Salt Lake City: A Blend of History, Nature, and Family Adventures

A City Full of Surprises

To be honest, Salt Lake City turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of our travels. We came expecting a few interesting sites, but what we found was a city overflowing with history, culture, and natural beauty. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and friendliness of the people stood out, making every stop even more enjoyable. What makes Salt Lake City so special is how seamlessly it blends its pioneer past with a modern, welcoming atmosphere.

So, before we talk about the things to see and do, let’s check out a few Pro-Tips!

Pro-Tips to Know Before You Visit

• 🧥 Dress for Versatility: Weather here can change quickly, especially between downtown and the mountain foothills. Taking a light jacket can be a lifesaver.

• 🚊 Take advantage of transit: Downtown is safe and very walkable, but the TRAX light rail system makes getting around even easier.

• 🎟️ Look for free attractions: Temple Square, Gilgal Gardens, the Great Salt Lake, Clark Planetarium, the Pioneer Memorial Museum, and the Old Lime Kiln won’t cost one red cent to explore, making Salt Lake City a budget-friendly destination. Of course, many places have small parking fees, unfortunately, but that can’t be escaped in a city!

Okay, let’s talk about Salt Lake City and all it has to offer!!

Temple Square

The heart of the city is Temple Square, home to the Salt Lake Temple and other important landmarks of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple was completed in

1893, took 40 years to build, and is still an icon of the city’s skyline. While you can’t go inside, only Mormons can, the gardens, Tabernacle, and visitor centers are open to the public and free to explore. With its manicured grounds, fountains, and historic architecture, Temple Square offers a peaceful and fascinating look at Utah’s pioneer roots.

The Great Salt Lake

Just west of the city lies the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and a natural wonder left behind from prehistoric Lake Bonneville. If you take a dip, the unusually high salt content makes it easy to float, which is a fun experience for visitors of all ages. The lake is also one of the best spots in the West for birdwatching, with millions of migratory birds passing through each year. Boating, kayaking, and shoreline walks are popular here, and the sunsets are some of the most breathtaking in Utah.

Golden Spike National Historical Park

North of the city, at Promontory Summit, you’ll find the Golden Spike National Historical

Park, where the nation’s first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. This was the

moment America was united coast to coast, and the site preserves that history beautifully. Full-scale replica locomotives — the Jupiter and the No. 119 — bring the story to life, and seasonal reenactments help visitors relive one of the most important moments and milestones in U.S. history.

Clark Planetarium

In downtown Salt Lake City, the Clark Planetarium makes space and science both fun and approachable. Admission to the exhibits is free, and you can try your hand at launching model rockets, learning about planetary motion, or simply marveling at a real moon rock. The Foucault pendulum is a visitor favorite, demonstrating Earth’s rotation in a way that’s mesmerizing to watch. For a small fee, the IMAX and dome theaters provide immersive shows that take you across the galaxy.

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum

For families traveling with kids, the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is the perfect place to spend a few hours. This hands-on museum is all about interactive learning. Children can role-play in a pint-sized city, experiment with science in the STEAM Lab, or climb and explore the rooftop play area. The museum is designed to spark creativity while giving parents a chance to relax as their kids explore safely.

Natural History Museum of Utah

Perched on the foothills overlooking the city, the Natural History Museum of Utah is as impressive as the view outside its windows. The architecture itself beautifully blends into the landscape, but what’s inside is even better. Permanent exhibits cover everything from towering dinosaur skeletons to the geological forces that shaped Utah to Native American heritage. Interactive galleries and rotating displays make it a destination where you can easily spend half a day.

Donner Hill

Ok, this is kind of creepy…so.  On the city’s eastern edge lies Donner Hill, a site tied to one

of the most tragic stories in the history of westward expansion. The Donner Party passed

through the area and ca

mped.  They decided to try a different route and it cost them dearly. This decision caused them to approach the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, just as winter was setting into the region.  Trapped by the harsh conditions, starvation eventually led some in the party to resort to cannibalism.  It’s a sobering reminder of the dangers early pioneers faced and a thoughtful stop for those interested in the human side of history.

The Pioneer Lime Kiln

Hidden in the foothills above the city is the Pioneer Lime Kiln, built in the mid-1800s to produce lime for mortar and plaster used in construction. The kiln played an essential role in helping early settlers build a lasting community in the Salt Lake Valley. After a destructive storm ruined a huge supply of lime in 1908, the kiln was abandoned, but it has since been restored and preserved. Today, it’s a short hike to reach the site, offering history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts a rewarding glimpse into the past.

Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol, completed in 1916, is one of Salt Lake City’s most beautiful landmarks. Built from local granite and marble, its grand dome can be seen from across the valley. Inside, amazing murals and historic chambers highlight Utah’s path to statehood. One of the most meaningful symbols here is the beehive, representing Utah’s state motto: Industry. This emblem of hard work and community spirit can be seen throughout the building and across the state. Free tours are available, making it a worthwhile stop for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Pioneer Memorial Museum

Next to the State Capitol stands the Pioneer Memorial Museum, operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Admission is free, and the museum contains one of the largest collections of pioneer artifacts anywhere. From handmade quilts and clothing to wagons, artwork, and household items, each exhibit tells a story about the lives of the men and women who settled the valley beginning in 1847. The museum offers a fascinating perspective on daily life and the resilience of the pioneers.

Gilgal Gardens

This next place is a real hidden gem. It’s so off the beaten path if you don’t know how to get there, you’re probably going to miss it.  But it’s well worth the effort.  Gilgal Gardens, is a quirky downtown park filled with unusual stone sculptures created by Thomas Battersby Child Jr. in the 1940s. The most famous piece is a sphinx supposedly featuring the face of Joseph Smith, but there are plenty of other works filled with biblical and personal symbolism. Admission is free, and the garden is one of the city’s most unexpected attractions.

Bridal Veil Falls

About 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, in Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls is a double-cascade waterfall that plunges more than 600 feet down the rugged side of the canyon. It’s one of the tallest and most photographed waterfalls in the state. A paved trail makes it easy for families to access and picnic areas nearby make it a great stop for a relaxing breaks surrounded by nature. In winter, the frozen falls become a playground for ice climbers, but in summer, it’s all about cool mist and stunning views.

The Tracy Viary

Located in Liberty Park, the Tracy Aviary is one of the oldest bird parks in the country and is home to more than dozens of species. Visitors can watch condors spread their wings, flamingos wade gracefully in shallow pools, and parrots flash their colors.  Daily bird shows and feeding opportunities add to the experience. The aviary also plays an important role in conservation. It’s colorful, educational, and fun for visitors of all ages.

Final Reflection

Looking back on our trip, Salt Lake City exceeded every expectation. The city is very clean, easy to navigate, and filled with a mix of history, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions. From quiet gardens and museums to waterfalls and historic railroads, there’s something here for everyone. Most of all, we’ll remember how genuinely kind and welcoming the people were. If you’re considering a trip to Utah, don’t overlook Salt Lake City — it’s a destination that truly surprised us, and we think it will surprise you too.