For the first time since 1893, the doors of the Salt Lake Temple are opening to the public. From April 5 through October 1, 2027, millions of guests will walk through the newly restored landmark before it is rededicated. For families traveling from across the country, it is a trip worth planning with care. Consider this your companion for every step, from securing tickets to getting across downtown with ease.

Why This Open House Matters

Pioneers spent 40 years building the Salt Lake Temple, and since its dedication in 1893, it has served as a house of worship for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A renovation that began in 2020, including an extensive seismic upgrade, has now made it possible for guests of every faith and background to step inside for six months. Once the temple is rededicated, it returns to its sacred purpose. If friends or relatives of other faiths are joining your trip, this is a rare opportunity to share something meaningful together.

Securing Your Tickets

Tours are free, but a timed reservation is strongly recommended. Demand has been remarkable, with more than one million spaces reserved in the first 24 hours. Reservations are available through TempleSquare.org and the Temple Square app. Each person may reserve up to six tickets. Family reunions, ward and stake groups, and other large parties can submit a group reservation request.

If your preferred date is unavailable, keep checking. Tickets are released in phases, and returned reservations reopen regularly. Walk-up availability will be limited. Tour times run from 8:40 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Once your tour time is confirmed, you can build the rest of your stay around it.

Getting From The Grand America to Temple Square

This is where the right hotel makes all the difference. The Grand America sits at 555 South Main Street, about a mile south of Temple Square, and Courthouse TRAX Station is just half a block away. Board any Blue Line or Green Line train heading north and ride three stops to Temple Square Station. The Red Line turns east before it reaches Temple Square, so check the color of the train before you board.

The entire route falls within downtown Salt Lake City's Free Fare Zone, so there is no ticket to buy, whether you are heading to Temple Square or returning to the hotel. Simply hop on and hop off. This matters more than ever during the celebration. Temple Square has advised that downtown parking will be unavailable and that West Temple and North Temple streets will be closed to traffic.

If you are driving to Salt Lake City, you can park once and leave the car for the rest of your trip. Overnight self-parking at The Grand America is $24, and overnight valet is $34. Oversized vehicles over 7 feet are $45 per night. On-site parking is available 24 hours a day.

Arriving by Air

Salt Lake City International Airport is about seven miles from the hotel, typically a 10 to 15-minute drive. The Grand America does not operate an airport shuttle. However, the concierge team can arrange a taxi or private car at 801-258-6703, and Uber and Lyft are readily available. The TRAX Green Line also runs directly from the airport to Courthouse Station, half a block from the hotel. Because the airport sits outside the Free Fare Zone, this ride requires a fare, and tickets can be purchased at the station kiosk.

What to Expect on Tour Day

Your tour begins at the Conference Center, across the street from Temple Square, with a short introductory video. From there, a roughly hour-long walking tour leads through the temple, with audio narration included. Budget extra time for lines, security screening, and photos on the grounds. Accommodations include language support, assistive listening, and services for guests with mobility, vision, or hearing needs. Specialty accessibility tours are offered from May through September. Be sure to note any needs on your reservation.

There is no dress code, and Temple Square encourages visitors to dress comfortably. Supportive walking shoes are a must. Strollers are welcome, though strollers used indoors must be no larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long. A limited number of wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make a Full Day of Temple Square

The tour is the centerpiece, but the celebration extends across all of Temple Square. Exhibits, live performances, family activities, and the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and most do not require a reservation.

Linger in the rooftop gardens atop the Conference Center, visit the new Temple Square Visitors’ Center, or find a quiet moment inside the historic Assembly Hall. The Lion House and Beehive House reopen on April 5, 2027, after a major restoration, with four self-guided tours. Buses will also carry guests to Welfare Square and the Humanitarian Center, where visitors can see how the Church cares for those in need.

For many families, this trip is also a chance to connect with ancestors. The FamilySearch Library, one of the largest genealogy libraries in the world, sits just west of Temple Square, and the Church History Museum is right next door. A morning spent tracing family lines, followed by an afternoon tour of the temple, can make for an unforgettable day across generations.

Salt Lake City Know-How

The celebration spans three very different seasons. April mornings can be crisp, with the occasional spring storm, and summer afternoons regularly climb into the 90s. The early fall weeks of September bring some of the most pleasant weather of the year.

Salt Lake City sits at about 4,200 feet in a dry, high desert climate, so sunscreen and plenty of water are essential, especially on days spent walking outdoors. Water stations will be available across Temple Square. If your visit includes a Sunday, remember that tours begin at noon, which leaves a relaxed morning at the hotel.

Explore More of Salt Lake City

With a few extra days, the city opens up beautifully. The Utah State Capitol offers sweeping valley views and free public tours. City Creek Center, directly across from Temple Square, pairs shopping with a meandering indoor creek. Nature lovers will enjoy Red Butte Garden and the Natural History Museum of Utah in the foothills. History enthusiasts can trace the pioneer journey at This Is the Place Heritage Park. And Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, less than an hour from downtown, offer alpine scenery that surprises many first-time visitors.

Return to The Grand

After a day of meaningful moments, The Grand America offers a gracious place to unwind. You can gather the family for dinner at Laurel Brasserie and Bar, pick up something sweet at Bonne Vie patisserie, or book a restorative treatment at The Grand Spa. Little ones will love an evening swim in the indoor pool and a stop at JouJou, our charming toy boutique. And when the day is done, spacious rooms and suites offer every comfort for the next adventure.

A once-in-a-generation visit deserves a stay to match. We look forward to welcoming you.