As summer vacations begin for many Americans, certain destinations stick out among the rest. Among the top destinations of choice is Temple Square in Salt Lake City. 

According to Forbes magazine, Temple Square ranks 16^th overall among America’s most visited tourist attractions. The 35-acre complex in downtown Salt Lake City houses the official headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sites of interest include two large interactive visitor centers, historic buildings, the Church Office Building and the Salt Lake Temple. 

Temple Square is home to the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and center stage for the radio and television broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. The 30 minute-program has run weekly since July, 1929. 

Forbes ranked Times Square in New York City as America’s top tourist attraction, followed by the Las Vegas Strip and the National Mall in Washington.  In addition, Temple Square ranked first among religious sites and is the top location of interest for visitors to the state of Utah. 

Temple Square, though popular among Latter-day Saints, also attracts many who do not espouse the faith. Visitors have the option of participating in guided tours hosted by LDS missionaries.  The tours integrate both historical and doctrinal teachings that provide visitors with a glimpse of what the Church is all about. 

“I think Temple Square is a great attraction for people visiting Salt Lake and looking for a brief summary of Church teachings,” said sophomore Drew Mecham. “The Spirit is there, the people who visit it often feel it, but there are also many other historical sites that we can learn from.  Missionaries at Temple Square do a good job in the advancement of missionary work abroad.”

According to LDS Newsroom approximately 5 million people visited Temple Square last year. 

Temple Square is also a popular location for those critical of the Church. Visitors during the Church’s semi-annual General Conference often encounter anti-Mormon protestors waving signs, distributing tracts and voicing their objections.  Though protestors are present, Latter-day Saints are often encouraged to treat them respectfully.  When BYU-Idaho’s Priesthood Choir participated in the conference in April, Director Kevin Brower called upon all choir members to avoid the temptation to debate with protestors. 

Tyler Andersen

scroll staff

For more information about Temple Square visit www.visittemplesquare.com