If you’ve got substantial connection time at Salt Lake City International, you can spend time just hanging out, or take advantage of your ground time and get in a little sightseeing and cultural expedition.

Between the hours of 9 am – 6:30 pm, a complimentary van service makes scheduled trips between the airport and Temple Square.  The service delivers you to one of the two visitor centers where complimentary tours are offered.  You can take a quick guided tour of this 10 acre area at the center of the city, then return to the airport for your outbound flight.

Regardless of religious affiliation, Temple Square is one of the most popular attractions in the state.  It is home to the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Salt Lake Tabernacle and the huge pipe organ that accompanies the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Temple, with is six-spire design, is an operational house of worship.  No public tours of the interior are available.  (If you are member of the church and wish to enter the Temple, a temple recommend is required.)  The rest of the grounds are open to the public.

There’s no reason to feel stuck at the airport here in Utah.  Put down your work, and enjoy a little cultural outing.  It’s one of the most unusual cities that I’ve visited, and I’m fascinated at how religion as shaped its architecture, culture and development.

NOTE:  Allow a minimum of 90 minutes for the tour and round trip transportation.