A- Overview:
Salt Lake City is an ideal place to spend a few days with the family and relax in a pleasant, small city atmosphere. Located amid the towering mountains of the Wasatch Front, Salt Lake City offers beautiful scenery and world-class sporting opportunities. Almost one million people call Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas home, a strong testament to the attractions of this special city.
Salt Lake City is probably best known as the world headquarters of the Mormon Church. A majority of the citizens of Utah are Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), many of them descendents of original settlers of the Utah territory. The Church’s prominence has led the people of Salt Lake City to erect several stunning monuments to their faith and the to the trials of the original settlers. The Mormon Temple was erected in 1893 after 40 years of hard work by expert craftsmen. Only confirmed Mormons are allowed to enter, but the public may tour Temple Square and enjoy its many monuments. The Mormon Tabernacle was designed with acoustics that enable a listener seated in the last row to hear a nail drop from the lectern at the front. It is here that the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs. Visitors interested in their families’ roots may use the facilities of the Family History Library, the largest library of genealogical information in the world.
Outside the city, Utah’s beautiful landscape and unique geological features continually amaze visitors. The Great Salt Lake is the second saltiest body of water in the world, and it has been mysteriously refilling itself in recent years, leading to an explosion of life in and around the lake. The Timpanogos Cave National Monument leads to several miles of exciting and interesting underground sights. The center of the caverns opens up to display a vast array of dazzling white crystals.
Salt Lake City’s greatest outdoor venue continues to be its mountains. The Wasatch Mountains offer some of the best skiing in the world and are one reason why Olympic officials chose Salt Lake City to host the winter Olympics in 2002. For years, travelers tended to overlook this serenely beautiful, sunlit, historic city, but this is no longer true. The whole world seems to be coming to Salt Lake City, and the city and its people are ready.
B- City Information:
Population: 181,743
Elevation: 4266 feet above sea level
Land Area: 109.1
Location: Located adjacent to the Great Salt Lake in the central section of Utah, at the intersections of Interstate 84 from the north, Interstate 15 from the south, and Interstate 80 from the east and west.
Time Zone: Salt Lake City is in the Mountain Time Zone (when it’s noon in Salt Lake City, it’s 11am in Los Angeles and 2pm in New York City). Salt Lake City observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
31.8
36.5
44.8
51.9
60.3
70.7
78.0
77.0
66.9
55.5
42.2
33.0
High temperature (°F)
38.5
43.5
52.9
61.1
70.0
81.5
89.0
87.9
77.5
65.0
49.8
39.6
Low temperature (°F)
25.2
29.4
36.6
42.6
50.6
59.7
67.0
66.0
56.4
46.0
34.5
26.4
Precipitation (in)
1.6
1.6
2.0
2.2
2.3
0.8
0.7
0.7
1.3
1.7
1.6
1.3
Climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
10
9
10
10
8
5
4
6
5
6
8
9
Wind speed (mph)
7.5
8.1
9.3
9.6
9.4
9.4
9.5
9.7
9.1
8.5
8.0
7.6
Morning humidity (%)
79
78
70
66
65
59
52
53
61
68
75
79
Afternoon humidity (%)
69
60
46
39
34
26
22
24
30
41
59
71
Sunshine (%)
45
54
64
68
72
80
83
82
82
72
53
42
Days clear of clouds
6
5
7
7
9
14
17
16
16
14
8
6
Partly cloudy days
6
7
8
9
10
10
10
11
8
8
7
6
Cloudy days
19
16
16
14
12
6
4
4
5
9
15
18
Snowfall (in)
13.6
9.8
9.3
5.0
0.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
1.3
7.0
11.8
Local Seasons:
As the capital city of Utah as well as being both a business city and a leisure destination, Salt Lake City sees a multitude of visitors year round. Visitors come to enjoy the nearby mountains, explore Temple Square; the worldwide headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as well as to hear the world renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In the winter, temperatures in the city can reach into the 40’s F during the day, while dropping to the 20’s F at night. This is mild compared to the nearby mountains. Spring and summer are quite pleasant. In the spring, temperatures rise about 10 F each month, beginning in March, making it a great time to explore the many out of doors activities and sites available. Summers are very dry with low humidity, but temperatures can approach 90 F, making it seem much warmer. Fall is lovely with the temperatures comfortably cool in the day and just right for a warm drink by the fire at night. Whatever time of year, this remarkable city welcomes its guests with warm and friendly atmosphere.
