Up First:
THE 2002 OLYMPIC MEDALS PLAZA'S HOBERMAN ARCH

The first part of your tour begins immediately as you exit the Salt Lake International Airport, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the renowned Hoberman Arch. This recently restored arch was the centerpiece of the 2002 Olympic Medals Plaza in downtown Salt Lake and placed in this location in 2023. After the games, The Hoberman Arch was placed on display at the Olympic Cauldron Park, but was removed from the park in 2014. For nearly a decade, the iconic arch sat in storage and tragically had pieces stolen from the installation. Today, Salt Lake is proud to have it back to its Olympic glory and the first thing you see as you enter our destination. Whether in a rental car or a ride-share, as you exit the airport, be on the lookout for this expansive 72-foot wide, 36-foot tall arch that sits on your left-hand side.

Immerse Yourself in Fun & History:
UTAH OLYMPIC PARK

Next up, we suggest starting your day just 25 miles east of Salt Lake City at The Utah Olympic Park. The best way to explore the park is by snagging a guided tour to learn of the amazing Olympic achievements and some of the more peculiar stories that you wouldn’t hear elsewhere. Tours regularly sell out, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. Or opt for self-guided and start at the Winter Games Museum where you’ll not only learn a few cool facts, but get to interact with exhibits as well! At this museum, you’re more than just an observer, you’re a participant with interactive and virtual exhibits. Best part, self-guided is completely free!

The Olympic Park also houses one of only four sliding tracks in North America, six Nordic ski jumps, and many more unique adventures. In the summer, visitors can find themselves flying down the expansive ski jumps on tubes, or in winter, riding down the 2002 Olympic track via the park’s bobsled experience where professional pilots take you on a once in a lifetime ride. In addition, you can watch athletes put on amazing shows, ride one of the steepest zip lines in the world over the Olympic jumps, or try a host of other fun, active activities. These invigorating experiences are a must-do while visiting!

Follow the Olympic Torch:
EMIGRATION CANYON TO OLYMPIC CAULDRON PARK 

After the Utah Olympic Park, make your way back to Salt Lake to visit where the 2002 opening and closing ceremonies were held, The Olympic Cauldron Park. Better yet, make it a scenic route and wind down the mountainous Emigration Canyon on your way there. Fun fact, in the Olympic torch relay, the torch passed Emigration Canyon before briefly stopping at This Is the Place Heritage Park (another great spot to visit on your trip). If you’re short on time, skip the scenic drive down Emigration Canyon, and head straight to Rice Eccles Stadium where the Olympic Cauldron Plaza resides. Located on the southwestern corner of the stadium, you’ll spot the towering cauldron that held the Olympic flame here in Salt Lake during the games. Surrounding it are eight monuments that tell the comprehensive story of the games with photo and information plaques. This is an outside venue, so be sure to dress warm if it is winter.

For the Art Aficionados:
ABRAVANEL HALL'S OLYMPIC TOWER CHANDELIER 

2002 was a pivotal time for Salt Lake, not just because of the games themselves, but for the wealth of artistic talent it brought to our city. One notable artist was Dale Chiluly, a masterful and world-renowned glassblower, who is responsible for what’s known as the Flame Chandelier or Olympic Tower Chandelier. This larger than life, magnificent, flame red glass sculpture can be seen downtown at Abravanel Hall, the home of the Utah Symphony.  A short drive from the Olympic Cauldron, this is a worthwhile stop on your day touring the Olympic spirit of Salt Lake.

End the Day on the Fastest Ice on Earth:
DELTA CENTER TO UTAH OLYMPIC OVAL 

As you make your way from Abravanel Hall, you can drive by the Delta Center, currently the home of the NBA's Utah Jazz, but also an important Olympic venue where the figure skating championships were held. Although the Delta Center doesn’t offer tours, it is a fun drive-by to spot where iconic events, like figure skating and short track speed skating competitions, were hosted.

Then, to round out the day tour, end it at the Utah Olympic Oval. Last but certainly not least, this five-acre venue is home to Utah’s only 400-meter speed skating over and two international-sized ice sheets. Visitors can go for public ice-skating and skate on Olympian ice or try out a more unique sport with the venues “Learn to Curl” program, a two-hour on-ice class that teaches the fundamentals of the sport. Be sure to check the website in advance as the classes are usually only once a week and require advance registration, and the public skate has specified times and dates as well.