- 1). Plan your visit. You can visit the Mormon Church sites at any time of year. Warmer months make the walks between sites pleasant and December is a great time to see Temple Square lit up in an array of twinkling lights. Salt Lake International Airport is a short distance away and shuttles are available. There are many lodging options available in Salt Lake City, including Red Lion Hotel, Salt Lake Marriott City Center, Salt Lake Plaza Hotel and many others.
- 2). Visit Temple Square. You can't miss the six-spire granite temple towering in the city's center. Although only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can go inside the temple, there is still plenty to do on Temple Square. You can see exhibits at the two Visitor Centers, take a tour of the Mormon Tabernacle Building (home to the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir), attend a concert at the gothic-style Assembly Hall and take a walk around the meticulously manicured gardens.
- 3). Take a tour of the Conference Center. Take a short walk north to the Conference Center. This is where General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is held twice a year. There are also other events held in the 21,000-seat auditorium, or the smaller 850-seat theater. Free tours are available daily.
- 4). Visit the Family History Library. Located just west of Temple Square is the Family History Library. Here, visitors can research their ancestral roots in the world's largest genealogical library. Staff members and volunteers are available to help guests through the researching process.
- 5). Visit the Museum of Church History and Art. Right next to the Family History Library is the Museum of Church History and Art. The museum showcases many artifacts from the early Mormon pioneers, including an 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon. There are many hands-on activities and exhibits for the kids. There are also changing exhibits. Admission is free.
- 6). Walk to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. This building is located east of Temple Square. Here, guests can find information on their family history at the Family Search Center. Visitors can also view the hour-long movie "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration." Admission is free, but advance tickets are required. You can call 1-866-LDS-TIKS for ticket information. Take an elevator ride to the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for an excellent view of Temple Square and the surrounding vicinity. There are also two great restaurants (complete with a view) for guests to enjoy: The Roof and The Garden.
- 7). Visit the Church Office Building, the administrative center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Visitors can take an elevator ride to the 26th floor of the 28-floor building to the observation deck for a view of the city.
- 8). Walk to the Beehive House and the Lion House. At the corner of State Street and South Temple is the Beehive House. Built in 1855, this is the residence of Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Free tours are available to go through the home and see how Brigham Young and his family lived. The Lion House, next door to the Beehive House, is another one of Brigham Young's homes. A lion statue watches over the entrance, giving the home its name. The Lion House is famous for The Lion House Pantry, located on the main level. Here, visitors can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.
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