Where should I go in Utah to experience the Mormon life?

Question

I've been intrigued by the LDS religion for some time (not because I want to join, I just think it's interesting), so naturally I want to see what Utah is like. I'm not sure where all I should go, though. I'd fly into Salt Lake City and visit Provo, and I'd also like to see Ogden. But where else? Should I rent a car and drive around? If so, what other places should I visit to satiate my fascination with Mormonism and Utah?

Answer 1

Rent a car in SL

Go to Logan.

Stay at the Bridgerland Motel.

Set out on foot and hike up the hill to USU. Hang out in the library and student union.

Visit the stores on the main street and talk to the people.

Attend a worship service at any Stake House on Sunday.

Visit the catherdral but don't expect to attend a service there.

Visit one of the non-mormon churches on Sunday to see how they handle being in the minority.

Good luck...I spent four years there as a non-mormon. It was great for the education and for the beautiful scenery. But, if you aren't interested in converting, my experience showed you will be really limited in making lasting friendships and romance can't even be considered.

Oh, if you do go to USU's Library, please visit the "Special Collections" section. They have many old historical documents there that make for fascinating reading and the room is furnished with 1800's period furniture. (Read old and uncomfortable but fitting.) Wow, did you bring back some memories!

Also, you may want to read Kathleen Flake's book before you go. She is a brilliant Mormon woman who has looked at their culture from all perspectives. She revived my faith in humanity for her kindness and wisdom even though I don't believe in her religion at all. She teaches theology at Vanderbilt and wrote about the church's separation from polygamy.

Answer 2

If you are visiting Utah, visit Park City, which is beautiful. While your there you can go to the Alpine Slide (In the summer) and now they have a outdoor roller coaster, which I believe is open now, which is where you zip along the trees. There is also a Zip Line, where you can go up to about 65mph, zipping down the mountain. If you are visiting in winter, trying skiing at the Canyons (again in Park City), and if you are a beginner skier or snowboarder they have really good lessons and good beginner runs. My recommendation is to visit temple square, possibly see the Joseph Smith movie, (at the square) which is a great movie, and it will help satisfy your curiosity and to go to the visiter center, check out Park City, Provo, including going bowling at BYU, and checking out its awesome book store, and Zion National Park, and you'll be able to experience the true Utahan experience. Go there and have fun!

But, you don't have to be in Utah to experience the LDS religion. Most towns have a local congregation of the religion, and these wards and branches have parties and dinners several times a year.

Answer 3

Definitely take a day and visit Downtown Salt Lake City's Temple Square. Stop by the Joseph Smith Memorial building to see the film, "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Resortation." I worked on it as crew and it's an amazing film that will highlight our beliefs!

Here's The Place State Park is East of downtown and is a great historical place to visit.

Check out www.utah.org or www.lds.org for more info! Have fun!

Answer 4

I went to college in Utah. I did not have a car so i pretty much bummed rides off of friends or took a bus. The last mnth i was there i rented a car and drove all over the state. I dont know how much time you have, but you should go to more than one place. one thing that did bother me though and it might not happen to you, but since i am not Mormon, they would not allow me into the temple. I thought that was odd. anyways Utah is very nice and i hope you enjoy your trip. you might want to check this out
http://www.visitutah.org/genealogy.htm

Answer 5

While you are in Salt Lake City, you will want to go to Temple Square. There you will find missionaries willing to show you around and tell you all that you would like to know about the LDS religion. Also, there is a visitor's center there that has all kinds of information about the history of the church and basic beliefs and practices.

Answer 6

In my opinion, Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City is a great place to start learning about my faith. Believe me, there are plenty of eager missionaries who will be glad to fill you in on our beliefs. On the other hand, only about half the people who live in Salt Lake City are member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I guess it’s a pretty good place to live, so a lot of non-Mormons have moved in. You might get a better look at how ordinary church members live in some of the smaller towns, such as Provo (home of Brigham Young University) or nearby Orem. Both towns have a higher percentage of Mormons than Salt Lake City.
But has it occurred to you that you don’t have to go to Utah to learn about my faith? There are literally thousands of members in every state of the union, and in most foreign countries. The church sends missionaries wherever they can legally preach the gospel, so today there are more member of the church living outside the United States than living here in the good ol’ USA.
You can go to this website to find a congregation near your home.
http://www.mormon.org/question/worship/1,8578,797-1,00.html
Visitors are welcome to attend our services any Sunday.

Answer 7

I think you can learn about them wherever you are. If you are interested in sites I think that whole temple square area is great. If you really want to know the beliefs and history that whole area will help you know. I have seen Utah and I think it is okay. but kind of boring. If you like shopping park city is great. Well good luck.

Answer 8

Not just Utah. Nevada, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, North Carolina, Arizona....

Answer 9

Don't miss Mount Zion National Park..it is gorgeous. Still enough Mormons around to satisfy your fascination, but lots of spectacular natural formations.

Answer 10

The whole state,go downtown to the temple and start from there ask anone while visiting and they will tell you all that u want to know