This tour is accessible to people who use wheelchairs, people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, and cognitive disabilities. Service animals are allowed.
Salt Lake City – The City of Zion. Historical Interactive Walking Tour
$35
Details
3 hours
Sep 11, Sep 12
11 persons
within 24 hours
On foot
For Kids
Daytime
Description
Join us for a captivating tour through the downtown of Salt Lake City – the multicultural and economic capital of Utah.
In its brief history , this city transformed from a small fort into one of the most developed centers of the American West. Salt Lake City is a true melting pot harmoniously bringing together people of diverse nationalities and religions. The story of its founding is an inspiring example of human faith, dedication, and sacrifice.
During our tour, you’ll see stunning architectural landmarks –sites of national significance marked by profound symbolism – and hear fascinating stories about the pioneers, their unique heritage, and progressive ideas.
Book your tour today and discover the “red emerald” of the Wild West!
During the tour you’ll discover:
- Why is Salt Lake City’s urban plan called the “City of Zion”?
- Who created the largest glass sculpture in Utah?
- Where was the first skyscraper in the American West built?
- How many time capsules and pipe organs does Temple Square conceal?
- How do mansions of Utah’s mining magnates look like today?
- Why did the red-light district become a “socially accepted evil” and part of the city’s colorful history?
- What happened to the Salt Lake City’s first coffee shop and first bar?
- How many beehives are placed on downtown building rooftops?
- Where is the mural that honors Utah’s most influential women of past and present?
- Which downtown locations became key sites during the 2002 Winter Olympics?
- Why is Salt Lake City called the “Holy Land” of Mormonism?
- Where were the first buildings of the chocolate factory, planetarium, stock exchange, luxury hotels, cooperative store, women’s library, synagogue, bank, as well as the first street clock and traffic light located?
Important
- Comfortable walking shoes (extended downtown walk)
- Hat or cap (sunny in warm weather, windy in cold weather)
- Sunglasses (frequently bright sunshine and light reflecting off the building)s reflections)
- Sunscreen (for protecting from sunburn)
Included
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Applicable Taxes and Fees
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Transportation to/from the tour starting point (if meeting downtown)
- Gratuities for guide (optional)
Photos
Route
9:00 AM – FamilySearch CenterOur journey through Salt Lake City begins at the main entrance of the FamilySearch Center. This world-renowned center for genealogical research helps millions of people discover their family histories and houses the world's largest collection of archival materials, preserved in computer databases that span centuries. This collection contains over 12 billion names from more than 100 countries worldwide. From here, our path will lead us to the Abravanel Symphony Hall – an architectural masterpiece featuring a glass façade and impeccable acoustics, which stands as the pride of the city's cultural life.
10:00 AM –The GatewayNext, we'll head to the Delta Center, home to the legendary basketball team and the recently established but already beloved hockey team. We'll explore Utah's oldest mansion, which played a important role during the Civil War and, more recently, served as a set for a famous comedy. We will visit the train station where Utah's railroad history began. It served as a hub for the tramway network, the first urban public transportation system that connected Salt Lake City's outlying neighborhoods and made the city a transportation innovation center of the American West.
11:00 AM – Rio Grande StationNext, we'll venture into a neighborhood that at various times was called Greek Town, Little Italy, and the Railroad District, reflecting its rich and diverse history. Our path will lead us to the site of the first fort, a symbol of hope and protection for the early settlers.
11:40 AM – City Creek CenterWe will explore the cozy courtyards of the main street and will try to tell time using the state's largest sundial. Then, we will uncover several hidden secrets of the modern City Creek shopping and entertainment complex.
12:00 PM – Temple SquareWe'll walk to the magnificent Eagle Gate monument — a symbolic entrance to the heart of the city and a true architectural masterpiece of Temple Square. You'll learn fascinating details about each building within this massive complex that took half a century to complete. This sacred place for millions of believers is always adorned with exquisite flowers and landscape designs. In the very center of the square stands its most precious jewel — the grand Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which amazes with its grandeur and architectural perfection. Next, we'll ascend to one of the world's largest rooftop gardens. From there, an unforgettable panorama of the city unfolds — a view that will take your breath away.
Start Place of the Tour
Meet at the main entrance of the FamilySearch Center. Look for your guide with a Matei Travel badge. (35 N W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84150). Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Parking is available at the Plaza Hotel Garage and City Creek Center
FAQ
This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with cardiovascular conditions, back problems, or knee issues.