This Is the Place Heritage Park, Salt Lake City

This Is the Place Heritage Park, a Utah State Park located on the eastern edge of Salt Lake City, which serves as a vibrant historical site at the foot of the Wasatch Range near Emigration Canyon. The park commemorates a significant moment from July 24, 1847, when Brigham Young, a leader of the Mormon pioneers, looked out over the Salt Lake Valley and declared it the new homeland for his people. This proclamation, remembered as “This is the place,” marked the end of the pioneers' arduous journey and the start of their settlement in the West.

The site’s rich history is marked by various milestones. In 1917, a Boy Scout troop erected a wooden marker, later replaced by a stone obelisk, identifying Young’s view of the valley. On the 100th anniversary in 1947, the state commissioned Mahonri M. Young, Brigham Young's grandson, to design a larger monument, celebrated in a ceremony with nearly 50,000 attendees.

Throughout the 20th century, the park evolved from a simple monument into a living history museum. Historical structures were restored or recreated, including pioneer homes, shops, and community buildings, creating an immersive experience of Utah’s early settlements. Notable expansions included the relocation of Young's Forest Farmhouse, a pioneer dugout home, and replicas of early commercial establishments like the Manti Z.C.M.I store and Deseret Hospital.

Managed by the non-profit This Is The Place Foundation since 1998, the park now spans 450 acres and offers engaging experiences for visitors, including historical reenactments, replica trains, and hands-on activities like the Pioneer Playground and Petting Corral. Additions like the Monument Café and the Irrigation Station splash pad, which educates visitors about water use in Utah, highlight the park’s focus on interactive learning.