and other special events.
Enjoy Your Visit to the Salt Lake City Landmarks
Visit the Salt Lake City landmarks you wish to visit and at your leisure with the freedom of your own hire car. Or even on foot from the comfort of a good value downtown hotel! The wonders of a KAYAK search could enable you to stay in a better hotel than you ever dreamed of. I hope I inspired you with some of my things to do in Salt Lake City above. However, it’s when you explore the city yourself you’ll discover more than you imagined in this wonderful city. Enjoy!
Visiting Utah? Learn how to plan a Utah road trip with KAYAK. More US cities to read about include Phoenix, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Orlando, Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago.
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