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TEMPLE SQUARE
Top Activities at Temple Square
Please note that due to ongoing renovation of the Salt Lake Temple through 2026, access to some areas of Temple Square may be limited. For more information about which attractions and buildings are open, see their hours of operation.
The Conference Center is the primary venue for the Temple Square guest experience during the ongoing renovation. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily featuring guided tours in more than 40 languages, a statue of Jesus Christ, a cutaway model of the Salt Lake Temple, exhibitions of various temple artifacts and unique art from around the world.
Salt Lake Temple
The impressive Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build, between 1853 and 1893, and is one of the oldest attractions in the area. The temple is sacred to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is currently closed for renovation. Tour the Conference Center to see a scale model of the temple and its interior and enjoy views of the renovation work in progress. Learn about available tours.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) is made up of 360 volunteers and has performed all over the world. The public is invited to the Choir's free weekly Music & the Spoken Word broadcast on Sundays in the Tabernacle at 9:30 a.m. (guests must be seated by 9:15 a.m.) and the choir's rehearsal every Thursday at 8 p.m. (Read the story: The Geographical and Musical Heart of Salt Lake). Many other performances by different artists happen in the Tabernacle, Assembly Hall and Conference Center at Temple Square, which are free and open to the public. See upcoming events.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building was formerly the Hotel Utah, but was transformed into an office building and event space. Currently undergoing renovations, it is expected to reopen in 2025.
Church History Museum
The Church History Museum features interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and a curated collection of global art. Additional highlights include:
- A full-size 168-year-old historic log home
- A 240-degree theater experience
- A rotating fine art collection
Other Temple Square Locations
- The Conference Center has impressive architecture, artwork and a 21,000-seat auditorium.
- The FamilySearch Library houses the largest collection of genealogical records in the world.
- The Church History Library features historic documents and exhibits.
- The Church Office Building allows you to go to the 26th floor for breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley.
- The Relief Society Building provides information for you to learn more about the women in the Church.
- The Beehive House and the Lion House were the homes of early Church president Brigham Young and his large family. These buildings are currently closed for renovation.
More Visitor Information
- Fee-based, metered two-hour parking is available throughout the city and there is paid, underground parking beneath the Conference Center (free with validation inside the Conference Center) or City Creek Center, which is free for the first two hours.
- Dogs are not allowed on Temple Square, even on a leash.
- The transformation of the Temple Square with Christmas Lights on the Friday following Thanksgiving, is an extraordinary event and signals the official start of the holiday season. The display typically runs through the New Year.
Discover More
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5 Reasons to Hire a Guide to Run Utah’s Rivers
Written By Heather May
3 minute read
While we eat and splash in the river to escape the early morning heat, the four guides will wash the dishes, break down camp, load our bags on the rafts and discretely stow the toilet.
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6 Surprising Activities That Take Place at The Homestead Crater
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
From soaking to scuba diving, this hot spring has a lot to offer.
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An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Written By Dan Potts
6 minute read
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
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Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
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Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
Written By Ben Whisenant
8 minute read
It all started decades ago with the “Cisco Disco” and has grown to include a polar plunge, chili cookoff and winter festival known as the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
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Bridesmaids Gone Boating
Written By Melissa McGibbon
If you and your bride tribe are more outdoorsy than indoorsy, consider booking a whitewater rafting trip in southern Utah instead of club night at a casino. Half-day, full-day, and multi-day river trips are easy to plan and are great for groups of all sizes and abilities.
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Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
Written By Heather May
5 minute read
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
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Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Lake Life on Palisade Reservoir
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
Utah’s beautiful Palisade Reservoir is an oasis of serene water in the central part of the state, a perfect getaway for paddling, fishing, swimming and camping.
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Fisher Towers River Rafting
Written By Bob Wassom
5 minute read
Join Bob Wassom, and a few others, as they raft down the Fisher Towers stretch of water disproving any idea or stereotype suggesting disabilities hinder outdoor recreation.
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Flaming Gorge: Boating and Paddling Paradise
Written By Matcha
Do you know that Flaming Gorge is one of the best boating lakes in Utah? Read all about this stunning body of water and plan a trip!
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Get to Know Echo State Park
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
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How to Find a Guided Outdoors Experience
Written By Arianna Rees
6 minute read
You might not be a pro climber, camper or explorer, but Utah’s diverse collection of outdoor guides has all of the expertise you need to have an adventure worth getting stoked about.
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How to Slow Travel in Utah
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
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How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
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Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.
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Lake Powell Trash Boat
Attention good samaritans: Sign up for the Trash Tracker, a houseboat on Lake Powell, and help clean up the debris that has collected on the lake’s shores.
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Lakeside Near Torrey: Three Ways
Written By Melissa Fields
Take a trip to this trio of Capitol Reef-area reservoirs where you can swim, fish, kayak and cool-off.
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Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
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Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, temperatures at Bear Lake stay cool in the summer, making the basin a welcome respite from the heat and a great destination to enjoy water sports in a serene mountain setting.
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The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination
Written By Matcha
Flaming Gorge, Utah is one of the world’s best places to fish for trout. Awe-inspiring scenery and abundant fish attract anglers from all over. Check it out!
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The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Written By Matcha
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
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Two Trips, Two Worlds, Two Years Apart: Returning to Raft in Dinosaur National Monument
Written By Nushin Huq
5 minute read
Nushin and her family of four returned to Utah's Dinosaurland for the "best four days ever!" of guided rafting on the Green River. Explore their journey today!
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Venturing Out (and Back) Along the Canyon Rim Trail
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
An under-the-radar destination that should be on more people’s lists, Flaming Gorge offers spectacular wildlife viewing, scenery that comes straight out of paintings and plenty of outdoor adventure.
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What to Wear on a River Rafting Trip
Written By Melissa McGibbon
There are a variety of Utah river trips to be had, from rafting the Green River’s whitewater, to leisurely floating the Colorado. Here's your packing list.
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Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Written By Kristen Pope
8 minute read
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.