How to Get There:
By Car
Major routes into the area are I-80 from the east and west, I-15 from the north and south, and I-84 from the northwest.
By Air:
Salt Lake City International Airport
776 North Terminal Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
801-575-2400
The airport is just north of I-80 at Exit 115, on the west side of the city. It is served by many of the national airlines, certain international carriers, and a variety of regional carriers.
Ground Transportation
Most of the major car rental companies, as well as taxis and limousines, are available at the airport and throughout the city.
By Train
Amtrak
340 South 600 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
800-USA-RAIL
By Bus
Greyhound
160 West S Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-355-9579
How to Get Around:
Getting around town is quite easy by car. The city has wide streets and ample parking. In the summer, from June – August, the city also operates the Pioneer Trolley (801-240-6279). It provides transportation in the Temple Square area.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Temple Square
North Visitors’ Center, 50 W. North Temple St.
801-240-2534
This 10-acre expanse is the center of sites related to the Mormon Church.. Two visitor centers house exhibits and art with religious themes.
Salt Lake Temple
The six-spired granite temple is open only to church members, but the public may enter the other buildings and monuments spread across the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building
801-240-1266
This Mormon community center is where visitors can learn how to conduct computerized genealogical research. Other attractions include a film on early Mormon history and the emigration of Mormons to the Salt Lake Valley in the mid-19th century.
Museum of Church History and Art
West Temple St.
801-240-3310
This museum displays Mormon artifacts, paintings, fabric art and sculptures.
Family History Library
West Temple St.
801-240-2331
This massive genealogical library provides free public access to the Mormons’ huge collection of genealogical records, one of the largest in the world.
Beehive House
South Temple St.
801-240-2671
Built in 1854, this house was the home of Brigham Young while he served as territorial governor.
Hansen Planetarium
15 S. State St.
801-538-2098
The museum exhibits include a moon rock display among its many exhibits. A domed theater hosts laser shows set to music, as well as various live stage performances.
State Capitol
300 N. State St.
801-538-1563
Completed in 1915, the State Capitol is a lovely Renaissance-style building featuring depression-era murals in the rotunda, which depict events from Utah’s past.
Pioneer Memorial Museum
300 N. Main St.
801-538-1050
This museum lies directly west of the state capitol grounds, and it holds thousands of artifacts including tools and carriages from the late 1800s and a doll and toy collection.
Marmalade District
West of the Capitol Building
This neighborhood contains many pioneer houses that are beautiful both inside and out. It’s a wonderful place to go for information on pioneer life.
Utah Museum of Natural History
University of Utah, 200 S. 1340 East
801-581-4303
This large museum presents Native American artifacts, dinosaur skeletons and hands-on science adventures. This is a great place to take the kids.
Great Salt Lake
About 17 mi west of downtown Salt Lake City via I-80
Water flows into the lake, but there is no outlet other than evaporation. This causes the lake to be the second saltiest body of water on Earth, surpassed only by the Dead Sea. There are two beaches here, each with showers.
Wasatch Mountains
Rising to more than 11,000 ft, the mountains provide an impressive backdrop and recreational escape for city dwellers. Resorts here offer hiking, biking, arts festivals and concerts in summer, and skiing in winter.
Park City
29 mi. east of Salt Lake City via I-80
Utah’s premier ski destination, Park City’s three ski areas will host much of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The historic Main Street has a museum, galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Hogle Zoo
2600 Sunnyside Ave.
801-582-1631
This wonderful zoo has more than 1,300 animals in exhibits spread out over a large, spacious area.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Family History Library
West Temple St.
801-240-2331
This massive genealogical library provides free public access to the Mormons’ huge collection of genealogical records, one of the largest in the world.
