Located near one of the world’s largest saltwater lakes, this city is renowned for its fascinating religious history and beautiful scenery.
Salt Lake City is the capital of the U.S. state of Utah, and is nicknamed “The Crossroads of the West” due to its location. Known locally as SLC, it is situated between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.
Founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers such as Brigham Young, SLC is strongly associated with the faith of its founders to this day. Indeed, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church’s official title) still has its centre of operations here. You can learn about this faith by visiting the Church History Museum, or walking around the imposing Salt Lake Temple on Temple Square.
In addition to its faith-based heritage, SLC also has a lot to offer. Children and the young-at-heart will enjoy Clark Planetarium and the Living Planet Aquarium, while art connoisseurs will find much of interest at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Built in an attractive Italian Renaissance style, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is a top destination for food aficionados due its fine eateries, while the ornately designed Salt Lake Public Library Main Building and the fascinating Natural History Museum of Utah are also on many visitors’ to-do lists.
The fine, dry snow of the Wasatch Mountains is perfect for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Hiking along the heights and beside the many lakes is a popular pastime during the warmer months, while the trail to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument is another favourite among hillwalkers. For more laid-back summertime activities, why not go fishing in Utah Lake State Park or enjoy your enhanced natural buoyancy in the salt water of the Great Salt Lake?
Getting around is easy on the public transport network, which includes a Free Fare Zone in the city centre, and there are plenty of shuttles to the ski resorts during the season. If you'd prefer to venture a little off the beaten track, renting a car is the best option.
Salt Lake City welcomes a diverse range of visitors throughout the year, with its range of scenic destinations, high-quality art and culture, and its unique faith-based history.