Salt Lake City has long been the equivalent of Vatican city for the Mormon Church, but it has also gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts in recent years who have flocked to SLC for easy access to the nearby Wasatch Mountains. Consequently, the result is a unique city unlike anywhere else on earth, filled with religious institutions and tradition, yet also embracing a youthful and adventurous vibe.
Best of all, you can experience what makes Salt Lake City so special on a budget that is perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike – it’s free. From the classical downtown originally designed for ox-drawn wagons to quirky sculpture gardens, public hiking trails, and vast genealogical resources, there is something for everyone here that won’t cost you a penny.
Here are the fourteen best free attractions to enjoy in Salt Lake City.
1. Beehive House
Brigham Young lived with one of his wives and families in the Beehive House during much of his tenure as governor and church president in Utah. The required tours vary; some offer historic house details over religious education, depending on the LDS docent. The attached 1855 Lion House, which was home to several of Young’s wives, has a self-service restaurant in the basement. Visitors are welcome to explore the dining rooms during mealtimes.
2. Salt Lake City Main Library
At this library, visitors can enjoy more than just reading. You can meander past striking glass-walled architecture, stroll through the roof garden, or explore ground-floor shops that cover a wide range of interests, from gardening to comic-book publishing. Additionally, numerous fun activities for kids are also offered.
3. Preservation Utah Tours
Preservation Utah provides almost entirely free tours of SLC’s historic landmarks including the Utah Governor’s Mansion, Salt Lake City and County Building, McCune Mansion, and the Meditation Chapel in Memory Grove Park. They also distribute self-guided walking-tour brochures for those who wish to explore independently. After suspending tours during the COVID-19 pandemic, Preservation Utah is planning to resume tours in late spring of 2021. Check their website for more information.
4. Temple Square
The city’s most iconic attraction is situated on a 10-acre block surrounded by 15-foot-high walls. LDS docents provide free, 30-minute tours throughout the day, departing from the visitor center on North Temple St. Moreover, sisters, brothers, and elders are available every 20 feet or so to assist with any questions. (You need not worry, no one will try to convert you unless you show interest.) Although the temple is closed for renovation until 2024, the remaining attractions at Temple Square are still accessible to visitors.
5. Family History Library
Thousands of visitors travel to Salt Lake City annually to uncover their family history at the largest genealogical resource on earth. The LDS Church believes in the importance of praying for ancestors, which has led to the accumulation of a vast amount of genealogical information. Volunteers work diligently across the globe to gather records, which are made freely available here as well as through libraries nationwide.
6. Gilgal Sculpture Garden
Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a quirky and hidden gem nestled within a residential neighborhood. This small, unique sculpture park is notable for featuring a giant stone sphinx adorned with the face of Mormon founder Joseph Smith.
7. The Utah State Capitol
The Utah State Capitol building stands majestically in the city. Although closed for renovation from 2020 to 2024, the area surrounding the capitol is still a remarkable destination for visitors, where you may explore its beautiful architecture and learn about its history.
8. Church Fork Trail
If you’re in search of a great workout with stunning views, hike the 6-mile round-trip, pet-friendly trail up to Grandeur Peak (8299ft). Located in Mill Creek Canyon, this scenic trail is 13.5 miles southwest of downtown Salt Lake City.
9. Tabernacle
The domed auditorium, completed in 1867, features a massive 11,000-pipe organ and is renowned for its remarkable acoustics. A pin dropped at the front of the hall can be heard at the back, nearly 200 feet away. Free daily organ recitals are held at noon from Monday to Saturday, and at 2 PM on Sundays.
10. Pioneer Memorial Museum
Relics from the early days at Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) museums can be found throughout Utah, but the Pioneer Memorial Museum is the largest of them all. This expansive, four-story treasure trove is akin to Utah’s attic, featuring unique artifacts including a taxidermied two-headed lamb and artwork made entirely of human hair, among more traditional historical items.
11. Olympic Cauldron Park
The University of Utah served as the site of the Olympic Village during the 2002 games. This compact park features large panels outlining the Olympic Games history and includes the impressive 72-foot glass torch. Additionally, a dramatic 10-minute film enhances the experience with sound effects and artificial fog.
12. Wheeler Historic Farm
This site offers insights into what farm life was like for early pioneers who settled in the region. Children can assist farmhands in milking cows and enjoy a tractor-drawn wagon ride ($3) through the scenic wooded back acres of this historic 1898 farm. Tours of the farmhouse, which houses numerous artifacts, are available by reservation for a nominal fee.
13. Joseph Smith Memorial Building
Located east of the Brigham Young Monument, this building served as the elegant Hotel Utah from 1911 until 1987. Inside, visitors can find a large-screen theater featuring daily showings of films about Mormon beliefs, including a 65-minute presentation of Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration.
14. Church History Museum
Adjacent to Temple Square, this interactive museum offers impressive exhibits showcasing pioneer history and fine art collections.
