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Exploring Salt Lake City: Top-5 Sights to See and Admire

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Salt Lake is the capital city of the State of Utah, USA. The spot is surrounded by the snow-capped Wasatch Range. The rest of the territory borders the Great Salt Lake. SLC is the largest metropolitan area in Utah with a population of 200 000 people.

It lies higher than other cities in the area. The first tourists’ question might sound like: “Where is Salt Lake City located?”. It is situated at the southeastern edge of the Great Salt Lake. 

What is SLC Famous for?

There are a few characteristic traits that this American city is often associated with. They are like pieces of a puzzle. If you gather the parts together, you’ll get a wonderful picture of Salt Lake City. 

Skiing and snowboarding

SLC is a desirable destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. The city is jam-packed with first-class ski tracks. There are 4 ski resorts nearabout the neighborhood. 

A few little tips

  • Before heading off to the ski resorts tourists are strongly advised to stay at SLC for a night. It’ll help to avoid elevation sickness that might appear due to the altitude difference and the lack of oxygen.
  • If you travel with a big company or entire family, hire a 12-passenger van rental in Salt Lake City. The best decision is to rent a 12-passenger van online before leaving for a trip. In this case, you will be able to choose the best variant in terms of price, car model, and conditions of a deal. To check the booking, pay the fee, and add or cancel details of the order, download Rental24h app

KFC

Salt Lake is the city where the first iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken or in brief KFC appeared. Are you a big fan of iconic crispy and juicy chicken fried drumsticks, wings, or breasts? You are welcome to the first KFC fast-food restaurant. It was launched here in 1952 and it still works at 3890 S. State Street, Salt Lake City.

Sundance Film Festival

Salt Lake City is a home of the well-known Sundance film festival which has been held in Salt Lake annually for 40 years. Both the experienced cinema-goers and first-timers can enjoy second to none documentaries, feature and short-length films. Plus, you can attend numerous panel discussions, daily filmmakers’ conversations, and a variety of other events. Make reservations for the upcoming Film Festivals here.

The North Shore Monster

One more pep of the place is a mythological monster that is believed to live here. The creature has the head of a crocodile and the body of a horse. Though it has quite a weird look, locals adore it. They are proud of the legend of the North Shore Monster. The mystical living thing has become the symbol of SLC.

The Salt Lake

And, of course, the most visited spot of this part of the USA is an awe-inspiring saltwater lake that gave the name to the city. SLC offers its visitors an array of cultural activities, historical sights, diverse restaurants, and numerous outdoor adventures, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking. Here is the site for online booking a great Salt Lake tour.

The Utah Jazz 

Is basketball really your thing? Then you’ll be glad to know that SLC is the home of an American professional basketball team. Visit the town during the NBA basketball season to witness the Utah Jazz game playing.

Major Attractions in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has much to offer to a visitor. It is overwhelmed with sights to be attended. We compiled a bucket list of the most impressive, fun-filled, educative, attractions. So, let’s get started and get off for a Salt Lake City sightseeing tour.

Temple Square

Salt Lake City is closely associated with Mormons. The majority of them arrived here in the times of mass migration in 1847. Located in the downtown Temple Square is a whole complex of buildings, churches, temples and other religious institutions. It consists of 5 city blocks.

Every year nearly 5 million tourists come to see the epic sight of Salt Lake. Temple Square often hosts concerts, conferences, and other Salt Lake City outdoor events. The main landmarks of the district are:

  • Family Search Center;
  • South Visitor Center;
  • Salt Lake Tabernacle;
  • Beehive House.

The area is enclosed by urban gardens and parks that occupy 14 hectares. The neighborhood sinks in bloom. About 250 flower beds with more than 165,000 plants create incredibly beautiful scenery. But what is more jaw-dropping is that the gardens are redesigned and replanted every 6 months. During Christmas holidays the entire territory is beautifully lightened with 100,000 Christmas lights.

Red Butte Garden

If you haven’t decided what to do near Salt Lake City, grab your family and make your way to Red Butte Garden. The place consists of 3 parts: arboretum, amphitheater, and a botanical garden. There are a lot of activities for every visitor to be occupied with. Here you and your family can do the following things: 

  • Visit a school where you can learn gardening.
  • Walk along 5 miles of hiking trails.
  • Enjoy 21 acres of display gardens.
  • Attend a wide choice of exhibitions.
  • Admire over 500,000 blooming bulbs in spring.
  • Set off for a bird-watching walk.
  • To take a free tram tour via the garden area.
  • To have a picnic with your family or friends. 

The gardens are open all year round. A half-price entrance fee is available in December, January, and February.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

A natural landmark is 22 miles away from Salt Lake International Airport. It will take you no more than 25 minutes to get there. The major pros of going there are as follows:

  • the best of the best ski-resorts;
  • second to none rock climbing routes;
  • mountain biking trails;
  • picturesque hiking routes.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a perfect place for riding a bike, going for a picnic, hiking, climbing the rocks, camping, fishing and tons of other activities.

And as a bonus every tourist receives a dazzling vista of rocks and canyon mountain lakes Martha, Mary, and Katherine. The unique nature of Big Cottonwood Canyon is full of rare plant species. Only here you can accidentally come across a tiny, humid, but very beautiful flower called Wasatch shooting star.

National History Museum of Utah

Utah’s History Museum offers visitors numerous exhibitions. Displays include diverse geological, biological, and cultural collections. One of the exhibits is devoted to Salt Lake which is the major landmark of the city. Via hands-on interactives the sounds, smells, and panoramic views of the Salt Lake are vividly rendered.

Utah State Capitol

The prominent sight of the city is the Utah State Capitol. The lawmakers and senators used to gather here. When you reach the destination, don’t forget to buy a guided tour held from Monday to Friday. Include the attendance of the Capitol into the Salt Lake to-do list and enjoy visiting the most distinguished landmarks of the city.

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