In the heart of downtown Salt Lake City lies Historic Temple Square, a 35-acre area with a number of museums, concert halls, and historic and religious buildings owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or Mormon Church. However, the square is not only meant for members of this religious group. In fact, millions of tourists, including families, visit the site each year, the majority of them coming from outside of Utah.
Parking and Public Transportation at Historic Temple Square
The best place to park when visiting Historic Temple Square is at the parking garage underneath the City Creek Center located across the street to the south. It does cost an hourly rate to park there, but parking can be validated if you eat or shop at one of its many shops. The Utah Transit Authority also runs buses and TRAX trains, the city's light rail service, with multiple stops around the site.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Historic Temple Square
The absolute best time is visit the square is after dusk during Christmastime, specifically between the day after Thanksgiving and December 31. The reason is the famous Temple Square Christmas lights that are turned on every evening, creating a spectacular site. The crowds are heavier during this time, but not overbearing. However, they can get unbearable Christmas Eve, so avoid that day if you can.
Admission to Historic Temple Square
Admission to the square is completely free. There is no cost to enter the grounds or any of the buildings. However, only worthy members of the Mormon Church are allowed to enter the Salt Lake Temple. Historic Temple Square is open from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. everyday, although some of the buildings, such as the Family History Library, are closed on Sundays.
Must See/Do at Historic Temple Square
While visiting the square, you'll want to take a minute to go inside the Mormon Tabernacle to see and hear the incredible pipe organ used for various concerts and recitals which are held nearly every day. In addition, take advantage of the free guided tours to the observation deck on the 26th floor of the nearby LDS Church Office Building, where on a clear day you'll be able to see the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake Valley.
Other Places to Visit Near Historic Temple Square
After visiting Temple Square, a visit to the City Creek Center can be a source of refreshment for any tired traveler, with its numerous high-end restaurants and fast food fare. If you'd rather continue enjoying the historic attractions in the downtown area, the Utah State Capitol a few blocks to the north offers both guided and self-guided tours.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Historic Temple Square
If you are visiting downtown Salt Lake City for the day and would rather not drive and park around the area, you can take advantage of Utah Transit Authority's Free Fare Zone. You can ride for free if you board and exit any bus or TRAX train in that zone, which includes Historic Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the Clark Planetarium.
Author's bio: Clint T. has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.