Beehive House - a small house with a blue container
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Beehive House

4.6
·400 reviews·Salt Lake City, United States

Step into the 19th-century life of Brigham Young at his historic Salt Lake City residence, offering free, insightful tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
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Beehive House - a small house with a blue container

Beehive House

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the 19th-century life of Brigham Young at his historic Salt Lake City residence, offering free, insightful tours.

4.6
(400 reviews)

"The quality of this tour has grown 1000% better now that the Church history department has taken the reigns."

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TIP

📚 Brush up on History

Reading about Mormon history beforehand enriches the tour experience.

🚶‍♀️ Free Guided Tours

Enjoy a comprehensive and informative tour at no cost.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Brigham Young's Residence

Brigham Young's Residence

Main House

Explore the personal living quarters and offices of Brigham Young, gaining insight into his leadership and daily life.

Historical Context

Historical Context

Throughout the House

Understand the social and religious landscape of 19th-century Utah through guided narratives and period-appropriate furnishings.

Joseph F. Smith's Quarters

Joseph F. Smith's Quarters

Adjacent Rooms

See where President Joseph F. Smith lived and worked, continuing the legacy of leadership within the home.

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Free Historical Insight

Step back in time at the Beehive House, a free tour offering a glimpse into Brigham Young's life and early Utah history. Tours are frequent, but arriving a bit before a scheduled start can ensure a spot.

Prepare for a Deep Dive

While tours are informative, a little pre-reading on Mormon history enhances the experience. The guides are knowledgeable and present historical facts, including polygamy, factually.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mid-morning
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Crowd
Low
When
Just before a tour starts
Why
Seamless entry, no waiting
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📌 SAVE this post for Banff Canada inspo 💫 5 spots you must visit in Banff National Park 💫 1️⃣ Little Beehive, this rated hard 10.6km hike takes you to a stunning lookout above Lake Louise. TIP: in the fall you can see golden larches along the trail! 2️⃣ Johnston Canyon Trail, this moderate 5.5km hike is very accessible and offers views of stunning waterfalls and a blue river flowing through the c...
@wellnesstravelled
42.7K likes • 906.8K views

📚 Brush up on History

Reading about Mormon history beforehand enriches the tour experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Free Guided Tours

Enjoy a comprehensive and informative tour at no cost. Reddit

Beehive House 🐝 Breathing with Nature’s Heartbeat Today, I stepped into a truly extraordinary place, a Beehive House. Imagine a wooden cottage filled with warmth and the golden scent of honey, propolis, and beeswax. Around and within its walls, bees live and work in their natural environment. You can hear their gentle hum, feel their presence, and breathe the same air that has been healing and pr...
agnes_shaman
46 likes • 594 views

⏳ Arrive a bit early

Ensure you get a spot on the next available tour. Reddit

🐝 Nature's Hum

Experience the unique atmosphere of a 'Beehive House' with live bees. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

📚 Brush up on History

Reading about Mormon history beforehand enriches the tour experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Free Guided Tours

Enjoy a comprehensive and informative tour at no cost. Reddit

⏳ Arrive a bit early

Ensure you get a spot on the next available tour. Reddit

🐝 Nature's Hum

Experience the unique atmosphere of a 'Beehive House' with live bees. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(400 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Beehive House for its free, informative tours that offer deep insights into Brigham Young's life and early Utah history. The knowledgeable guides and the well-preserved historical setting are frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors suggest that prior knowledge of Mormon history enhances the experience, and it may be less engaging for very young children.

"The Beehive House is a beautifully preserved piece of Utah history. The tour was informative and gave great insight into Brigham Young’s life and early pioneer days. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and the home itself is full of character."

Eric Haffner

"Got right into a tour. It lasted over the 30 minutes. I was interested as I am a member of the Mormon faith. I liked seeing the rooms and thought the history provided of Young and Joseph F Smith was interesting. It is small and kids probably wouldn't enjoy."

Christa Dandoy

"Free tour, we happened to get there just as the next tour was starting. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Some of the pieces are original to the owners and others are time appropriate pieces. I liked learning the history and seeing what life would of been like back in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s."

