This Is the Place Heritage Park

This Is the Place Heritage Park, located in Salt Lake City, serves as a significant historical site commemorating the arrival of Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. Situated at the mouth of Emigration Canyon on the city’s fringe, the park preserves a Wild West atmosphere with rocky trails and sagebrush foothills. The site marks the specific location where Brigham Young declared, "This is the place," upon the first settlers' arrival in 1847.

Visitors begin their experience at a towering monument featuring the historic declaration before proceeding to a visitor center designed as a replica of a 19th-century sugar mill. The park operates as a living history museum, celebrating the diverse cultures that shaped the region, including pioneers, Native peoples, and railroad builders. The grounds feature restored historic buildings within the Heritage Village, such as cabins, farmhouses, barns, and blacksmith shops, offering an immersive look into early Utah settlements.

The site is designed to be family-friendly, offering educational experiences suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including pony rides and train rides, which provide an engaging way to explore the area. The park is managed by the non-profit This is the Place Foundation, ensuring that the historical narrative remains accurate and accessible. This location serves as a vital educational resource, allowing guests to connect with the state’s history through interactive and immersive experiences. The combination of natural landscape and historical preservation creates a unique environment for learning about the region’s past.