Whether passing through or staying for a spell, here are a few historical Mormon sites that you should visit while vacationing this summer in Utah. And the best part is, they're free!
Northern Utah
Logan Tabernacle
Built in 1891 by pioneers, the Logan Tabernacle has a charm that could only come from quality craftsmanship. At the time the tabernacle was under construction, the Saints in Cache Valley were also building the Logan Temple. It took great sacrifice for the Saints of Cache Valley to contribute their time and means to build both the Logan Temple and Tabernacle, which is why it took nearly 30 years to complete.
Today, the tabernacle is the center of music and art for Cache Valley. Visit May
The former home of Brigham Young, the Beehive House doesn't look a day past its completion in 1855. There are no actual bees in the Beehive House, rather, the name comes Brigham Young who encouraged his children to work together like bees. Throughout history, the house has passed ownership to prophets Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith.
Tours of the house run from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with glimpses inside the daily lives of those who lived there. If all that history makes you hungry, the Lion House Pantry, another historic building, is just right next door.
Image from LDS.org
Marmalade Hill Historic District
If you find yourself in Salt Lake City with a little extra time on your hands, a walk up Marmalade Hill is like stepping back in time. Named for the surrounding street names (most of them involving some kind of fruit), the architecture of the historic buildings is still the way it was in the pioneer-era.
The 19th Ward Meeting House and Relief Society Hall is particularly interesting. The architectural style of the building was completely different from other chapels at the time it was built in 1896. The meeting house is now home to the Salt Lake Acting Company.
Image from waymarking.com.
Central Utah
Spring City
Looking for history? Then Spring City is for you. The entire town is on the National Historic Register. You can definitely see the pioneer Mormon heritage as you pass by former apostle Orson Hyde's home and visit the Confectionery café. Visit during Heritage Day on May 28 and tour the historic pioneer homes while enjoying local art and craft displays.
Image from Sanpete.com
Cove Fort
You may think your pillow fort skills are amazing, but pioneers took building forts to a whole new level. Cove Fort in Millard County was built between April and November 1867 and is the only fort built by Latter-day Saints in the 1800s that still stands. Built as a place of refuge for early Mormon pioneers, you can take a tour inside the lava-rock walls and peak into early Mormon history. Summer tours (May-August) start at 8 a.m. and go until dusk.
Image from LDS.org
Southern Utah
The Old Rock Church
Known as Parowan's "crown jewel," the Old Rock Church, built in 1867, is a historic gem. Modeled after the Salt Lake City Tabernacle, the church was restored in the 1930s by the Daughters of Mormon Pioneers and now houses a museum of pioneer articles and photographs.
Image from Parowan.co
Brigham Young's Winter Home
Brigham Young lived in Saint George? While construction was underway on the Saint George Temple, Brigham Young built a home in "Utah's little Dixie." Suffering from arthritis in his later years, the prophet tended to stay the winter in his warm-climate home. Today, tours are now offered for free from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 7:00 p.m. in spring and until 8:00 p.m. in summer).
Image from LDS.org
Fruita
If you
r adventures this summer take you down to Capitol Reef National Park, then you have to check out Fruita. Settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 1870s, Fruita is surrounded by red rock formations and sprawling orchards. Hike the historic Cohab Canyon that overlooks the Fruita campground and stop by Gifford Historic Homestead for a treat.
