Beyond General Conference: Salt Lake City

Twice a year tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints gather on Temple Square to enjoy general conference, including many from out of state. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local who has neglected to take advantage of all Salt Lake City has to offer, check out this guide to the best sites.

Twice a year tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints gather on Temple Square to enjoy general conference, including many from out of state. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local who has neglected to take advantage of all Salt Lake City has to offer, this guide to the best sites, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations will help make the most of your time in Utah’s capital city.

What to Do

In addition to the beautiful, historic buildings and inspiring events on Temple Square, there are many interesting places to see and things to do downtown. Here are some gems you won’t want to miss.

Historic Sites

Cathedral of the Madeleine: A short walk from Temple Square, on 331 E. South Temple, you’ll find the majestic century-old Cathedral of the Madeleine. This structure features a stunning Romanesque exterior (complete with eight 1,200-pound gargoyles) and an interior that boasts beautiful stained-glass windows, frescoes, and mosaics.

Salt Lake Cemetery: Just up 200 “N” Street from South Temple, you’ll find Salt Lake City Cemetery, where Apostles, Prophets, and early Church leaders are buried, including W.W. Phelps, Porter Rockwell, Howard W. Hunter, and Gordon B. Hinckley. Take some time to find the headstones of some of the many noteworthy figures and pay your respects. Open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.

Utah State Capitol Building: Explore the architecture, artwork, and history of the capitol building by taking a free guided tour (offered on the hour Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), or a self-guided tour (the building is also open on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Don’t forget to check out the Vietnam War memorial and the Mormon Battalion monument outside. 350 N. State Street; (801) 538-1800.

FEATURED SPONSOR

This Is The Place Heritage Park:

Go back to the nineteenth century with a visit to Old Deseret Village, located in This Is The Place State Park at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. As you tour this re-created pioneer village, you can watch blacksmiths, fiddlers, townspeople, and schoolteachers hard at work. Don’t forget to stop by the farmhouse to visit the animals. Admission: $6 for adults; $4 for children 3–11 and seniors age 55 and over. 2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue; (801) 582-1847.

Beehive House: Take a free 30-minute tour of Brigham Young’s beautifully restored home (now a national historic landmark). Built in 1854, Brigham Young lived here when he was President of the Church and governor of the Utah Territory. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 67 E. South Temple; (801) 240-2681.

Museums

Museum of Church History and Art: This museum beautifully illustrates the history of the Church through various exhibits. Brimming with LDS art and artifacts from around the world, this site offers an amazing experience for the whole family. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission. 45 N. West Temple (801) 240-3310.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts: Located at the University of Utah, at 410 Campus Center Drive, this museum boasts more than 17,000 pieces of art from the African, Asian, Ancient and Classical World, European and American cultures. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for children ages 6–18 and seniors; children under 6 are free. (801) 581-7332.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Memorial Museum: Here you can view displays of pioneer memorabilia such as clothing, pocket watches, and carriages, as well as ornate decorative arts. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. 300 North Main Street; (801) 532-6479.

Museum of Ancient Life: Just 20 minutes south of Salt Lake City, at the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point, you’ll find the world’s largest display of mounted dinosaurs, including two Tyrannosaurus rex and a 110-foot-long Supersaurus. Interactive exhibits like the fossil dig or the erosion table give visitors hands-on experiences. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for children ages 3–12 and seniors over 65. 2929 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi; (801) 766- 5030.

Nature
Antelope Island State Park/Great Salt Lake: View the Great Salt Lake (the largest salt lake in the western hemisphere) from the fascinating Antelope Island. Here you can watch for bison, deer, coyotes, antelope, water fowl, and bighorn sheep. Admission: $9 per car. Located at 4528 W. 1700 S. in Syracuse (Exit 332 off Interstate 15); (801) 725-9263.

Hogle Zoo: Observe more than 800 animals here, including monkeys, tigers, African elephants, white rhinos, and giraffes. And be sure to catch a ride on the Zoofari Express. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission: $9 for adults; $7 for children ages 3–12 and seniors 65 and over. 2600 E Sunnyside Avenue; (801) 582-1631.

Tracy Aviary: At the aviary, 135 species of birds, many considered rare or endangered, live among eight wooded acres. Here you’ll see flamingos, condors, vultures, pelicans, peacocks, and more. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission: $5 for adults; $4 for children ages 4–12 and seniors 65 and over. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more. 589 E. 1300 South; (801) 596-8500.

