Pine Valley Chapel
Discover the oldest continuously used LDS chapel, a 1868 marvel designed like an 'upside-down ship' amidst serene pines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, open tours
Pine Valley Chapel
Best Time
Cooler temps, open tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the oldest continuously used LDS chapel, a 1868 marvel designed like an 'upside-down ship' amidst serene pines.
"A breathtaking historic chapel, a ship built upside down, nestled in towering pines."
📞 Call Ahead for Tours
Confirm tour availability before visiting, as some find it hard to reach someone by phone. :telephone_receiver:
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a historic religious site; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Ship Built Upside Down'
Interior
Marvel at the unique architecture, designed by a shipbuilder, resembling an inverted ship with its rafters forming the hull.
Oldest Continuous LDS Chapel
Exterior
Experience the charm of the oldest LDS chapel still in continuous use, a testament to its enduring history since 1868.
Pioneer Cemetery
Adjacent to Chapel
Explore the nearby cemetery with hand-carved pioneer headstones, offering a poignant glimpse into the area's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits to Historic Sites
Seasonal Access & Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead for Tours
Confirm tour availability before visiting, as some find it hard to reach someone by phone. :telephone_receiver:
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a historic religious site; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit. :pray:
🚗 Explore the Cemetery
Don't miss the nearby pioneer cemetery with unique hand-carved headstones. Close the gate behind you! :walking:
☀️ Summer Visit Recommended
The chapel is nice and cool in the summer, and tours are generally available. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead for Tours
Confirm tour availability before visiting, as some find it hard to reach someone by phone. :telephone_receiver:
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a historic religious site; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit. :pray:
🚗 Explore the Cemetery
Don't miss the nearby pioneer cemetery with unique hand-carved headstones. Close the gate behind you! :walking:
☀️ Summer Visit Recommended
The chapel is nice and cool in the summer, and tours are generally available. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pine Valley Chapel for its historical significance as the oldest continuously used LDS chapel and its unique 'ship built upside down' architecture. The serene atmosphere and picturesque setting are also frequently highlighted. Some visitors have noted challenges in confirming tour availability by phone, and access is limited to specific seasonal hours.
"Wonderful LDS chapel is the oldest in continuous service as a meeting place and ward house in the US. The entrance strongly resembles the entry to the St. George Temple just south of here. A block north on Main Street in Pine Valley is the first LDS Tithing Center."
Pat Cummings
"I've been wanting to visit here for over 20 years, and it was great. Just make sure you come when tours are available on Sundays or during the week between memorial day and labor day. I have pioneer roots in this area with Burgesses and Emmetts. The nearby cemetery is also a good visit with a lot of hand-carved pioneer headstones. Just be respectful and close the gate behind you."
Rod Hjelm
"Too bad we couldn't get it to visit. No one answered the phone or their phone not a accepting calls. Could've been the coolest place so far through our journey. It's beautiful tho"
Riko Hozhoogi Naasha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pine Valley Chapel is located in Pine Valley, Utah. While specific driving directions depend on your starting point, it's a scenic drive into the valley. Many visitors combine a trip here with other historic sites in the area.
Parking is generally available in the vicinity of the chapel, especially during tour hours. Be mindful of local signage and any restrictions.
Yes, tours are typically available on Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the historic chapel and the adjacent pioneer cemetery. Consider visiting during the summer tour season for interior access.
Yes, the first LDS Tithing Center and a pioneer cemetery with hand-carved headstones are nearby. The entrance also resembles the St. George Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While entry to the grounds is generally free, tours of the interior are seasonal and may have specific hours. It's best to check for tour availability.
Tours are typically offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day, between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM on Sundays and weekdays.
You can usually view the exterior of the chapel and explore the surrounding grounds and cemetery at any time. Interior access is limited to scheduled tour times. +1
There is no admission fee to visit the Pine Valley Chapel, but donations may be accepted. Tours are often free but subject to seasonal availability.
Some visitors have reported difficulty contacting the chapel by phone. It's recommended to try calling during the stated tour hours or visit during the season to inquire in person.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The chapel was designed by a shipbuilder and is known as 'a ship built upside down,' with its rafters resembling the hull of a ship.
Yes, it is the oldest LDS chapel in continuous use as a meeting place and ward house in the United States.
Inside, you can admire the unique ship-like architecture, the wooden beams, and the peaceful ambiance that has been preserved for over 150 years.
Historically, events like Christkindlmarkt SLC have featured performances at the chapel, offering a unique cultural experience.
The bell, which has rung for 155 years, historically served as an alarm bell for the community.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies inside historic religious buildings can vary. It's best to ask for permission from tour guides or staff before taking photos inside.
The exterior of the chapel, especially with the surrounding pines, offers beautiful photo opportunities. The unique interior architecture is also a popular subject.
Yes, the chapel is a popular wedding venue, and photographers often capture beautiful moments here, both inside and out.
Regulations regarding drone usage vary by location. It's advisable to check local ordinances and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
The chapel is known for its soft, natural light filtering through the windows, creating a serene atmosphere for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The nearby pioneer cemetery, with its distinct headstones, can also be an engaging, albeit somber, historical exploration. Keep in mind that interior tours are seasonal (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and have specific hours.
💍 Couples & Wedding Enthusiasts
The charming white chapel, set against a natural backdrop, provides a romantic and intimate setting for ceremonies. Photographers often find the chapel's exterior and the surrounding natural beauty ideal for capturing stunning wedding day memories. +1Beyond weddings, couples interested in history and unique architecture will appreciate the chapel's story and its status as the oldest continuously used LDS chapel.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Aficionados
Exploring the chapel's interior (during tour season) allows for an appreciation of its craftsmanship, while the adjacent pioneer cemetery offers further insight into the lives of early settlers with its hand-carved headstones.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: A Ship Afloat
The chapel's resemblance to a ship is so pronounced that it's often referred to as 'a ship built upside down.' This unique feature sets it apart from traditional church architecture and makes it a fascinating subject for those interested in historical building techniques. The use of local materials and the builder's expertise in naval architecture resulted in a structure that has stood the test of time, remaining in continuous use for over 150 years.
Beyond its primary architectural feature, the chapel also boasts a serene and peaceful ambiance, enhanced by the natural light that filters through its windows. This combination of historical significance, unique design, and tranquil atmosphere makes Pine Valley Chapel a truly memorable destination for visitors.
A Living Piece of History: Continuous Service
The chapel's enduring presence is a testament to its solid construction and the community's dedication to preserving its heritage. Visitors often express a sense of reverence and connection to the past when stepping inside, imagining the countless lives that have passed through its doors. The nearby pioneer cemetery, with its hand-carved headstones, further enhances this historical immersion, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of the early settlers.
Experiencing Pine Valley Chapel is more than just seeing an old building; it's about connecting with a living piece of history. The opportunity to witness a place that has remained a cornerstone of a community for so long offers a unique perspective on heritage and continuity.
Seasonal Access and Visitor Experience
Some visitors have noted that reaching someone by phone to confirm tour availability can be challenging, suggesting that it's best to plan your visit during the operational season or be prepared for potential communication difficulties.
During the summer tour season, the chapel is described as being pleasantly cool, offering a comfortable respite.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit