Exploring Salt Lake City's Treasures with City Sights Tour Bus

Have you ever wanted to dive deep into the historical and cultural wonders of a city? Well, that's precisely what we did when we hopped on the City Sights Tour Bus to explore the fascinating city of Salt Lake City. From iconic landmarks to interesting stories, this tour was an experience that left us with a real appreciation for the city's rich history and diverse culture.

This is the Place: Unearthing the City's Pioneer History

Our first stop was 'This is the Place' Heritage Park, where we learned more about the history of the Mormon pioneers who settled in Salt Lake City under the guidance of Brigham Young. Named in honor of the momentous occasion when Young proclaimed, "This is the place," this park stands as a testament to the city's beginnings. While the park offers a range of activities, our tour didn’t begin until 5 p.m. so it limited our time to a few quick photo opportunities.

A Blend of Faiths: Cathedral of the Madeleine

Next, we visited the Cathedral of the Madeleine, a stunning Catholic cathedral known for its remarkable architecture, woodwork, and stained glass. Interestingly, the cathedral was constructed after the LDS Church built their first temple, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of different faiths in Salt Lake City but with a bit of competition between the churches and who could build the largest building.

From Politics to Seagulls: Utah's Capital Building

Our tour then took us to the Utah State Capital Building, an architectural marvel that once held the title of the tallest capital building. Jim, our tour guide, humorously pointed out that Texas, with its motto "everything is bigger," eventually surpassed its height with its capital building. Inside, we admired beautiful murals, particularly those featuring seagulls, Utah's state bird. The seagull actually plays a significant role in Mormon history, as the story goes that they saved the pioneers' crops by consuming a swarm of crickets in 1848.

A Closer Look at LDS Influence in Utah

Throughout the tour, we couldn't help but notice the strong connection between the LDS Church and the State of Utah. From Brigham Young's dual roles as the LDS Church's leader and Utah's first governor to the alignment of values between the church and state, the influence of the LDS Church on Utah's history and government is undeniable.

However, the city has seen changes in recent years, with a movement towards less conservatism in its leadership. Since 1985, every mayor has been a Democrat, with three of them being women, highlighting the evolution of political dynamics in Salt Lake City.

A Musical Highlight: The Tabernacle Choir (formerly known as The Mormon Tabernacle Choir)

As our City Sights Tour Bus neared its conclusion, we were in for a real treat - a visit to hear The Tabernacle Choir during their Thursday night practice. The choir, famous worldwide for their incredible performances, is now rebranded as The Tabernacle Choir to show more respect, reflecting the ongoing efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to assert their official name.

As we stepped into Temple Square, the heart of Salt Lake City, we were treated to an exclusive peek at the choir's practice session. The acoustics of the Tabernacle are legendary, and it was awe-inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of the choir members. Once again Jim, our knowledgeable tour guide, shared insights into the extensive audition process and commitment required to join this prestigious group. It was astonishing to learn that being a member of the LDS community is a prerequisite for auditions, and the position is voluntary, except for the organist and director.

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery and Appreciation

Our City Sights Tour Bus adventure was an unforgettable journey through the captivating history and culture of Salt Lake City. From the moving melodies of The Tabernacle Choir, which served as our last stop, to the historical landmarks and diverse architecture, each part of the tour provided a unique perspective on this vibrant city. If you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the city's roots, this tour is a must-do!

At $79 per person for a 3.5-hour experience, the City Sights Tour Bus offered an excellent value for an enlightening exploration of Salt Lake City. So, the next time you find yourself in the city of breathtaking landscapes and rich history, be sure to hop on this tour to uncover the gems of Salt Lake City's past and present.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!