Whether you’re a believer or not, there’s no doubt that the Mormon faith is essential to understanding what makes Salt Lake City tick. It’s the reason the place exists, founded by Brigham Young, and the driving force behind many of its landmarks, both physical and, cultural.
However. there’s a whole other side to the area, one that finds its expression in the liberal arts and culture, the success of hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics and the chilled and unhurried vibe of a town at ease with itself.
A fascinating past
The founding of Salt Lake City makes for a fascinating story and there are numerous ways to learn about what life was once like here. Wheeler Historic Farm is a great place to start. Open since 1886, you can watch blacksmiths at work before you get involved in churning butter, milking cows and even feeding the animals.
To see what life was like here before the humans arrived, venture into the city’s breathtaking and state-of-the-art Natural History Museum. It’s housed in the Rio Tinto Center, which is worth a visit not least for how it has been made to blend in with the local copper-tinged mountains.
Inside there are brilliant dinosaur displays, while more recent exhibits cover Native American history. If you want yet more paleontology while you’re here, the Museum of Ancient Life is excellent too, giving children the chance to unearth bones and learn about fossils.
To find out more about the Mormon faith, head to Temple Square in the heart of the city and join one of the free guided tours. Led by missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you’ll learn about the city’s key landmarks including Salt Lake Temple and the Tabernacle.
Salt Lake City ski resorts
The landscape around Salt Lake City is unique – the salt flats have a lunar feel, while the snow-capped peaks tempt winter sport lovers from all over the globe. Head for Ensign Peak, a lovely place to take a stroll and where Brigham Young looked down to plan the city and church he founded. Look out for Lake Blanche, Grandeur Peak and Mount Timpanogos – known as Timp and the most-climbed mountain in all of Utah.
Skiers are spoiled for choice. There are four resorts close to the city – Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude – and five more only an hour’s drive away. There are runs for all abilities and numerous other snow-based activities. There’s a reason they call it ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ and Salt Lake has earned the sobriquet ‘Ski City’.
Farmer’s markets and more
Time for some après-ski. There’s a new-found confidence to the food scene in SLC, with vibrant farmer’s markets, cutting-edge coffee joints and the rise of food trucks spearheading a new wave. Some staples are still going strong – Red Iguana is the locals’ beloved spot for Mexican, while Ruth’s Diner has been serving up biscuits and gravy since 1930.
Whether you’re learn more about the fascinating history of the local area or to marvel at the unique and beautiful landscape, you can see it all with ease with car rental in Salt Lake City from Hertz.
