If you are going to be traveling through out the western United States, there are quite a few sites worth visiting. These sites are things that you would most likely do in conjunction with other vacation plans. To learn more about any of these areas you can click here.
The Mormon Handcart Visitors’ Center is in Alcova, Wyoming. You can take tours of the visitors’ center. Handcart treks and overnight camping are available, but you should call ahead and schedule these activities with the visitors’ center. This might be a good activity to do on your way in or out of Utah. Summer hours for the visitors’ center are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and winter hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
There are several temple visitors’ centers that you can visit throughout the western United States. You can also see the new film “Joseph Smith The Prophet of the Restoration,” at each of these visitors’ centers. You should call each visitors’ center to find out the available times for viewing the film. You can visit the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ center. You can also see their Easter pageant if you are in Mesa during the weeks preceding Easter. Other visitors’ centers include the Idaho Falls Temple Visitors’ Center, the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center, and the Oakland Temple Visitors’ Center. Each center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Oakland Temple Pageant takes place at the Oakland Temple Visitors’ Center in Oakland, California. The pageant shows the history of God’s church on earth. There is limited seating for this pageant, so you do need a ticket to attend. Tickets are free. To learn how to receive a ticket click here. Pageant dates are July 18 through 22 and July 25 through 29. Evening shows begin at 8:00 p.m. Matinee shows are available on July 22 and 29 at 2:00 p.m.
The San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town San Diego. You can take guided tours and see videos to learn more about the Mormon Battalion. The visitors’ center hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You can also see the film “Joseph Smith The Prophet of the Restoration.”
These sites are scattered over the western United States, but would be a great addition to an already planned vacation to any of these areas. Happy traveling!