As the capital city of Utah, Salt Lake City is so much more than just the governmental heart of the state. SLC hosts the bulk of Utah’s professional sports teams as well as a wealth of top-tier restaurants and world-class museums.
Set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, there’s a place for everyone to feel right at home in Salt Lake City.
Whether you’re exploring its Olympic heritage or getting acquainted with the Mormon glow, it’s easy to see why people from all over are looking to lock down an apartment in Salt Lake City. Let’s take a few minutes to get to know the city a bit better and learn all about what Salt Lake City is really known for.
1. The Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is one of the largest saltwater lakes in the Western Hemisphere. Its vast, serene expanse provides a haven for millions of migratory birds. While there are no fish, the lake’s unique saline environment supports a thriving industry of salt extraction and brine shrimp harvesting, boosting the local economy.
2. 2002 Winter Olympics Host City
Hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics solidified Salt Lake City as a premier location for winter sports. The event brought significant economic and infrastructural developments to the city, many of which serve residents and tourists to this day. Venues like the Utah Olympic Park still provide training facilities for athletes and offer visitors the rare chance to experience Olympic-level ice sports in person.
3. University of Utah
The University of Utah is a leading research institution known particularly for its contributions to medicine, genetics, and engineering. Situated in the northeastern part of the city, the university shapes the culture of SLC and drives innovation through its research initiatives.
4. Natural History Museum of Utah
Located in the Rio Tinto Center, the Natural History Museum of Utah offers an immersive look at the geology, biology, and history of the region. With exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to Native American artifacts, the museum provides educational experiences that highlight the natural diversity of the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau.
5. Temple Square
Temple Square is the spiritual and physical heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This 10-acre complex in downtown Salt Lake City attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its stunning architecture and rich religious significance. Highlights include the majestic Salt Lake Temple, the historic Tabernacle, and the extensive genealogical library, offering insights into the foundational beliefs and practices of the LDS Church.
6. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is Salt Lake City’s NBA team. Playing their home games at the Vivint Arena, the Jazz have been a consistent presence in the NBA playoffs over the past few years. The team’s impact extends beyond the court, with community programs and youth initiatives that foster a love of basketball throughout the state.
7. Salt Lake City Public Library
The Salt Lake City Public Library is an architecturally stunning place that focuses on uplifting the community. Its striking contemporary design and vast resource network make it a focal point for literacy and learning. Beyond books, the library hosts public programs and rotating art exhibitions.
8. Antelope Island State Park
Just a short drive from the city, Antelope Island State Park is a rustic escape into nature. Known for its wildlife, including free-ranging bison herds, the park is a popular spot for outdoorsy types of all styles.
9. Tracy Aviary
Located in Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary focuses on bird conservation while educating the public about avian species and their habitats. With a collection that includes both native and exotic birds, this aviary is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.
10. Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a favorite for nature lovers. In the winter, the canyon’s ski resorts, Brighton and Solitude, are hotspots for skiing and snowboarding. The summer months open up miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that showcase the canyon’s stunning alpine scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife.