The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Utah
Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts eager to explore the interplay of history and innovation. Just a short walk from the bustling downtown lies Temple Square, a 10-acre complex centered around the iconic Salt Lake Temple. Completed in 1893, this striking structure is renowned for its Gothic Revival style, with towering spires and intricate stonework crafted from quartz monzonite. The temple’s design reflects not only religious devotion but also the pioneer spirit of the early Mormon settlers. Visiting here during the late afternoon allows the fading sunlight to cast dramatic shadows across the building’s façade, highlighting its detailed carvings and giving a sense of the craftsmanship that defines much of Utah’s architectural heritage.
About 30 minutes south of Salt Lake City, in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University’s campus offers a different architectural flavor. The distinctive BYU Museum of Art houses a fascinating collection of both classical and contemporary art, but its building itself is an example of modernist design infused with regional elements. Large glass windows and clean lines meet traditional Utah stone, creating an elegant harmony that invites visitors inside to explore. Strolling through the nearby university grounds during spring reveals cherry blossoms framing these structures, adding a seasonal beauty that complements the campus’s thoughtful design.
In the heart of Ogden, roughly 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, the Union Station is a captivating relic of early 20th-century railroad architecture. Built in 1924, this grand Beaux-Arts building served as a hub for travelers during the golden age of railroads. Today, it houses several museums, including the Utah State Railroad Museum, where visitors can witness the elegance of train travel, preserved through restored locomotives and historical exhibits. The high vaulted ceilings and arched windows provide a majestic backdrop for these displays, making it a must-see for those interested in how transportation shaped Utah’s built environment. The best time to visit is on weekends when the station often hosts events that activate the space with music and local vendors.
Further south, in the city of Moab, about 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, lies the Red Cliffs Lodge, a rustic example of Western-style resort architecture that blends seamlessly with the dramatic desert landscape. Set against the backdrop of the Colorado River and towering red rock formations, the lodge’s use of natural materials like timber and stone echoes the rugged terrain. Visitors here can appreciate the thoughtful design while exploring nearby Arches National Park or taking a scenic drive along the Colorado River Scenic Byway. Sunrise is a spectacular time to see the lodge and the surrounding cliffs bathed in warm light, bringing out the textures and colors that inspire the local architectural vernacular.
Just east of the city of Moab, the Arches National Park Visitor Center deserves a mention as a modern architectural gem situated within one of Utah’s most iconic natural landscapes. The Visitor Center’s design focuses on sustainability and blending into its environment, with low-slung roofs and earth-tone materials complementing the red rock formations beyond. The center offers exhibits about the geology and history of the park, making it a perfect starting point for a day of hiking to remarkable arches like Delicate Arch or Landscape Arch. Visiting in the cooler months of spring or fall is ideal to avoid the intense summer heat while enjoying the architectural dialogue between human creation and nature.
In downtown Salt Lake City’s Granary District, contemporary urban renewal meets industrial heritage in an area once dominated by warehouses and factories. Now a lively neighborhood filled with art galleries, breweries, and restaurants, the district showcases adaptive reuse architecture, where old brick buildings have been transformed with modern touches like glass facades and rooftop patios. Visitors can explore the neighborhood on foot, discovering the blend of original structural elements and new design that reflects Salt Lake’s evolving identity. Evening visits are especially rewarding as the warm glow of lights brings life to the brick and steel, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in preserving these historic structures.
About 45 minutes southwest of Salt Lake City, the Utah State Capitol building in Salt Lake City itself stands as an impressive example of Neoclassical architecture set atop Capitol Hill. Its massive dome and Corinthian columns draw inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome, symbolizing the ideals of democracy. Walking the Capitol grounds, visitors can admire the building’s symmetry and the meticulous landscaping that frames it, including seasonal flowerbeds and views overlooking the city below. The interior is equally captivating, with marble floors, hand-painted ceilings, and grand staircases that make for a refined architectural experience. Early fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the changing leaves add bursts of color around the stately structure.
In the southwestern corner of the state, the town of St. George offers a glimpse of early Mormon pioneer architecture alongside modern influences, just about 120 miles south of Las Vegas. The St. George Tabernacle, completed in 1876, is a standout with its red sandstone walls and unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles. The building’s bell tower and arched windows create a striking silhouette against the vivid desert sky. Inside, hand-painted ceilings and period details transport visitors to a different era, reflecting the religious and cultural foundation of southern Utah. The best time to visit is in the cooler winter months when the town’s clear skies and mild temperatures make exploring the historic district a joy.
Finally, a trip to Park City, roughly 30 miles east of Salt Lake City, offers a different architectural charm rooted in its mining past. The Park City Historic District preserves buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Victorian and Western false-front styles lining the main street. Walking the district feels like stepping back into a boomtown era, with wooden storefronts and elaborate trim showcasing the craftsmanship of the time. This area comes alive during the Sundance Film Festival, when the historic theaters and lodges buzz with activity, making it a perfect mix of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Visiting in the fall allows travelers to experience the vibrant foliage that contrasts beautifully with the warm-toned buildings.