Fodor's Expert Review Salt Lake City and County Building

The castle-like seat of city government was the city's tallest building from its 1894 construction to 1973. On Washington Square, at the spot where the original Mormon settlers circled their wagons on their first night in the Salt Lake Valley, this building served as the state capitol for 19 years. Hundreds of trees, including species from around the world, and many winding paths and seating areas make the grounds a calm downtown oasis. In summer the grounds host major Salt Lake arts and music festivals. Free tours are given on Monday at noon during the summer and by request at other times through Preservation Utah.