State Capitol, Salt Lake City

State Capitol, Salt Lake City (must see)

Utah's spectacular State Capitol building is a bit of an uphill hike from the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, but well worth the effort. Take in the breathtaking mountain views from the front steps, then head inside to see the state's history unspool through the glorious artwork adorning the walls and ceiling of the cavernous atrium. Traditional architecture built with a variety of stone and other materials, as well as a very open interior, makes this building quite an experience to visit.

Utah history is dramatized in large murals and canvasses, while the dome ceiling is painted with seagulls – the official state bird since 1955. Exhibits from all 29 counties are displayed on the ground floor, but the 2nd floor – and especially the Gold Room where visiting celebrities are hosted – should not be missed. Decorated with native bird's eye marble, the room boasts exquisite chandeliers, chairs and a table adorned with gold leaf from Utah mines.

Once the (free) tour is over, you can ponder your thoughts in the quaint outdoor courtyard area or the really neat park on the east side – just walk along one of the trails to get down the hill. Immediately across the street, the visitor center has lots of free brochures, maps, and travel guides for all of Utah, as well lots of awesome and affordable gifts and collectibles.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salt Lake City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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State Capitol on Map

Sight Name: State Capitol
Sight Location: Salt Lake City, USA (See walking tours in Salt Lake City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Salt Lake City, Utah

Create Your Own Walk in Salt Lake City

Create Your Own Walk in Salt Lake City

Creating your own self-guided walk in Salt Lake City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salt Lake City Downtown Walk

Salt Lake City Downtown Walk

Salt Lake City's downtown epitomizes the city's settlement and growth. Renowned for its cleanliness, visitors often praise its meticulously planned layout, reminiscent of a Cartesian graph centered around Temple Square, a sacred site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

In 1847, Brigham Young, leader of Mormon pioneer settlers, designated the site for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Pioneers Trail

Pioneers Trail

After extensive religious persecution in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the Mormon Pioneers made their way westward across the plains and mountains to a spot where Brigham Young said God had designated they should stop and settle. Unlike other social groups (farmers, miners, merchants) who created other western cities, these settlers arrived in Salt Lake Valley as a centrally organized...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour

Historical Buildings Tour

Salt Lake City’s downtown is a good place to view historical buildings and sites, each with its unique story and significance, that reflect the city’s Mormon heritage and more.

One such edifice is the Devereaux Mansion, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture that stands as a testament to the city's prosperous past. The Salt Lake Temple, an iconic symbol of the city and a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles