From the establishment of Salt Lake City by Mormon pioneers in 1847 to the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, Utah has played a key role in America’s westward expansion. Its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage make it a destination worth exploring. Visitors come to experience the state’s natural beauty and haunting ghost towns, learn about its unique pioneer and Native American history, and connect with its historic sites. Here are ten must-see historic landmarks in Utah.
1. Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Temple Square in Salt Lake City stands as a symbol of faith, community, and history. Established in 1847 by Mormon pioneers, the 35-acre site is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The square features the iconic Salt Lake Temple, whose construction began in 1853 and took 40 years to complete, showcasing exquisite Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Other landmarks include the Tabernacle, known for its incredible acoustics, and the Assembly Hall. You’ll also have the chance to explore beautifully manicured gardens, interactive exhibits, and learn about Utah’s pioneer heritage.
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2. Golden Spike National Historical Park, Promontory Summit
Golden Spike National Historical Park in Promontory Summit commemorates the monumental completion of the first U.S. transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. This achievement united the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, and symbolized a new era of coast-to-coast connectivity.
You can see the exact location where the “Last Spike” was driven, marking the railroad’s completion. The park features meticulously crafted replicas of the original steam locomotives, the Jupiter and Union Pacific No. 119, which are showcased during reenactments of the historic event.
The park offers auto tours along the original railroad grade, providing insights into 19th-century engineering feats like the “Big Fill,” an impressive embankment constructed to bridge a large ravine.
The visitor center presents exhibits detailing the challenges and triumphs of building the railroad, highlighting the diverse workforce, including significant contributions from Chinese laborers.
3. Bryce Canyon Lodge, Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon Lodge, nestled within Bryce Canyon National Park, stands as a testament to early 20th-century park architecture. Constructed between 1924 and 1925, the lodge was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, renowned for his work in National Park Service rustic design.
The lodge’s construction utilized local materials, including stone and timber, to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Its steeply pitched shingled roof and log-framed structure exemplify the rustic style that Underwood popularized in national parks across the western United States.
In 1987, Bryce Canyon Lodge was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its architectural significance and its role in the development of national park tourism.
Today, visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can experience the lodge much as it appeared in the 1920s. The lodge offers accommodations including lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins, all within walking distance of the park’s iconic Bryce Amphitheater. The dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a gift shop is available for souvenirs.
4. Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City
Established in 1862 during the Civil War, Fort Douglas was strategically positioned east of Salt Lake City to safeguard the overland mail route and monitor local activities.
Today, the Fort Douglas Military Museum offers a comprehensive look into Utah’s military heritage. Housed in historic barracks, the museum showcases artifacts spanning from the fort’s inception to modern times, including uniforms, weaponry, and personal stories of service members. An outdoor exhibit features artillery, helicopters, and military vehicles, providing tangible insights into military technology.
You’ll enjoy visiting the Fort Douglas Post Cemetery, established in 1862, which honors soldiers from various conflicts, including those who perished in the Bear River Massacre.
A visit to Fort Douglas offers a unique opportunity to delve into the military history that has significantly influenced Utah and the broader United States.
5. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel, Zion National Park
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel, completed in 1930, stand as remarkable feats of engineering within Zion National Park. Constructed to connect Zion with Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon, the 25-mile highway ascends Pine Creek Canyon, culminating in a 1.1-mile tunnel carved through Navajo sandstone cliffs.
At its dedication, the tunnel was the longest of its kind in the United States. Its design includes six large windows, or “galleries,” providing ventilation and glimpses of the canyon’s grandeur.
Travelers journey through this historic passage, marveling at the seamless blend of human ingenuity and natural splendor. The highway offers access to trailheads like Canyon Overlook and views of landmarks such as Checkerboard Mesa.
Due to the tunnel’s dimensions, oversized vehicles require an escort, ensuring safe passage through this narrow corridor. This blend of history, engineering, and breathtaking scenery makes the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel a must-experience route for visitors to Zion National Park.
6. Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City
The Utah State Capitol, perched atop Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City, serves as the epicenter of the state’s government. Designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting, the neoclassical building was constructed between 1912 and 1916.
The Capitol’s exterior is crafted from locally sourced granite, and its interior features a grand rotunda adorned with murals depicting significant events in Utah’s history. The building houses the chambers of the Utah State Legislature and the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and State Auditor.
In 2004, the Capitol underwent a comprehensive restoration and seismic upgrade to enhance its structural integrity and preserve its historical features. This project was completed in 2008, ensuring the building’s resilience against potential earthquakes.
Visitors to the Capitol can explore its art collection, which includes paintings and sculptures that reflect Utah’s cultural heritage. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the building’s architecture, history, and the state’s legislative process.
The Capitol grounds feature well-maintained gardens and monuments, providing a serene environment for both tourists and locals. The panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains from the Capitol Hill are particularly noteworthy.
7. Anasazi State Park Museum, Boulder
This historic museum offers a window into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the region from approximately A.D. 1050 to 1200. The park encompasses the Coombs Village Site, one of the largest known Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River.
When visiting, you’ll enjoy exploring a life-sized, six-room replica of an ancient dwelling, providing insight into the architectural practices and daily life of the site’s original inhabitants. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including pottery and tools, excavated from the site, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Established as a state park in 1960, Anasazi State Park Museum serves both educational and preservational purposes, ensuring that the legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans remains accessible to the public. The park features a visitor center, museum store, auditorium, and picnic areas, enhancing the visitor experience.
For those interested in archaeology and ancient cultures, the park provides interpretive signs along a self-guided trail through the Coombs Village Site, enriching the understanding of this significant archaeological location.
8. Union Station, Ogden
The original station, established in 1869, was a pivotal junction for the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, earning Ogden the nickname “Junction City.” After a fire destroyed the initial structure in 1923, the current Union Station was constructed and dedicated on November 22, 1924.
Today, Union Station has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, housing several museums that celebrate diverse aspects of the region’s history. The Utah State Railroad Museum offers insights into the development of the American West through railroads. The John M. Browning Firearms Museum showcases the legacy of the renowned firearms inventor. Additionally, the Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum and the Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum provide further exploration into the area’s rich cultural tapestry.
Visitors can also appreciate the station’s architectural grandeur, including murals by artist Edward Laning that depict the joining of the transcontinental railroad.
9. Beehive House, Salt Lake City
The Beehive House, constructed in 1854, served as the official residence of Brigham Young, the second President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first governor of Utah Territory. Designed by architect Truman O. Angell, the house is named after the beehive sculpture atop its roof.
Strategically located at the corner of State Street and South Temple in Salt Lake City, the Beehive House was not only a family residence but also a center for official government and church business. It hosted numerous dignitaries, including President Ulysses S. Grant and writer Mark Twain.
In 1920, the house was repurposed as a boarding home for single women working in the city, reflecting its ongoing role in community support. Later, it was restored to its 19th-century appearance and opened to the public as a museum, offering guided tours that provide insights into the daily life of Brigham Young’s family and the early history of Utah.
10. Timpanogos Cave National Monument, American Fork
Timpanogos Cave National Monument, located in American Fork Canyon, encompasses a trio of limestone caves: Hansen Cave, Middle Cave, and Timpanogos Cave. These caves are renowned for their intricate speleothems, including helictites and aragonite formations.
The monument was established on October 14, 1922, by President Warren G. Harding, one of the country’s forgotten presidents, to protect these geological wonders.
You can access the caves via a 1.5-mile paved trail that ascends approximately 1,092 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Guided tours, led by National Park Service rangers, provide insights into the caves’ geology and history.
The caves maintain a constant temperature of around 45°F (7°C), so a light jacket is recommended. It’s important to note that the caves are only accessible through guided tours, and advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended.
Exploring Timpanogos Cave National Monument provides a unique opportunity to witness the delicate beauty of subterranean formations and to learn about the natural processes that created them.
