Capitol Hill gets its name from the Utah State Capitol which majestically overlooks downtown and the entire Salt Lake City metro area. The homes that reside in front of and behind the hill frame the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The area in front of the Capitol Building is home to some of the most historic properties in Salt Lake City. The McCune Mansion, Wolf Mansion, SLC Council Hall, Pioneer History Museum, and White Memorial Chapel were all built around the turn of the 20th Century and pay homage to the early architects of the city.
The area behind the Capitol is relatively quiet. Homes in the area were built in the mid-century, offering stunning architecture and amazing views of the Great Salt Lake and Salt Lake Valley. Like most neighborhoods, the higher the homes on the mountain, the newer they are.
A visit to the Utah State Capitol and Capitol Complex is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Visitors will find a large 40-acre plot which includes a Vietnam War memorial and a monument dedicated to the Mormon Battalion. In recent years, a new plaza, garden, and reflecting pool have been added. Each summer, The Capitol Preservation Board and the Utah Film Commission host a free movie series on the Capitol grounds called “Movies Under the Stars.” Residents of the area and surrounding neighborhoods gather on the grounds to experience a variety of family-friendly movies and entertainment.
Just east of the hill lies City Creek Canyon, a quiet, vast, undeveloped recreation area less than one mile from the city center. The Canyon, with adjacent park, provides a necessary escape for runners, bikers, hikers, and children of all ages. The entrance of the canyon is Memory Grove, a leash-free dog park that is landscaped with lawns, statues and memorials that honor American soldiers. It also houses The Memorial House, a historic events center and home of the Utah Heritage Foundation. Its rich history and structural design make it a popular place to host weddings and receptions.
Photo courtesy of Todd McKinley