Memory Grove Park, Salt Lake City
Memory Grove Park, nestled at the base of Salt Lake City’s City Creek Canyon, offers a serene retreat and serves as a memorial space honoring Utah’s veterans. Established in 1924 as a tribute to those lost in war, Memory Grove Park has grown into a poignant symbol of Utah's history and enduring commitment to honoring its heroes. Originally started by the Utah chapter of the Service Star Legion, the park was shaped through the labor of volunteers, including students and Boy Scouts, who helped clear and plant the land to create a lasting memorial.
Over the years, various memorials and structures were added to the park. In 1926, a German cannon was placed by the Disabled American Veterans’ Argonne Chapter #2, and soon after, the 145th Field Artillery Monument followed. The 1930s saw additions such as the concrete and bronze columns at the southern entrance and Gold Star Hill, dedicated in 1934.
After World War II, another major addition was made: Meditation Chapel, completed in 1948. Funded by Ross and Elvera Beason, the chapel dedication drew a crowd of 10,000 people, including Governor Herbert B. Maw and Salt Lake City Mayor Earl J. Glade. Other landmarks include Harbor Lake, dedicated by the Navy Mother’s Club in 1951, and a plaque installed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1963. A Liberty Bell replica was added in 1979 as part of Utah’s Bicentennial celebrations, marking Memory Grove as a space of national pride and remembrance.
Though the park faced challenges in the late 20th century, including pollution, vandalism, and flooding, it has endured as a place of reflection and historical preservation. Memory Grove’s Freedom Trail, opened in 1984, offers a pathway for visitors to walk, jog, or bike toward the Utah State Capitol.
Over the years, various memorials and structures were added to the park. In 1926, a German cannon was placed by the Disabled American Veterans’ Argonne Chapter #2, and soon after, the 145th Field Artillery Monument followed. The 1930s saw additions such as the concrete and bronze columns at the southern entrance and Gold Star Hill, dedicated in 1934.
After World War II, another major addition was made: Meditation Chapel, completed in 1948. Funded by Ross and Elvera Beason, the chapel dedication drew a crowd of 10,000 people, including Governor Herbert B. Maw and Salt Lake City Mayor Earl J. Glade. Other landmarks include Harbor Lake, dedicated by the Navy Mother’s Club in 1951, and a plaque installed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1963. A Liberty Bell replica was added in 1979 as part of Utah’s Bicentennial celebrations, marking Memory Grove as a space of national pride and remembrance.
Though the park faced challenges in the late 20th century, including pollution, vandalism, and flooding, it has endured as a place of reflection and historical preservation. Memory Grove’s Freedom Trail, opened in 1984, offers a pathway for visitors to walk, jog, or bike toward the Utah State Capitol.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salt Lake City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Memory Grove Park on Map
Sight Name: Memory Grove Park
Sight Location: Salt Lake City, USA (See walking tours in Salt Lake City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Salt Lake City, USA (See walking tours in Salt Lake City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Salt Lake City, Utah
Create Your Own Walk in Salt Lake City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Salt Lake City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pioneers Trail
After extensive religious persecution in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the Mormon Pioneers made their way westward across the plains and mountains to a spot where Brigham Young said God had designated they should stop and settle. Unlike other social groups (farmers, miners, merchants) who created other western cities, these settlers arrived in Salt Lake Valley as a centrally organized... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour
Salt Lake City’s downtown is a good place to view historical buildings and sites, each with its unique story and significance, that reflect the city’s Mormon heritage and more.
One such edifice is the Devereaux Mansion, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture that stands as a testament to the city's prosperous past. The Salt Lake Temple, an iconic symbol of the city and a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
One such edifice is the Devereaux Mansion, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture that stands as a testament to the city's prosperous past. The Salt Lake Temple, an iconic symbol of the city and a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Salt Lake City Downtown Walk
Salt Lake City's downtown epitomizes the city's settlement and growth. Renowned for its cleanliness, visitors often praise its meticulously planned layout, reminiscent of a Cartesian graph centered around Temple Square, a sacred site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
In 1847, Brigham Young, leader of Mormon pioneer settlers, designated the site for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
In 1847, Brigham Young, leader of Mormon pioneer settlers, designated the site for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles