Gilgal Garden

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gilgal Garden is a unique and quirky sculpture garden located in Salt Lake City, Utah.


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Summary

It is a hidden gem that features 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. The garden was created by Thomas Battersby Child Jr. in the mid-1900s and is now open to the public.

One of the main reasons to visit Gilgal Garden is to experience the eccentric and thought-provoking artwork. The sculptures are made from a range of materials, including concrete, metal, and stone, and are inspired by biblical stories, mythology, and personal experiences. Visitors can also enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the garden, which is surrounded by trees and flowers.

Some specific points of interest to see at Gilgal Garden include the Sphinx sculpture, which features the head of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, and the body of a lion. Another popular sculpture is the "Monument to the Trade," which depicts a group of workers pulling a massive block of stone. The garden also features a unique sundial and a number of engraved stones with quotes and poems.

Interesting facts about Gilgal Garden include that it was originally intended to be a private sanctuary for Child, but he eventually opened it up to the public. The garden has faced challenges over the years, including vandalism and neglect, but has been restored and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.

The best time of year to visit Gilgal Garden is in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. However, the garden is open year-round and can be enjoyed in any season. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Overall, Gilgal Garden is an offbeat and intriguing attraction that offers a unique perspective on art and spirituality. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and thought-provoking experience in Salt Lake City.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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