About
This is the Place Heritage Park
Will you make history? Will you awake the pioneer within?
History of Utah at
This Is The Place Heritage Park
History celebrated
The history celebrated at This Is The Place Heritage Park is an important chapter in the settling of Western America. The 1847 arrival of Mormon pioneer immigrants in the valley of the Great Salt Lake signaled the start of the aggressive movement of many groups beyond the mighty Mississippi.
The pioneer story began in New York State in 1830 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized. The Church grew rapidly through the next 15 years, with major settlements in Ohio, Missouri, and finally Nauvoo, Illinois.
Persecution followed the Church members wherever they settled. In February, 1846 they made the decision to trek over 1,000 miles west to the uncivilized lands of the Rocky Mountains. A monument in Nauvoo reads:
The Mormon exodus to the Rocky Mountains began on February 4, 1846...Fleeing enemies, these refugees crossed the Mississippi River with their wagons on flatboats, except for a few days when they crossed on ice...Seeking freedom to worship God as they believed, more than 50,000 Mormon pioneers, mostly with ox-drawn wagons or handcarts, crossed the plains to the Rocky Mountains before the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad May 10, 1869.
On July 24, 1847
the first company of pioneers, led by Brigham Young viewed the great Salt Lake Valley from the mouth of Emigration Canyon. It is reported that Brigham Young raised himself on his elbow from his sick bed in the carriage, and gazed intently to the west for several minutes. Then he exclaimed to Wilford Woodruff in whose carriage he was riding: “It is enough. This is the right place. Drive on.”
The spot near where Brigham Young made this proclamation is now the centerpiece of This Is The Place Heritage Park. For nearly a century, great efforts have been made to preserve and improve the 450 Acre State Park in order to honor the memory of the pioneers, Native Americans, and all who were part of the story which created the great state of Utah. The history depicted by interpreters in Heritage Village, teaches visitors about the past and challenges them to find and strengthen their connections to their own family roots.
Will you make history? Will you be a pioneer?
This is the Place
Culture & Heritage
Visit the Native American Village, which celebrates heritage before the arrival of the settlers. Authentic Navajo Hogan's and Shoshone teepees stand in a quiet circle on the hillside. Grind corn and make arrowhead necklaces. And don't miss the Native American dancers, a crowd favorite!
Interact with a blacksmith, tinsmith, and saddle maker and try your hand at some old-fashioned pioneer chores, or at spinning and carding wool. And there's endless old-fashioned fun from the bucket brigade to the Candy Cannon that shoots salt-water taffy during special events. The streets are alive with a variety of musical performers, and be on the lookout for a train robbery!
Shop, Play, and Explore!
Cool off in Irrigation Station splash pad and learn why the Salt Lake Valley "blossomed as a rose!"
The Gift Shop at the Visitor Center is is the "best little gift west of the Mississippi!" It's a premier destination shopping experiences for both locals and guests from around the globe. And the ZCMI Mercantile is filled with sweets from yesteryear and loads of goodies. In the Huntsman Hotel is Huntsman Grill, which serves great grub daily, there's an old fashioned ice cream parlor with soft serve and flavor burst cones, and Brigham's Donuts are cooked fresh everyday! A little bit of sugary heaven!
Visit the Mormon Battalion Museum, The Stoddard Gallery and see the iconic Monument that was erected under the supervision of a committee composed of Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish and Latter-day Saint representatives. Visit the Walk of Pioneer Faiths honoring early religious groups and leaders who contributed to the religious diversity of our great community.
Groups & Events
Looking for a place to hold your wedding, reception, corporate party or family reunion? We have more than a dozen unique spaces and an entire Heritage Village to host your next event. You only get one opportunity to have the perfect celebration, and our Event Planners will help with every detail so you can concentrate on more important things!
With over 50 historic homes and structures to visit and countless fun activities, This Is The FUN Place for Everyone! Admission to the Park gets you all the activities and unlimited train rides for no additional cost!
About
Accessibility
This Is The Place Heritage Park welcomes everyone to experience the Park. Our Visitors Center is fully ADA Accessible.
A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at no charge. The Park is fully wheelchair accessible, though the terrain is difficult in certain areas. Handicapped parking is available at the Visitors Center.
If you have questions or additional special needs please call Guest Services at 801.883.8700 so we can assist you in planning your visit to the Park.