Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Utahns really have it good. With several national parks, majestic mountains, red rocks, lakes and more, there's an unending list of naturally occurring landmarks to see. Most are even just a short drive from your house!
As impressive as the nature-made sights are, Utah's manmade structures are equally as enthralling. From buildings to mines to unique art installations, there are some seriously cool sights to see in the state. With no disrespect to the state's wonderful landscapes — you'll always be loved — here are just a few of the most incredible man-made creations to visit in Utah.
Rio Tinto's Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine
It's one of the largest open-pit mines in the world and it's visible from space — what could be cooler than that? "Founded in 1903, Kennecott's Bingham Canyon Mine is one of the top-performing mines in the world and has provided more wealth for the state of Utah than any other company. The mine operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," notes the Rio Tinto website.
If you've never seen this mine for yourself, you're in for a treat. More than two and a half miles wide and about three-quarters of a mile deep, this Utah treasure — and its super-sized dump trucks — are unforgettable.
Glen Canyon Dam/Lake Powell
According to the National Park Service, Lake Powell averages more than 3.5 million visitors per year. For context, the city of St.George has fewer than 100,000 residents. With numbers like that, it's safe to say, the secret is out about this man-made reservoir. But, as great as this fake lake is, it would be nothing without the Glen Canyon Dam. Sure, it's technically in Arizona, but the Glen Canyon Dam is worth the short drive across the border.
"Glen Canyon Dam, rising 710 feet above bedrock within the steep, rust-colored sandstone walls of Glen Canyon, was constructed to harness the power of the Colorado River to provide for the water and power needs of millions of people in the West," explains the Bureau of Reclamation. The concrete arch dam is the second highest in the United States, trailing only Hoover Dam which stands at 726 feet.
Salt Lake Temple
Perhaps the most recognizable building in Utah, the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the surrounding Temple Square, is a quintessential Utah destination.
This famous landmark took 40 years to construct and is currently undergoing an extensive multi-year renovation to ensure it stands for years to come, even in the event of a major earthquake. This imposing edifice employs several architectural styles, symbols and engravings that will intrigue even the most passive of visitors.
VisitSaltLake.com says an "…estimated 3 to 5 million people flock to Temple Square each year, more visitors than at all five of the state's national parks combined." While this number has decreased during the renovation, expect the Salt Lake Temple to be more popular than ever once it reopens.
7 fascinating Utah places you aren't allowed to visit
No matter how intrigued you may be, there are certain areas you're forbidden to explore. In Utah, this includes a few abandoned structures, a haunted ranch, a dangerous spelunking cave and more. The following places may tantalize your curiosity — but keep out.Garfield Smelter stack
Okay, it's technically part of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper Mine, but this seriously impressive tower deserves its moment in the spotlight. No, it's not the Tower of Isengard, although it kind of looks like it. Lynn Arave in an article for the Deseret News provided some interesting facts about the stack including it "... is by far the tallest man-made structure in Utah at 1,215 feet. It's almost the equivalent of having an Empire State Building high structure rising up, or equal to the height of three LDS Church Office Buildings."
The tower smelter stack is really good at what it does, too. One of two of the cleanest smelter stacks in the world, If you see smoke coming out the top, know that it's steam, and free from 99.9% of sulfur gas. Built in 1974, the stack required 26,000 cubic yards of concrete, making for walls up to 12 feet thick.
And, in case you're wondering, yes, there is an elevator inside that goes all the way to the top, although it is rarely used. The "long and scary" 20-minute ride to the top is a little disconcerting to employees, who usually only need to go 300 feet up to get accurate readings.
"In the U.S., it is ranked fifth-highest, only behind the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center, both in Chicago; the Empire State Building in New York City; and a smokestack a mere two feet taller in Pennsylvania," wrote Arave for the Deseret News.
Tree of Life sculpture
Commonly known as the "Tree of Life," the true name of this sculpture is "Metaphor: The Tree of Utah." Located on the Bonneville Salt Flats, this iconic sculpture was created by Karl Momen between 1982 and 1986. "He financed the project himself to bring bold color and beauty to the stark, flat, salty landscape," said Utah.com. "The sculpture is made of 225 tons of cement, almost 2,000 ceramic tiles and five tons of welding rod, and tons of minerals and rocks native to Utah."
After completing the sculpture, Momen dedicated the 87-foot-high sculpture to Utah and it's captured the imagination of countless visitors since.
Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway and tunnel
There are a lot of amazing roads in Utah, but perhaps none compare to the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway and tunnel. "This 26-mile road winds its way eastward through some of the most exceptional terrain in the world. Because the route passes through Zion National Park, you'll need to pay the $30 park entrance fee, but it's worth every penny," reports the Visit Utah website.
Siegfried & Jensen
Since 1990, Siegfried & Jensen have been helping the people of Utah and surrounding states who have suffered needless injuries and death caused by car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, defective drugs, dog bites, wrongful death, and other types of personal injury.
The firm is committed to keeping Utah families and communities safe by ensuring wrongdoers are held accountable. While a lawsuit isn't always the answer when it is needed having someone on your side can mean the difference between declaring bankruptcy and rebuilding your life and moving forward, especially when you're up against an insurance company or a hospital.
Siegfried & Jensen has represented more than 35,000 clients and recovered over $1.2 billion for them.
