All Aboard for Awesome! Discover the Utah State Capitol on the Wacky & Wonderful Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour!
Hey there, adventurers big and small! Planning a trip to Salt Lake City? Wondering what are the best things to do in Salt Lake City, especially if you’ve got kids in tow or just… aren't thrilled by the idea of a standard, stuffy bus tour? Let’s be honest, sometimes sightseeing tours can feel a bit like a history lecture on wheels.
But what if we told you there’s a way to explore SLC’s coolest spots, learn amazing stories, and have a total blast doing it? Get ready to ditch the dull and climb aboard the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour! This isn’t your grandma’s guided tour (unless your grandma is super fun and loves a good show!). Found at www.saltlaketrolley.com, this unique Salt Lake Trolley tour is part sightseeing, part live theatre, and 100% pure fun. It’s hands-down the most entertaining way to experience the city, running seasonally from May 1st through mid-October.
Forget just looking at landmarks. On the Trolley Adventure, charming conductors and costumed guides bring history to life with songs, stories, and hilarious historical character performances. It’s a rolling “sightseeing show-tour” perfect for families and anyone who thinks learning about the past should be an adventure, not a chore. Think marvelous mansions, captivating cathedrals, majestic mountain views, and loads of laughs.
And one of the star attractions you’ll experience on this one-of-a-kind trolley tour? The absolutely stunning Utah State Capitol building!
A Castle on the Hill (Almost!)
Okay, so maybe it's not technically a castle, but perched high on Capitol Hill overlooking the city, the Utah State Capitol definitely has that grand, impressive vibe! You’ll see its giant copper dome shining from miles away. As your trolley chugs up the hill (don't worry, it’s got this!), your lively guides will spill the beans on how this spot, once called "Arsenal Hill" (because, boom!), became home to Utah's most important building.
Built way back between 1912 and 1916 (that’s over 100 years ago!), the Capitol is a masterpiece. Imagine giant pillars, fancy carvings, and tons of shiny marble inside. Your trolley guides might even tell you about the sneaky way the state got the money to build it (hint: it involved a very rich railroad guy!). Made with super strong granite from Utah’s own mountains and topped with Utah copper, this building was designed by a fellow named Richard Kletting who wanted it to look super important and last forever. Mission accomplished, Richard!
More Than Just a Pretty Building: Secrets & Stories!
Sure, the Capitol looks amazing, but the real fun is in the stories! Did you know the whole building got a massive makeover a while back to make it earthquake-proof? They basically lifted it up and put giant special coasters underneath (okay, technically "base isolators," but coasters sound funnier) so it can jiggle safely if the ground shakes! You might even see the "moat" this created around the base – no dragons included, sadly.
And remember that crazy tornado that hit SLC in 1999? It knocked down lots of trees on the Capitol grounds. But instead of just tossing them, some of that wood was used to make the fancy desk for the Governor! How cool is that? Your Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour guides are full of fun facts like these, delivered with pizzazz you won’t get anywhere else. Inside (which you might glimpse during your stop), there are amazing paintings, including some done during the Great Depression by artists who needed work – talk about art with a heart! Keep your eyes peeled for the beehive symbol everywhere – it’s Utah’s state symbol, meaning everyone works together like busy bees!
A Moment to Marvel: Your Trolley Stop at the Top
Now, the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour isn't just about whizzing past things. When you reach the majestic Capitol, you’ll have a chance to truly take it all in. It's more than just a drive-by; it's a moment to pause, soak in the grandeur, and grab some epic photos. You’ll be gazing up at the dome, admiring the architecture, and enjoying the incredible views of the city spreading out below – making you wish you could hop off the trolley and explore those grounds all day! Your costumed guides will be right there, making sure you don’t miss any cool details and keeping the energy high.
What About Those Famous Cherry Trees?
You might have heard about the hundreds of beautiful cherry trees that bloom at the Capitol. They create a stunning pink-and-white wonderland… in early April. Since the Salt Lake Trolley tour runs from May to October, you'll miss the main blossom show.
BUT! The story of the trees is still pretty neat, and the grounds are gorgeous year-round! The walkway where the cherry trees live (all 433 of them!) was part of a big plan to make the Capitol grounds extra beautiful during that earthquake-proofing project. These aren't just any trees; they were specially grown and replaced older trees, some of which were peace gifts from Japan after World War II! So, while you might not see the blossoms, you'll definitely appreciate the beautiful, park-like setting they help create during your trolley stop – think green lawns, historic monuments (like ones for soldiers and pioneers!), and those killer city views. It’s still an awesome sight!
Why the Trolley is the BEST Way to See the Capitol (and SLC!)
Let’s face it: dragging kids (or even just yourself) around unfamiliar streets, trying to find parking, and reading dry plaques isn’t always… fun. The Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour flips the script!
It’s Hilarious: Forget monotone narration. Expect jokes, songs, and characters!
It’s Easy: No navigating, no parking stress. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
It’s Engaging: The theatrical approach keeps everyone entertained, from toddlers to teens to adults who are young at heart.
It Covers the Hits: You’ll see the Capitol, plus other major Salt Lake City tour highlights like Temple Square, historic mansions, and more!
It’s Unique: Where else can you get a history lesson that feels like a party on wheels?
This tour is consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City for a reason. It transforms a typical sightseeing tour into a memorable adventure. Seeing the magnificent Utah State Capitol becomes part of a larger-than-life story, shared by guides who clearly love what they do.
Ready for Your Trolley Adventure?
If you’re looking for SLC bus tours or trolley tours that break the mold, the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour is calling your name! It’s the perfect way to kick off your Salt Lake City exploration, especially during its operating season from May 1st to mid-October.
Don’t settle for a snoozy tour. Choose the laughs, the stories, the songs, and the sheer fun of the trolley! Head over to www.saltlaketrolley.com right now to check schedules, grab your tickets, and get ready to see the Utah State Capitol – and all of Salt Lake City – like never before! All aboard!
