Salt Lake City and Surrounding Areas
Salt Lake City itself is a hubbub of culture and art. With its broad avenues and historic buildings, the capital city is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the state. Popular myth may lead the tourist to believe there is nothing but Mormon religious activities. Indeed, the Mormon culture is heavily prominent. Salt Lake is the home of the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You can see the house of Brigham Young and that of his wives resting side by side near the Mormon church. (Utah has since outlawed polygamy.) Don’t miss out on Pioneer Day, July 24, celebrating the Mormons arrival to their promised land.
The Mormon settlers named their newly discovered territory “Deseret,” although the government officially named it the Utah Territory before it was accepted as an actual state. Still, there is more to the city than the Mormon Tabernacle home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Besides Brigham Young University, the city contains many other higher education institutions. Originally, the University of Desert, the University of Utah is currently the largest university in the state. There is also Westminster College, founded in 1875 as a Presbyterian college, and the Salt Lake Community College, founded in 1948. There is also a huge Utah State Fair Grounds. Surprisingly, over a third of Utah citizens practice another religions.
Theatre? Salt Lake City boasts the first professional playhouse theater in the West. Some of these include the Pioneer Theatre Company at the University of Utah, (801) 581-6961; Desert Star Playhouse, (801) 266-7600, Hale Center Theater, (801) 984-9000); and the Salt Lake Acting Company (801) 355-2787.
Other significant buildings include the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Utah Museum of Natural History, The Pioneer Memorial Museum, featuring 19th century furniture, the Utah State Historical Museum of Fine Arts, This Is The Place Heritage Park (including the Old Desert Village, recreating one of the old pioneer villages), the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphony, and the Utah Opera.
If you’re into dancing, Brigham Young University’s acclaimed International Folk Dancers and Ballroom Dancers in Provo offers concerts throughout the year (801-422-5086). Salt Lake City hosts three world-class dance companies: Ballet West (801-323-6900), Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company (801-297-4241) and Repertory Dance Theatre (801-534-1000). Tickets are available through artTix (801-355-ARTS or 888-451-ARTS).
If you’d prefer something a bit more laid back, try attending the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s weekly Sunday television and radio broadcast held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City.