Beehive House
South Temple St.
801-240-2671
Built in 1854, this house was the home of Brigham Young while he served as territorial governor.
Hansen Planetarium
15 S. State St.
801-538-2098
The museum exhibits include a moon rock display among its many exhibits. A domed theater hosts laser shows set to music, as well as various live stage performances.
State Capitol
300 N. State St.
801-538-1563
Completed in 1915, the State Capitol is a lovely Renaissance-style building featuring depression-era murals in the rotunda, which depict events from Utah’s past.
Pioneer Memorial Museum
300 N. Main St.
801-538-1050
This museum lies directly west of the state capitol grounds, and it holds thousands of artifacts including tools and carriages from the late 1800s and a doll and toy collection.
Marmalade District
West of the Capitol Building
This neighborhood contains many pioneer houses that are beautiful both inside and out. It’s a wonderful place to go for information on pioneer life.
Utah Museum of Natural History
University of Utah, 200 S. 1340 East
801-581-4303
This large museum presents Native American artifacts, dinosaur skeletons and hands-on science adventures. This is a great place to take the kids.
Great Salt Lake
About 17 mi. west of downtown Salt Lake City via I-80
Water flows into the lake, but there is no outlet other than evaporation. This causes the lake to be the second saltiest body of water on Earth, surpassed only by the Dead Sea. There are two beaches here, each with showers.
Wasatch Mountains
Rising to more than 11,000 ft, the mountains provide an impressive backdrop and recreational escape for city dwellers. Resorts here offer hiking, biking, arts festivals and concerts in summer, and skiing in winter.
Park City
29 mi. east of Salt Lake City via I-80
Utah’s premier ski destination, Park City’s three ski areas will host much of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The historic Main Street has a museum, galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Hogle Zoo
2600 Sunnyside Ave.
801-582-1631
This wonderful zoo has more than 1,300 animals in exhibits spread out over a large, spacious area.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
January
First Night Salt Lake City
Location: Downtown
Held December 31st from 6pm to midnight
801-359-5118
Admission Charged
First Night is a New Year’s Eve Celebration of the Arts, with music, art, theatre, dance, fireworks, and kid’s activities held in indoor and outdoor venues. There are two fireworks shows; the early bird’s Children’s Fireworks at 9:00 PM, and the classic midnight Fireworks Finale.
April
Salt Lake City Marathon & 5K- Run, Bump and Boogie
Location: Starting line is at the Olympic Legacy Bridge at the University of Utah, the site of the 2002 Winter Olympic Athlete Village
Held end of April
801-412-6060
Admission Charged for marathon and 5K run, free to watch
The Salt Lake City Marathon & 5K is certified and sanctioned through USATF, and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The 26.2 mile scenic downhill course makes it an appealing run for a wide range of entrants. Entry classes will include open, masters and wheelchair divisions and will have 17 age divisions. Top runners from around the world will enjoy crisp, cool running weather in April, in a setting that surrounds them with snow-capped peaks contrasting with spring blossoms, all along a flat and slightly downhill 26.2 mile course. The gentle course skirts the base of the towering Wasatch Mountains, passes by cozy neighborhoods and elegant estates, and winds through Salt Lake’s legendary wide streets, into the city center. The music rocks and crowds of enthusiastic spectators cheer participants on, all the way to the electric finish at the Olympic Legacy Plaza at The Gateway, in downtown Salt Lake.
VegFest
Location: Plaza of the downtown public library
Usually held end of April
801-355-3320
Admission Free
Some of Utah’s best live music is featured; along with jugglers, face painting, bounce houses, some of the best vegan (meat and dairy free) food around.
May
Prehistory Week
Location: Various venues in Salt Lake City
Usually held early May
801-533-3529
Celebrate Utah’s diverse and fascinating prehistory at events statewide. During Prehistory Week you can participate in tours, demonstrations, lectures, workshops, and hands-on archaeology.
