The Saltair has a history dating back to 1893 when the original Saltair was considered the Coney Island of the West.
It was one of the most unique lake resorts of the time, but succumbed to fire in 1925. The resort was rebuilt as Saltair II but suffered another damaging fire in 1931 and later was forced to close due to World War II.
When reopened following the conclusion of the war, Saltair suffered from the competition of other forms of entertainment which eventually included television. Additionally, the Great Salt Lake receded to the point that a railway had to be built to transport swimmers to the lake from the resort. Saltair eventually was forced to close its doors again in 1958 due to decreased popularity. Saltair II was completely destroyed by arson in 1970.
In the 1980's, a group of investors decided to try once again and Saltair III was built. Unfortunately, the waters of the Great Salt Lake rose just months after construction was completed and flooded the building. Saltair remained flooded for several years. Once the waters receded, the building was restored but investors found that the lake kept on receding until the building was too far from the lake to be a viable resort.
In the 21st century, the venue has been used a concert hall.
Someone drew a map from California to Texas in the dried up portion of the lake bed near Saltair.
While it is indeed shrinking, the Great Salt Lake is still the 37th largest lake on earth, on average. Due to its shallowness, its size can vary considerably from year to year.
The smell of brine shrimp permeates the air around the Great Salt Lake. Brine shrimp were very first marketed as the popular "Sea Monkeys" in 1962.
Eagle Gate was originally erected in 1859 to mark the entrance to Brigham Young's property.
This statue of Brigham Young points toward Temple Square, the 10-acre complex owned by the Mormon Church in downtown Salt Lake City.
The LDS Conference Center contains a 21,000 seat auditorium.
The top of the Conference Center has rolling prairie and trees to provide the nearby apartment high-rises with an interesting view.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs in this building. Demonstrations of the acoustical features of the building are performed often.
Views of the Salt Lake Temple.
The South Visitor Center has a model of the Temple with virtual tours of each of the rooms within the building.
The Beehive House, one of Brigham Young's residences, can be toured.
The family room of the house was where children of the family showcased their many talents.
The house features furnishings from the 19th century that are both originals and replicas.
The Church Office Building has a 26th story observation deck open for visitors.
Much of the Salt Lake Valley can be viewed from the observation deck. In this direction, you can see the State Capitol.
Somewhere in this direction is our rv park.
Not far away from Temple Square is the headquarters of Summum. Summum is a tax-exempt organization which practices the rites of mummification.
The Summum Pyramid was erected in 1979 and is used as a sanctuary and temple, as well as being a licensed winery which produces the sacramental nectars of Summum.
The base of the pyramid is 40 feet long and the peak is 26 feet high.
On the way back to East Canyon Resort, we again saw the changing colors.
This camping area is part of East Canyon State Park and is adjacent to 680-acre East Canyon Reservoir.
East Canyon Resort features a large swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, miniature golf course, tennis and shuffleboard courts.
For more pictures, click here .
To be continued...
