Crossroads of the West: What Makes Visiting Salt Lake City So Appealing

Salt Lake City is often referred to as the "Crossroads of the West," but that description doesn’t really give you a true sense of what makes it so appealing. It is a vibrant and unique destination that blends history, culture, natural beauty, and a host of modern attractions.

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From its deep-rooted religious significance to a thriving arts scene, plus easy access to world-class outdoor adventures, Salt Lake City offers something for everyone.

Whether you're drawn to its theaters, and want to take in some plays in Salt Lake City or want to immerse yourself in its history, or surrounding landscapes, the city's charm is undeniable.

Here’s why Salt Lake City should be on your travel radar.

A place with a rich history and great cultural significance

From its original foundation in 1847 by Brigham Young and other Mormon pioneers, Salt Lake City has a unique heritage that still influences its culture DNA today.

This is evidenced by the fact that the city serves as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and visitors can explore its historical significance at Temple Square. This 10-acre complex features the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Family History Library, which is one of the world’s largest genealogical research centers. You don’t have to be a person of this faith to appreciate the architecture and history, which is why this area is a must-see.

It is also worth remembering that beyond its religious significance, Salt Lake City played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. The city's nickname, "Crossroads of the West," stems from its pivotal location in trade and transportation. This is an aspect that continues to shape its identity today.

If you are interested in the country’s history, Salt Lake City has to be part of your itinerary.

Enjoy a thriving theatre and arts scene

You will quickly discover that Salt Lake City has an extremely dynamic arts scene, making it a hub for creatives and performers. If you love the performing arts, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Salt Lake City boasts several outstanding theatres that rival the quality of Broadway. A good example of this would be the Eccles Theater, a state-of-the-art venue that hosts national Broadway tours, concerts, and performances.

For those who appreciate smaller productions, the Hale Center Theater is a good showcase for what can be viewed as a thriving theater scene at every level.

Plenty of art galleries and museums to appreciate

If you are an art lover, you are in for a treat when you come to Salt Lake City. You can spend hours exploring the city’s many galleries and museums, such as the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of over 20,000 works spanning global cultures and centuries.

Alternatively, the Urban Arts Gallery showcases contemporary and local artists, often featuring street art, murals, and innovative installations. If you want a more immersive experience, check out the Utah Arts Festival, which is held annually in June. This multi-day event features live music, visual arts, film screenings, and hands-on activities.

A world of outdoor adventure at your fingertips

Salt Lake City’s close proximity to the Wasatch Mountains makes it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, or mountain biking, there’s an adventure waiting for you just minutes drive from a downtown location.

If you are a skiing and snowboarding enthusiast, taking a trip to Salt Lake City in the winter is a must. The good news is that the city is within an hour’s drive of some of the best ski resorts in the world, including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Park City. The snow conditions in this region are renowned for delivering light, fluffy powder. Skiing and snowboarding in these conditions is a unique and highly pleasurable experience.

Take advantage of the summer months to go hiking and biking

Once you have had your winter fun, and when the snow melts, the mountains transform into a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Popular trails like Donut Falls, Lake Blanche, and Ensign Peak offer stunning views and a range of options at varying difficulty levels. If you’re into mountain biking, for example, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail provides miles of scenic terrain to explore.

Don’t Miss out on the Great Salt Lake

No trip to Salt Lake City is complete without visiting its namesake, the Great Salt Lake. This massive inland sea offers some truly unique experiences, from floating in its salty waters to spotting wildlife at Antelope Island State Park.

You will also discover that the sunsets here are breathtaking, which is what makes it such a great spot to wind down after a day of exploring.

Discover a vibrant food scene 

Make no mistake, Salt Lake City’s culinary landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. It is very much a place that blends diverse flavors and offers you a choice of innovative chefs.

To give you a flavor of what’s on offer, here are some must-try experiences:

Red Iguana – A legendary Mexican restaurant known for its incredible and distinctive sauces.

Pago – A farm-to-table eatery that highlights the best of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Pie Pizzeria – This is a local favorite for all deep-dish and classic pizza lovers.

It is also worth saying that the craft beer scene is also thriving despite Utah’s strict liquor laws. Breweries like Epic Brewing, Fisher Brewing Company, and Uinta Brewing offer some great locally crafted options that are well worth trying.

Lots of family-friendly attractions to choose from

Salt Lake City is certainly a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of attractions that appeal to all ages.

If you like to visit a zoo with the kids, Hogle Zoo fits the bill. It is home to hundreds of animals and a great place for kids to learn about wildlife conservation. In a similar vein, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers a great day out. It features marine life, exotic birds, and hands-on exhibits.

As you can see, Salt Lake City is one of those iconic and unique destinations that offers year-round appeal. Whether you visit in winter for skiing, in summer for hiking, or during the fall and spring for arts and culture festivals, there’s always something exciting happening.

Salt Lake City is a place where history, culture, and nature come together in a unique and exciting way. There are literally hundreds of reasons why visiting the "Crossroads of the West" should be at the top of your list of planned trips.