Masonic Open House
Location: Masonic Center
Usually held mid May
650 East South Temple
801-450-1421
Free & Accepted Masons cordially invites the public to attend their annual open house which includes tours of the historic Masonic Center.
Iris (flower) Show
Location: Sugarhouse Garden Center
1602 East 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Held on a Saturday in mid May and a Saturday at the end of May
The iris has sometimes been called the poor man’s orchid; however, people from all walks of life enjoy these beautiful flowers. The newer irises that have been developed in recent years are quite different in texture, form and color than the irises that were developed years ago. The first show features early blooming iris and the second show features later blooming iris. Both shows are judged.
June
Salute Our Military Day
Location: Hogle Zoo
Usually held the last week of June
801-584-1729
As a thank you to all who serve in the United States military, Utah’s Hogle Zoo hosts “Military Appreciation Week”. All military personnel and their immediate family (spouse and dependent children) receive free admission to Utah’s Hogle Zoo.
November
Psychic Fridays
Location: Great Salt Lake Marina
Held Friday, Saturday and Sundays in November
801-252-9336
Enjoy live music and nightly events every Friday and Saturday nights. Get a psychic reading on Friday night. Sunday Football from 10:30am-3:00pm weekly.
Special Olympics Utah Fall Sports Classic
Location: Utah State University
Held end of November
801-363-1111
More than 700 Special Olympics athletes participate in basketball, bocce, aquatics, gymnastics and power lifting.
December
Festival of Trees
Location: South Towne Expo Center
Usually held early December
801-588-3674.
The Festival of Trees is magic! With over 700 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, playhouses, centerpieces, and gingerbread houses, the South Towne Expo center becomes a magical wonderland.
Arts & Entertainment
Dance
Ballet West
50 West 200 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-323-6900
Call for performance schedules
Admission Charged
Ballet West ranks among the premier professional ballet companies in the United States. With 45 dancers, the company strives to bring new levels of excellence to ballet through innovative choreography, and to present balanced programs that represent a wide range of ballet styles and viewpoints.
Utah Opera
50 West 200 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-323-6868
Season runs October – May
Call for schedule of performances
Admission Charged
Symphony
Utah Symphony
Abravanel Hall
123 W. South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-533-NOTE (6683)
Call for schedule of performances
Admission Charged
Founded in 1940, the Utah Symphony has become a vital presence on the American music scene through its distinctive performances worldwide and its well-known recording legacy. The orchestra became recognized as a leading ensemble largely through the efforts of Maurice Abravanel, it’s Music Director from 1947 to 1979.
Theatre
Hale Centre Theatre
3333 South Decker Lake Drive (2200 west)
West Valley City, UT 84119
801-984-9000
Call for performance schedule
Admission Charged
Hale Centre Theatre performs comedies and musicals year-round and is Utah’s highest attended live theatre.
Off Broadway Theatre
272 South Main St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-355-4628
Call for performance schedule
Admission Charged
Home of Utah’s long-running improv comedy troupe, Laughing Stock and known as Utah’s wackiest place for great parodies, comedies, and musicals.
Repertory Dance Theatre
Located in downtown Salt Lake City
801-534-1000
Call for performance schedule
Admission Charged
Founded in 1966, RDT is America’s premiere modern dance repertory company.
Broadway in Utah
610 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
801-355-5502
Call for performance schedule
Admission Charged
Touring Broadway shows are presented at this theater.
Pioneer Theatre Company
300 South 1400 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-6961
Season runs from September to May, call for performance schedule.
Admission Charged
Utah’s professional theatre company performs Broadway-quality plays; from classic to contemporary to world premieres plus large-scale musicals.
Sports
Utah Jazz
Professional Basketball (NBA)
Games play at the Delta Center
801-355-DUNK
Season runs October – April
Sal Lake Buzz
Minor League Baseball
Games played at Franklin Covey Field
801-485-3800
Call for additional information
Utah Starzz
Professional Women’s Basketball
Games played at the Delta Center
801-355-DUNK
Season is in the fall
Utah Grizzlies
Professional Hockey
Games played at the “E” Center
801-988-8000
Season runs October – April