Salt Lake City is a fascinating place for history lovers. With its roots in the Mormon migration, the city offers a blend of spiritual landmarks, pioneering stories, and Olympic memories. What makes it particularly special is how these layers of history are woven into the city’s landscape—from the impressive Temple Square to the Olympic venues in nearby Park City. We especially recommend the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour for its engaging overview of downtown Salt Lake City’s diverse past and present. Whether you’re interested in religious history, architecture, or modern culture, Salt Lake’s stories are easy to access and deeply worthwhile.
For those who want to combine history with a bit of adventure, a visit to the 2002 Olympic venues is hard to beat. The From Salt Lake City: Park City & Olympic Heritage Excursion introduces visitors to Utah’s Olympic legacy along with charming mountain scenery. If you’re pressed for time but want a deep dive into Salt Lake’s pioneer past, the Private Tour Through Salt Lake Historical Roots offers a personalized look at the city’s early days. Lastly, for a more relaxed, neighborhood-focused experience, the Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion showcases Salt Lake’s diverse communities and architectural highlights. Each of these tours has its own charm and focus, making Salt Lake City a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts.
1. Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour
Starting with one of the most popular options, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour offers a solid introduction to the city’s evolution. Priced at $39 per person, this 3-hour stroll explores downtown Salt Lake City, focusing on landmarks like Temple Square, a sprawling 10-acre complex owned by the LDS Church, which is both a spiritual and historical hub. The tour also visits Pioneer Park in the Rio Grande neighborhood, where stories of the Mormon pioneers unfold, and Vivint Arena, a venue that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. Visitors adore the engaging narration about the influence of Mormon settlers, modern culture, and the arts scene.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of key sights and storytelling, making history accessible and lively. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview without spending too much time or money. The reviews, averaging 4.7/5 from 47 travelers, confirm the tour’s quality. At just $39, it offers excellent value, giving you a taste of Salt Lake City’s past and present in a friendly, compact format.
Bottom line: For a practical, affordable introduction to Salt Lake City’s history and culture, this guided walk is hard to beat, especially if you’re short on time.
2. From Salt Lake City: Park City & Olympic Heritage Excursion
At number two on our list, the From Salt Lake City: Park City & Olympic Heritage Excursion is the only full-day tour dedicated to Utah’s Olympic story. For $129 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring the venues that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, including Utah Olympic Park, where athletes trained and competed. The tour also takes you to Park City, a charming mountain town transformed from a mining settlement into a top ski resort, with plenty of time to explore Main Street.
This tour is perfect for sports fans and history buffs alike. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable guide, John, who shares insightful details about each Olympic site, like the bobsleigh and ski jumping venues, and the town’s fascinating turnaround. During the ride, you’ll see iconic spots like Gallivan Center and Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the opening ceremonies took place. The inclusion of Utah Olympic Park, with its training facilities, makes this a comprehensive Olympic-themed day.
For $129, you get an immersive experience that combines history, sports, and scenic mountain views. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full, active day with plenty of stories behind Utah’s Olympic triumphs.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for Olympic history lovers and active travelers eager for a full day exploring Utah’s winter sports legacy.
3. Park City & Olympic Heritage Excursion
Relive the 2002 Winter Olympics on this Park City & Olympic Heritage Excursion, also priced at $129. It focuses on key venues like Rice-Eccles Stadium, the site of the opening ceremonies, and Utah Olympic Park, where visitors can see where bobsleigh, skeleton, luge, and ski jumping events happened. This tour stands out because it offers a personalized experience, with a detailed narration of the Olympics’ legacy, combined with free time to explore Park City’s historic district.
The tour includes a stop at the Gallivan Center and an extensive visit to Utah Olympic Park, where you may see training sessions or even try out some of the attractions. The highlight is the chance to understand how the Olympic venues have been repurposed and remain operational for training and competitions today. Guests comment on the guide’s expertise and the scenic mountain backdrop. It is a perfect choice for active travelers and sports enthusiasts, especially those interested in Olympic history and mountain scenery.
At 8 hours long, this tour offers a full day of exploration, balancing history, culture, and spectacular views. It’s excellent if you want to connect Utah’s Olympic past with its scenic present.
Bottom line: For a comprehensive Olympic-focused day combining history, scenery, and local charm, this tour hits the mark.
4. Private Tour Through Salt Lake Historical Roots
For a more personalized experience, the Private Tour Through Salt Lake Historical Roots offers a tailored look at the city’s founding and early days. At $79 per person for about 5 hours, this private option is ideal for travelers wanting a deep dive into Salt Lake’s pioneer past. Your guide will take you through This is the Place Heritage Park, where Brigham Young declared “This is the place,” and explore the city’s historic streets with preserved pioneer architecture.
This tour emphasizes the journey from the first Mormon settlers arriving in 1847 to the hotel of Salt Lake City as the state capital. It includes stops at the Salt Lake Temple (currently under reconstruction), the Union Pacific Depot, and the Utah State Capitol, offering insights into how faith, perseverance, and vision built this city. Because it’s private, the schedule and focus can be customized, which appeals to history enthusiasts who want an in-depth, relaxed experience.
Although reviews are currently unavailable, the personalized approach and visit to key landmarks make it a strong choice for history-minded travelers. It’s best suited for those who appreciate flexibility and detailed storytelling.
Bottom line: If you prefer a tailored, intimate tour that focuses on Salt Lake’s pioneer roots, this private option offers a memorable, immersive experience.
$79.00 per person
5. Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion
Finally, the Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion offers a leisurely exploration of Salt Lake’s neighborhoods. At approximately 2 to 3 hours and $31.50, it’s the most budget-friendly option, perfect for those who want a relaxed, neighborhood-centric experience. This small-group tour focuses on local stories, architecture, and cultural landmarks, like the FamilySearch Center, Devereaux Mansion, and Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake.
This tour provides a personalized feel, with stops that highlight Salt Lake’s diverse communities. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in the city’s social fabric, architectural styles, and local stories. The guide’s insights help visitors appreciate how neighborhoods like Greek Town and Little Italy shaped the city’s character.
While it’s not as comprehensive as longer tours, it offers a more intimate look at Salt Lake’s cultural mosaic. It’s a great choice for travelers on a tighter schedule or those wanting to focus on community and architecture.
Bottom line: If you prefer a short, relaxed walk with a focus on neighborhoods and local culture, this tour is a smart, affordable pick.
$31.50 per person
How to Choose the Right Historical Tour
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and what aspects of history excite you most. If you’re eager to get a broad overview and see key downtown sights, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour is a perfect fit. For Olympic history and scenic mountain views, the Park City & Olympic Heritage Excursion offers a full day of exploration. If you prefer a flexible, personalized experience, the Private Tour Through Salt Lake Historical Roots provides depth and customization. Lastly, for a quick, neighborhood-focused walk, the Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour is ideal.
Think about your fitness level and interest—if you love physical activity, tours with outdoor venues like Olympic Park are perfect. For those with limited time, shorter tours still pack a punch with rich stories and iconic sights. Booking early is always wise, especially during peak travel seasons or when tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City offers a wide array of historical tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For a comprehensive downtown overview, the walking tour is a solid choice. History lovers eager to explore Olympic venues will enjoy the full-day excursions, while those seeking a personal touch might prefer the private option. Budget travelers need not worry—shorter tours still deliver engaging stories and cultural insights.
No matter which tour you pick, diving into Salt Lake City’s past will deepen your appreciation for this uniquely layered city. Make your reservations in advance to secure the best times, and enjoy uncovering the stories that make Salt Lake City such a compelling destination.