The St. George Utah Temple: What to Know Before You Visit
Now is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway to Southern Utah! The historic St. George Utah Temple’s 3-year renovations are complete, and there will be an open house offered to the public. The history of St. George is richly connected to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and we’ve got all of the details for their special open house dates. Here’s everything you need to know about the St. George Utah Temple before you visit:
History of the St. George Utah Temple
The history of the St. George Utah Temple dates back to the 1870s after Bringham Young sent a few hundred families to settle the St. George area in 1861. The finished temple was first dedicated in 1877. A few more interesting facts about the temple:
- It’s the longest-operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
- It was the first temple dedicated in the state of Utah.
- It was the only temple completed during Bringham Young’s presidency.
- It was the second temple built, nearly 30 years after the Nauvoo Temple in Illinois.
Most of the building materials used during construction were sourced from the local area, including volcanic rock used to build the foundation on the swampy ground and sandstone for the walls. The temple has undergone several renovations in the past, including an extensive project in the 1970s. This most recent renovation began in 2019 and is the first to be completed of the Church’s goal to renovate all of the pioneer-era temples.
Details about the Open House & Rededication
The St. George Utah Temple Open House dates are Friday, September 15 to Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 8 AM to 8 PM. Sundays are excluded from those dates, as well as Saturday, September 30, which is the Church’s general conference. Admission is completely free, and reservations are recommended, which you can book from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints website. The tour itself includes a short video and some walking, so expect to spend at least an hour at the temple. The tour is also wheelchair accessible. Because the temple is a sacred building, after the dedication in December 2023, it will only be open to Church members. This open house is a great opportunity to experience the St. George Utah Temple’s sacred space and its historic significance in the community.
Where to Stay
You can stay near the St. George Utah Temple at one of our St. George vacation rentals and also be in close proximity to the area’s national and state parks. Downtown has many unique shops and restaurants to explore, and many fun attractions the whole family will enjoy; plus, you’ll want to take advantage of the luxury amenities at your rental, such as the pickleball court or outdoor pool. Each rental comes fully furnished and stocked with all of the essentials so you can feel right at home. Whether you want a condo with a lagoon view or a larger property close to hiking and biking trails, Red Rock Vacation Rentals has plenty of options for your relaxing weekend getaway!
Now that you know more about the St. George Utah Temple, are you interested in learning more about the area? Take a look at these top historical sites near St. George, Utah, and add them to your bucket list. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to Southern Utah!