Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City
Utah State Capitol
Utah State Capitol
4.5
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Seat of state government and striking architectural landmark.
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
680 within 3 miles
The Roof Restaurant
553
0.4 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Lion House
379
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Nauvoo Cafe
248
0.5 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
The Garden Restaurant
378
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Alchemy Coffee
21
0.2 mi$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Lion House Pantry
105
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Arlo Restaurant
7
0.2 miAmerican • Contemporary
Blue Lemon
601
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Farr's cafe and creamery
15
0.3 mi$ • Dessert
The Cheesecake Factory
643
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
123 within 6 miles
Council Hall
16
100 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Pioneer Memorial Museum
154
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Memory Grove Park
131
0.2 miParks
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Conference Center
861
0.3 miArchitectural Buildings
The Tabernacle
1,329
0.3 miReligious Sites
Joseph Smith Memorial Building
675
0.4 miArchitectural Buildings • Science Museums
Temple Square
5,042
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Church History Museum
355
0.5 miSpeciality Museums
FamilySearch Center
243
0.4 miLibraries
Salt Lake Temple
1,625
0.4 miReligious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,532 reviews
Excellent
937
Very good
505
Average
80
Poor
5
Terrible
5
kmk2001
Freeport, FL100 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
What a wonderful building. Built between 1912 and 1916 at a cost of 2.7 million dollars it is a must see. The cost of renovations between 2004 and 2008 was a mighty 260 million dollars! There was so much to see here and we were pleasantly surprised at how much of the building's interior was accessible to visitors. The interior of the dome is a must see work of art. The marble stairways are astonishing. Make sure you visit all the levels. We visited on a Monday morning and it was very quiet! Peaked in many of the rooms we assumed would be off limits. FYI don't miss the wonderful Memorial Pioneer Museum close by ...it is amazing and there is no admission fee however donations are welcome...so much to see there!
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bill B
Pueblo, CO1,133 contributions
May 2021
This is one of the most beautiful State Capital buildings and grounds we have visited. It was very quiet as there were few others in or around the building...probably more State Troopers and gardeners than visitors. There are a lot of steps but small price to pay to view the artifacts and murals. The gardens and statues outside are magnificent and well maintained. Take a few minutes to take in the views from this vantage point.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anthony
New York City, NY663 contributions
Oct 2021
This is a beautiful building worth at least a quick stop to see both the exterior and interior. Visiting on a Saturday morning, we were free to enter and walk around the inside of the building at our leisure. There were no tour guides or any other staff in the building, only tourists looking around.
Throughout the building, there were informative displays covering historical events or important figures in Utah's history. The interior is quite beautiful and a great place to take photos.
There is a gift shop in the tourist info center across the street from the building. To get here, it is walkable from the downtown area, but you will be going up a steep hill.
Throughout the building, there were informative displays covering historical events or important figures in Utah's history. The interior is quite beautiful and a great place to take photos.
There is a gift shop in the tourist info center across the street from the building. To get here, it is walkable from the downtown area, but you will be going up a steep hill.
Written November 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mjcor
Malabar, FL213 contributions
Jul 2021
The state capitol building is a granite masterpiece rising on the hill overlooking the valley. Access is easy and the inside rotunda is a sight to see. To this day, the center hall can be rented for a wedding or celebration. You can peak you head into the various chambers when out of session to get a feel of real politics in action.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wireless_in_CA
United States4,509 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
The size and location of this state Capitol building was quite appropriate for the seat of Utah’s government. The sweeping views of SLC were beautiful.
As it was Sunday there was only one accessible entrance into the Capitol but I was able to exit out to through the main front entrance. After entering, I did not go through any metal detectors or bag screening like in other capitol buildings and in fact there was no visible security staff during my entire visit. I grabbed a handy self guided map from the visitor desk and proceeded on my own tour.
Inside my footsteps echoed off of the marble as I explored the seat of Utah’s government. As like the outside, the inside too was traditional and stately with lots of granite, marble and stained wooden doors.
On the first floor don’t miss the history cases which were filled with artifacts from the founding of Utah, its mineral wealth, culture , evolution of the state beehive symbol and much more. The hall of governors filled with portraits and a massive state symbol rounded out the other attractions.
Offices, the Supreme Court and the house and senate chambers were located on the third floor. All were closed on weekend. Busts of famous Utah people lined the third floor walkway.
