The Top 14 Historical Sites in Utah!

With a unique religious and geological history, Utah is an exciting place for history buffs. From historic Mormon villages, to fascinating ancient petroglyphs, the Beehive State’s historic sites illustrate its rich past. Unsure as to where you should start? Here are the top 14. 

This is The Place Heritage Park, Salt Lake City, UT

A step back in time to the early pioneer settlement of Utah, This is The Place Heritage Park is historical in nature (like a museum, it includes period buildings and artifacts) and in location. Just adjacent to the park is a monument dedicated to the site where the early Mormon leader Brigham Young declared that the Mormons would permanently settle. 

Golden Spike National Historic Site, Brigham City, UT

Every Utahan knows about the Golden Spike, though most have failed to visit the Golden Spike National Historic Site. Located near Brigham City, this national historic site celebrates where a golden spike was driven in 1896 to celebrate the completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. 

Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT

Perhaps the most popular historic site in Utah, Temple Square encompasses a wide swath of interesting buildings but most notably, the historic Salt Lake City Temple. There, Mormon couples are married and other religious ordinances are performed. 

Alkali Ridge, Monticello, UT

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964, Alkali Ridge is a collection of scattered archaeological remains from the Pueblo people who lived in the area thousands of years ago. Similar to Mesa Verde, the area combines history, intrigue, and the outdoors into one obligatory destination. 

Utah State Capitol Building, Salt Lake City, UT

A majestic, classically-designed building that overlooks the entirety of Salt Lake Valley, the Utah State Capitol Building is just as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside. Although guided tours are available, the main lobby of the building is also open to the public. 

The Governor’s Mansion, Salt Lake City, UT

Built near the end of the 19th century, this historic home has housed Utah’s governor since the late 1970s. Tours of the home are available, though a drive-by is also duly sufficient. 

The Topaz War Relocation Center, Delta, UT

Another National Historic Site, this monument honors the memory of the 11,000 Japanese Americans who were sent to the Topaz War Relocation Center in Delta, Utah during World War II. 

Spring City, UT

Listed on the National Historic Register as a prime example of an agrarian Mormon village, Spring City is now an historic and hip gathering place for artists and farmers alike. 

Bryce Canyon Lodge, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Built in the 1920s using local materials, the Bryce Canyon Lodge is a step back in time to the prime era of American National Parks and continues to draw tourists from across the globe. 

Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Originally known as “Hotel Utah” when it was first built in 1909, in 1983, this historic building reopened as the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Technically located in Temple Square, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is not only stunning from an architectural standpoint, but also offers warmth and nourishment after a chilly evening on the town. 

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Salt Lake City, UT

In a state originally dominated by Mormons, this cathedral dates to the 1870s and was built to house Salt Lake City’s Episcopal congregation that first organized themselves in 1858. The building’s main claim to fame comes in the form of Utah’s oldest pipe organ, which was built in Scotland and dates to 1854

The Beehive House, Salt Lake City, UT

Another specific entity on Temple Square, the Beehive House was one of early Mormon leader Brigham Young’s many Utah homes. Preserved largely in its pioneer state, the house offers a look into what it would have been like to live with Brigham Young while he served as president of the Mormon Church. The Lion House Pantry—the Beehive House’s in-house restaurant—is famous throughout Utah for its down-home cooking. 

Bonneville Salt Flats, Wendover, UT

The Bonneville Salt Flats are historic by definition. Just west of Salt Lake City, these flats are the remnants of the ancient Lake Bonneville that—for thousands of years—covered a majority of northwestern Utah. Now, these otherworldly flats are famous for setting land speed records. 

Capitol Reef Petroglyphs, Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Although there are many petroglyphs in Utah, the petroglyphs in Capitol Reef National Park are particularly accessible. Attributed to the Fremont People, these ancient petroglyphs are just as awe-inspiring as you’d imagine. 

View more Utah Historical Sites.
Share your favorites!
Utah Search
Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
10 North 600 East, Payson, UT
Mission Statement: The mission of People Preserving Peteetneet (PPP); a non-profit, tax exempt, museum and cultural arts center; is to preserve our... Read More
126 East 400 South, Springville, UT
Mission Statement: The purpose of the Springville Museum of Art is to provide quality life-affirming art, cultural and educational opportunities t... Read More
100 E. 700 N., Provo, UT
The Museum of Peoples and Cultures (MPC) is part of Brigham Young University (BYU), an affiliate of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... Read More
North Campus Drive, Provo, UT
Mission Statement:The Museum of Art is a place where the heart and mind are brought together to seek knowledge and values, self-affirmation and spi... Read More
1683 North Canyon Road, Provo, UT
About :The BYU Museum of Paleontology was built in 1976 to prepare, display, and house the rock and dinosaur fossils collected by Dr. James A. Jens... Read More
2201 N Canyon Rd., Provo, UT
Mission :   The Museum of Peoples and Cultures exists to serve the academic mission of BYU and care for the anthropological, archaeologic... Read More
575 East University Parkway North 250, Orem, UT
Mission :  The Woodbury Art Museum serves as a catalyst in engaging our community in aesthetic investigation and cultural awareness. The museu... Read More
18035 West 1540 North, Fairfield, UT
About Us: Used as a strategy by both the Northern and Southern States, Camp Floyd and the Utah War were an attempt to divert the nation's attentio... Read More
18035 W. 1540 N., Fairfield, UT
Believing Mormons were rebelling against the laws of the United States, President James Buchanan dispatched 3,500 troops, nearly one-third of the e... Read More
85 North 100 East, Fairview, UT
The museum is full of historical data, artifacts pictures and artwork. Part of the museum is the Natural History Building which houses a full scale... Read More
55 North Center Street, Lehi, UT
Lehi's John Hutchings Museum of Natural History has its origins in its inquisitive founder, Mr. Hutchings. His collections soon overflowed building... Read More
3003 North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT
The Museum of Ancient Life has the distinction of being the world's largest display of mounted dinosaurs.  Not only will you meet our fierce p... Read More
3003 North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT
Mission Statement:Thanksgiving Point Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit farm, garden, and museum complex that draws upon the natural world to culti... Read More
12597 South 900 East, Draper, UT
History: Martina C. Thompson Sorensen was born Oct. 25, 1859 in Denmark, the only daughter of Parley Thompson and Inger Marie Madsen. She had thre... Read More
10271 South 1300 East, Sandy, UT
The International Model Car Builders' Museum was founded with a simple goal: Preserve the memories of this great hobby for all hobbyists - old and ... Read More
350 West 7615 South, Midvale, UT
Museum Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday - 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Mission Statement: The mission of the Midvale Historical Society & Museum... Read More
35 North Broadway, Tooele, UT
History :  The Tooele Valley Railway was built in 1908 to service the International Smelting and Refining Company. The smelter processed lead, zin... Read More
47 East Vine Street, Tooele, UT
The Tooele Pioneer Museum has been established to collect and display pioneer memorabilia. Our goal is to preserve and illustrate Tooele County's p... Read More
Show More
Select a Utah town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you
Daggett County
Morgan County