Founded by Brigham Young in 1847, Salt Lake City is home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church), a Mormon church founded by Young. About half the residents of Salt Lake City are Mormon and members of the LDS Church from around the world come here to see where it began.

The city is a popular starting point for outdoor adventures. Located between the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains and near the Great Salt Lake, there are many opportunities for skiing, hiking, biking, and boating. Salt Lake City is a quiet city, but there is some nightlife. Alcohol laws in Utah have begun to relax so getting a drink at a bar is much easier than it once was. It’s also worth perusing the local newspapers to find out what kind of entertainment is in town while you’re there.

The Great Salt Lake, whose shore lies just beyond Salt Lake City, is the largest salt lake in the Western hemisphere. The water is so full of salt that it won’t let you sink. You can wade in and float easily on the water from any of the beaches on the lake. Boating is also popular, but because of the salinity you have to make a few special considerations that you can learn about at any marina before you head out.

The mountains surrounding Salt Lake City are great for skiing and snowboarding. There are many resorts in the Wasatch Mountains, which border the east side of city. On the west side, the Oquirrh Mountains are also great for winter sports. There is also hiking and mountain biking in both ranges during the warmer months.

Since the LDS Church was founded here, Salt Lake City is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the Mormon Church. The main attraction in Salt Lake City is Temple Square, the historic center of the city, where the LDS Temple is located. While the Temple itself is closed to the public, you can tour Temple Square with or without a guide. The square includes gardens, church buildings, and two visitors centers. The visitors’ centers have exhibits on the origins and traditions of the Mormon Church and LDS.

There are several other popular sites for those interested in Mormon history. The Beehive House was the home of Salt Lake City and LDS Church founder Brigham Young, is open for guided tours, and is furnished with some of the original Young family furniture.

For those with an interest in genealogy, the FamilySearch Center is a great place to begin or continue with your family research.

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