The Mysterious Hidden Gem Attraction In Utah You Never Even Knew Existed
By Courtnie Erickson|Published February 14, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are so many hidden gems in Utah that are just waiting to be discovered. One of these is the Gilgal Sculpture Garden, a unique Utah garden that is tucked away in a Salt Lake City neighborhood and behind businesses. Despite being in the middle of the city, many individuals don’t even know it exists and it is one hidden gem in Utah that is strange, unique, and definitely bizarre.
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is located at 749 East 500 South in Salt Lake City and is one of a kind.
This unique garden was the project of Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. who began work on the garden in 1945. Child was not only an artist but also a stonemason.
The sculptures and stones feature all types of engravings including scripture, religious individuals, poetry, and so much more.
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For example, one of the most well-known sculptures in the garden is the Joseph Smith Sphinx. Joseph Smith was a prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Child designed the garden in hopes that those who explore it will ponder the “unsolved mysteries in life.” He hoped that the garden would inspire curiosity and deep thinking.
At first glance, many of the sculptures and engravings throughout the garden may seem difficult to understand and even a little gruesome. However, once you understand the meaning behind the sculptures, they are intriguing.
On the Gilgal Sculpture Garden website, you can click on a map to receive information about each sculpture. There are also walking tour brochures available at the garden.
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is open seven days a week. Hours vary depending on the time of year. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Have you ever visited the Gilgal Sculpture Garden in Salt Lake City? What did you find most interesting about this garden? Let us know in the comments. You can learn even more about this hidden gem in Utah on the garden’s website and Facebook page.
Are you searching for even more hidden gems in the Beehive State? We’ve got you covered! Check out this hidden gem road trip in Utah that will take you to some of the best.
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