Thanksgiving Point Gardens: Soak in the beauty of spring among 55 acres of themed gardens, including a fragrance garden, a butterfly garden, and a children’s discovery garden. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for children 3–12 and seniors over 65. 3900 N. Garden Dr., Lehi; (801) 768-4999. Between Saturday conference sessions, enjoy the Thanksgiving Point Easter Eggstreme. This even features an Easter egg hunt for kids of all ages at 1 p.m. and other activities throughout the day, includign face painting, relay races, and Easter crafts. Admission: $6 for children; $3 for adults. Call (801) 768-4900 for details.

Where to Eat

Whether you’re in the mood for classic American cuisine or international fare, the Crossroads of the West has a restaurant to suit your taste.

The Lion House Pantry Restaurant: Feast on delicious home cooking as you dine cafeteria-style on the ground floor of Brigham Young’s personal residence. The menu changes daily, but dishes include meatloaf, prime rib, herb-crusted chicken, turkey pot pie, and a steaming hot soup of the day. On Saturdays, kids meals cost a mere $2.99. 63 East South Temple; (801) 539-3257.

Red Iguana: Enjoy award-winning Mexican food at a reasonable price, from their famous fish tacos, delicious quesadillas, enchiladas, and chimichangas, or a traditional mole dish or signature conchita pibil (slow-roasted, shredded pork). Now in two locations: 736 W. North Temple. 801 322-1489 or 866 W. South Temple. 801-214-6050; Entrees $8–$30.

Kyoto: This is the place for a delicious, authentic Japanese meal. The seafood is elegantly prepared, the sushi is exceptional, and the tempura is a must—particularly the giant prawn tempura. 1080 E. 1300 S. (801) 487-3525. Entrees $11–$30.

Acme Burger Co.: This is definitely not your average burger joint. With selections like the crispy duck burger or the spicy Moroccan lamb burger (along with the classic beef, of course), you’re sure to find a new favorite. Not in the mood for a burger? Try the spinach salad with pan-seared bass or a bowl of spicy bison chili. 275 S. 200 W. (801) 257-5700. Entrees less than $10.

Em’s Restaurant: This eatery features simple food made with fresh ingredients. The dinner menu can be pricey with entrees starting at $18, but the lunch menu is reasonable with a nice selection of savory sandwiches ranging from $6–$8. 271 N. Center Street; (801) 596-0566. Entrees $11–$30.

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana: Sample a taste of the Old World with this authentic Napoli-style pizza. The cheese, flour, tomatoes, prosciutto, and even the oven bricks are imported from Italy. 260 S 200 W; 801-322-3556; Entrees $8–$13.

Thai Lotus: Savory Thai barbecue, fresh spring rolls, crisp stir fry, and made-to-order curry dishes make Thai Lotus a local favorite. 212 E 500 S; (801) 328-4401; Entrees from $8–$16.

Where to Shop

Deseret Book Flagship Store: The grand re-opening of Deseret Book’s flagship store during spring conference weekend offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Browse the largest selection of LDS products as you shop among historic artifacts and displays. Enjoy the turn-of-the-century sweet treat emporium, fine art gallery, and distribution services. Right across from Temple Square; 45 W. South Temple.

The Gateway: Located in a former railroad yard, this new gem features dozens of shops, restaurants, an IMAX theater, and the Clark Planetarium. 100 S 400 West Street; (801) 456-0000.

Trolley Square: With more than 100 years of history, Trolley Square offers unique shopping and dining in a charming atmosphere. It features more than 80 shops and restaurants housed within restored trolley barns.

Anthony’s Fine Art and Antiques: Admire the large selection of paintings and sculptures from American and European artists, or shop for antique furniture, decorative pieces, or architectural pieces. 401 E. 200 S.; (801) 328-2231.

The King’s English Bookshop: A local favorite, this bookshop features the most comprehensive children’s book selection in the state of Utah, as well as mysteries, new fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction, nature, and other genres. 1511 S. 1500 E.; (801) 484-9100.

Where to Stay

Grand America Hotel: The epitome of luxury, rooms here include bathrooms built with marble from Italy, leather-top desks, and cherry-wood furniture made in France. Includes its own butcher shop and bakery. 555 South Main Street; (801) 258-6000; Nightly rates from $225.

Little America Hotel: Considering its location and amenities (including large indoor and outdoor pools and great in-house restaurant) and its special LDS Living rate, Little America would be a great place to stay for conference weekend. With free access to TRAX, you can easily visit all the major attractions Salt Lake City has to offer. Nightly rates from $99.

Marriott Salt Lake City Center: This hotel is walking distance from Temple Square, and is clean and comfortable. 220 S. State Street; (801) 961-8700. Nightly rates from $109.

Sheraton Salt Lake City: Located just four blocks from Temple Square, the Sheraton is another great choice for out-of-towners. 150 W. 400 S.; (801) 401-2000. Nightly rates from $99.