Jerica Jenkins

What People Like

Free and informative tours
Knowledgeable guides
Historical preservation

What People Dislike

Less engaging for young kids

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Beehive House is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, near Temple Square. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and light rail. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk if they are already exploring the downtown area. Parking can be challenging, so consider ride-sharing or public transit if driving. Reddit

While there isn't dedicated parking for the Beehive House itself, several public parking garages are available in the vicinity of Temple Square. Be prepared for paid parking. Reddit

Absolutely! The Beehive House offers free tours to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. The guides focus on historical context and are trained to provide information factually. Reddit

The Beehive House typically operates with tours available throughout the day, usually from Monday to Saturday. It's best to check the official website or call ahead for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

The historical nature of the Beehive House means some areas may have limited accessibility. It's advisable to contact the site in advance to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Beehive House is completely free! Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving a little before a tour starts is recommended. Reddit

The guided tours typically last around 30 to 45 minutes, providing a thorough overview of the house and its history. Reddit

The Beehive House experience is centered around the guided tours, which are essential for understanding the historical context and stories of the home. Self-guided visits are generally not permitted. Reddit

There is no specific dress code, but it's recommended to dress respectfully, as you would for any historical site or place of worship. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Typically, personal photography without flash is allowed in most areas, but it's always best to confirm with your tour guide upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll explore Brigham Young's personal living quarters, offices, and reception rooms, learning about his life, leadership, and the early days of Utah. The tour also touches upon the lives of his successors, like Joseph F. Smith. Reddit+1

The Beehive House tours are generally more suited for adults and older children interested in history. Younger children might find the historical details less engaging. Reddit

The beehive is a symbol of industry and community in LDS tradition, reflecting Brigham Young's vision for the industrious settlers of Utah. Instagram

The Beehive House is located adjacent to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, making it a convenient addition to a visit to the historic Temple Square area. Reddit

Yes, the Church History Museum is located across the street, offering further insights into the history of the LDS Church and early Utah. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Beehive House itself does not have a restaurant or cafe. However, numerous dining options are available within walking distance in the downtown Salt Lake City area, near Temple Square. Reddit

It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the historical house to preserve the artifacts and interior. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Personal photography without flash is usually permitted inside the Beehive House. Always confirm with your guide, as policies can change. Reddit

The exterior of the Beehive House, with its distinctive architecture, makes for great photos. Inside, the historical rooms offer unique photographic opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Beehive House offers a free historical tour, which can be a valuable educational experience for families. However, it's important to note that the content is historical and may be more engaging for older children and teenagers who have an interest in history or social studies. Younger children might find the detailed narratives less captivating. Consider preparing children with some background information beforehand to spark their interest. Reddit

While the house itself is a historical site, it's not designed with specific child-friendly interactive exhibits. The focus is on preserving the historical integrity of the home. If you have very young children, you might want to prioritize other nearby attractions that offer more hands-on activities, or ensure your children are prepared for a more lecture-style tour. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Beehive House is a must-visit. The free guided tours provide in-depth insights into the life of Brigham Young, a central figure in American West history, and the early development of Utah. The guides are praised for their knowledge and accuracy, offering a factual account of the period, including complex social and religious practices. Reddit+1

Beyond the personal stories, the house itself is a preserved piece of 19th-century architecture. Exploring the rooms where significant historical decisions were made offers a unique perspective. Visiting the adjacent Church History Museum can further enrich your understanding of the era. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Beehive House is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers as admission is completely free. This allows for a rich historical experience without any cost. The tours are comprehensive and informative, offering significant value. Reddit

Combine your visit with other free attractions in Salt Lake City, such as Temple Square itself or walking tours of the downtown area, to create a full day of exploration without spending a dime on entry fees. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Brigham Young's Life

The Beehive House served as the official residence and office for Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from 1855 until his death in 1877. During his tenure, he was also the territorial governor of Utah. The house reflects his significant role in the settlement and development of the American West. Visitors can explore rooms where he conducted church and civic affairs, offering a tangible connection to this pivotal historical figure. Reddit+1

The tours provide context on the daily life of Brigham Young and his family, including insights into polygamy, which was practiced by many early church leaders. The guides are noted for presenting this sensitive historical aspect factually and without judgment, allowing visitors to understand the historical context. The home itself is furnished with period-appropriate items, some original, to recreate the atmosphere of the mid-19th century. Reddit

Beyond Brigham Young's personal spaces, the Beehive House also encompasses areas used by his successor, Joseph F. Smith. This continuity highlights the home's enduring significance as a center of leadership for the church. The free guided tours are highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the historical narratives and the architectural significance of this landmark. Reddit

The Symbolism of the Beehive

The name 'Beehive House' is deeply symbolic, drawing from the beehive motif that is a prominent emblem for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The beehive represents industry, community, and the collective effort required to build a new society in a challenging environment. Brigham Young encouraged his followers to be industrious and work together, much like bees in a hive, to establish their settlements in Utah. Instagram

This symbolism is woven into the fabric of the house and its history. Visitors can feel the spirit of industriousness and community that the name evokes. The house stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit and the organizational principles that guided the early Latter-day Saints. Instagram

Understanding this symbolism adds another layer of appreciation to the visit, connecting the physical structure to the broader cultural and religious values of the people who built and inhabited it. It’s a reminder of the collective endeavors that shaped early Utah. Instagram

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