The rotunda was the popular spot. Grand staircases leading off to the sides were popular with families taking their Christmas family photos. Children were playing or running around the huge, decorated Christmas tree. A massive cyclorama painting of scenes from 19th century Utah encircled the rotunda ceiling.
As I walked back to my car, I stopped at the large memorial to Utahns which was dedicated to those who served and died during various wars. It anchored the edge of the state Capitol grounds and nice to see if you have time.
As it was Sunday there was only one accessible entrance into the Capitol but I was able to exit out to through the main front entrance. After entering, I did not go through any metal detectors or bag screening like in other capitol buildings and in fact there was no visible security staff during my entire visit. I grabbed a handy self guided map from the visitor desk and proceeded on my own tour.
Inside my footsteps echoed off of the marble as I explored the seat of Utah’s government. As like the outside, the inside too was traditional and stately with lots of granite, marble and stained wooden doors.
On the first floor don’t miss the history cases which were filled with artifacts from the founding of Utah, its mineral wealth, culture , evolution of the state beehive symbol and much more. The hall of governors filled with portraits and a massive state symbol rounded out the other attractions.
Offices, the Supreme Court and the house and senate chambers were located on the third floor. All were closed on weekend. Busts of famous Utah people lined the third floor walkway.
The rotunda was the popular spot. Grand staircases leading off to the sides were popular with families taking their Christmas family photos. Children were playing or running around the huge, decorated Christmas tree. A massive cyclorama painting of scenes from 19th century Utah encircled the rotunda ceiling.
As I walked back to my car, I stopped at the large memorial to Utahns which was dedicated to those who served and died during various wars. It anchored the edge of the state Capitol grounds and nice to see if you have time.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HappyDonor
Sandy, UT723 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a grand state capitol building. Definitely worth a look. It is mainly self-guided, just wander around and check it out. The small visitor's center is also pretty neat. Enjoy.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gail1107
Fort Worth, TX388 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This is a great place to visit to learn about history and see beautiful architecture and art pieces. The inside is as beautiful as the outside. This is a must see sight. Do go inside and up to all the floors and see where the houses of Congress are located. There is a self guided tour.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Patricia B
Houston, TX15 contributions
Dec 2021
Went on a snowy day in December 2021- Great travelers information across the street operated by the State of Utah. Building has tours as well if you have time. Beautiful Georgia marble. Very ornate elevators. Treat for the eyes- full of Utah History statues and exhibits.
Written January 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Scott Failmezger
Oregon City, OR867 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This was our 13th capital as we take time to visit each states capital. The marble and gold inlaid fixtures were stunning. So much history in this building. We got a kick out of how the building was paid for. The feds paid for a capital located in another town far away. After a year it became clear that location wasn't practical. So they wanted to build in Salt Lake City, but the feds said they would not pay again. So the building you see was paid for by the people of Utah!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tina k
16 contributions
Mar 2020
We had no time to actually go inside the capitol building, but we walked the grounds and took lots of pictures. The day was stellar, so the views of the SLC area were stunning. The visitor center, immediately across the street, had lots of free brochures, maps, and travel guides for all of Utah, as well lots of awesome and affordable gifts and collectibles.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY2,578 contributions
Planning a day at the Temple Square area but would also like to see the capitol. How far is it from the Temple Square area and is there public transportation? I have read there is a free zone downtown but I don’t see the light rail goes there. Thanks in advance.
Freedom762285
Southport, NC52 contributions
It’s about a 15 minute walk between the two locations. I’m unsure of light rail. We found Uber to be easy to use in SLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Utah State Capitol
- Utah State Capitol is open:
- Mon - Fri 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Utah State Capitol tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Utah State Capitol tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Utah State Capitol:
- (0.00 mi) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Netflix, 3min to DT, Walkable/Bikeable
- (0.13 mi) Inn on the Hill
- (0.25 mi) The Kimball At Temple Square
- (0.38 mi) Ellerbeck Mansion Bed & Breakfast
- (0.56 mi) Salt Lake Plaza Hotel At Temple Square
- Restaurants near Utah State Capitol:
- (0.44 mi) The Roof Restaurant
- (0.24 mi) Alchemy Coffee
- (0.47 mi) Nauvoo Cafe
- (0.43 mi) The Lion House
- (0.24 mi) Arlo Restaurant
- Attractions near Utah State Capitol:
- (0.02 mi) Council Hall
- (0.06 mi) Salt City Rollers
- (0.24 mi) Salt Lake Trolley Tours
- (0.18 mi) Pioneer Memorial Museum
- (0.20 mi) Memory Grove Park