The Great Saltair
- Admission
- $5 parking fee; concert ticket prices vary
- Hours
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for gift shop and beach access; hours extend for scheduled concerts
- Duration
- 30-60 minutes
- Parking
- Large on-site paved parking lot available for a fee
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible pavilion, but the sandy trek to the receding shoreline is not accessible for mobility devices
Often called the "Coney Island of the West," this historic, dome-peaked pavilion has survived multiple fires and rebuilds since 1893. Today, it serves as an atmospheric music venue and a gateway to the Great Salt Lake's desolate, salty shores.
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The Great Saltair carries a legendary legacy as the "Coney Island of the West," with its first iteration built in 1893 as a grand resort on the Great Salt Lake. Over the decades, the pavilion suffered multiple devastating fires and fluctuating lake levels, leading to its destruction and eventual rebirth. The present structure, completed in 1981, evokes the iconic Byzantine-style architecture of its predecessors and stands as a resilient monument to Utah's recreation history.
Today, Saltair operates primarily as a unique live music venue and event space, hosting a variety of touring concerts against a stark desert backdrop. Visitors are drawn to its hauntingly beautiful, isolated setting where the highway meets the salty, vast waters. The expansive landscape and dramatic sunsets make it a favorite spot for photographers and curious road-trippers looking for a surreal pitstop.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Check the event calendar online before visiting, as the interior is typically only open to the public during scheduled concerts and events.
- ◆ Bring a camera to capture the surreal, mirror-like reflections on the shallow water of the Great Salt Lake during sunset.
- ◆ Walk out toward the shoreline behind the venue to experience the unique crust of the salt flats underfoot.
Heads Up
- ◆ Be prepared for a strong, earthy odor from the Great Salt Lake, which can be particularly intense during warmer months.
- ◆ Brine flies and gnats can swarm the shoreline in late spring and summer, so insect repellent is highly recommended.
- ◆ The surrounding salt flats can become extremely muddy and sticky; wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
Common questions
Can you walk to the water from the Great Saltair?
Yes, you can walk to the Great Salt Lake from the parking lot, but because the water levels have receded significantly, it requires a long and often muddy walk of up to half a mile or more.
Why does it smell bad at the Great Saltair?
The distinct odor is caused by decaying organic matter, algae, and brine shrimp in the shallow water, which releases hydrogen sulfide gas.
Can you go inside the Saltair building if there is no concert?
The main concert hall is closed to the public outside of scheduled events, but the building's gift shop is generally open during the day for visitors.