Salt Lake City

One of the most spectacular natural history museums you will find. — Fodor's

The largest genealogical research center in the world, with access to mountains of antiquated records. — Afar Magazine

It is said that as Brigham Young and his party crested the Wasatch Range and descended Emigration Canyon in 1847, Young gazed upon the Salt Lake Valley and said, "This is the place." — Michelin Guide

Permanent collections of tribal, Western and modern art. — Lonely Planet

Houses a variety of artifacts and works of art relating to the history and doctrine of the Mormon faith. — Fodor's

The Tracy Aviary is the oldest of its kind in the US; home to more than 130 species of birds, the aviary also features a number of programs and exhibitions. — Afar Magazine

On the National Register of Historic Places... owned and operated by the Mormon Church. — Fodor's

The Utah State Capitol, considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival style in the West, rests on a hill in a beautifully landscaped 40-acre park. — Frommer's

The official home of Brigham Young and his large family from 1854 to 1877, this beautifully restored National Historic Landmark is filled with period furnishings. — Michelin Guide

Spread across a semi-arid hillside above the university, extending through a snowmelt-fed canyon, these 150-acre gardens preserve wildflowers, shrubs and trees (1,500 species), and cultivated gardens. — Michelin Guide

This pleasantly landscaped 10-acre plot is the hub of downtown Salt Lake City and the heart of the Mormon faith. — Michelin Guide

This massive collection traces the history of Mormon settlers in 38 rooms. — Fodor's

This state-of-the-art planetarium presents laser light shows and big-screen movies in Utah's only 3-D IMAX theater. — Frommer's

Skating may not be as wildly popular as skiing or snowboarding in Utah, though SLC is outfitted with a few fantastic indoor and outdoor skating rinks. — Afar Magazine

The Tracy Aviary, located in the southwest corner of Liberty Park, delights bird-lovers with winged creatures from all over the world. — Lonely Planet

Big Cottonwood Canyon, located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is home to two ski resorts and is also a popular hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking area. — U.S. News & World Report

The region's premier children's museum has three floors of lively hands-on experiences. — Fodor's

Built by silver-mining tycoon Thomas Kearns in 1902, this limestone structure—reminiscent of a French château with all its turrets and balconies—is now the official residence of Utah's governor. — Fodor's

The centerpiece and spiritual capital of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Salt Lake Temple is a sacred pilgrimage destination for members of the faith. — Fodor's