Hidden away in a residential neighborhood in Salt Lake City, Gilgal Gardens is one of a kind. It's not a typical park or a normal tourist destination. Rather, it's a secret garden with giant stone sculptures, carved rocks with famous quotes, and plenty of intrigue. If you enjoy discovering hidden gems, offbeat attractions, and eclectic art, this lesser-known location is definitely worth a visit.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Salt Lake City, this sculpture garden offers a peaceful escape and an unforgettable experience. It’s one of the most quirky landmarks in Utah—and the best part? It's one of the best free attractions in the area!
Gilgal Gardens is a tiny public garden only a few blocks from downtown Salt Lake City. The garden was the product of Thomas Battersby Child Jr., a Salt Lake businessman and mason who set out to convert his backyard into a spiritual and artistic shrine. He started the garden in the 1940s and worked on it until he died in 1963.
Child was not a professional artist, but that did not prevent him from constructing enormous stone sculptures and inscribing Bible quotes and poems into rocks. He wanted to share his thoughts through local art, and he constructed the garden to represent his faith and ideas.
The garden itself is only slightly more than half an acre, but it contains over 70 stones, 12 large sculptures, and dozens of carvings. It's one of those hidden gems you won't believe exists until you see it for yourself.
As you enter this garden, the first thing you will notice is how unique it is compared to other parks. Rather than benches and fountains, you will notice towering rock formations and bizarre statues. Some are humorous, some are somewhat bizarre, and some make you pause and reflect.
One of the most well-known sculptures is a stone sphinx with Joseph Smith's head. Another sculpture depicts a man walking through a stone archway—believed to be a representation of spiritual change. You'll also notice stone books, a sacrificial altar, and even a sculpture that symbolizes the heart and organs of a man.
Each stone in the garden is storytelling, and many visitors have fun trying to identify what each represents. The garden is commonly referred to as a "secret garden" since it seems like a secret world in the middle of a city.
One of the reasons this sculpture garden is unique among other quirky landmarks is the secrecy surrounding it. Although Thomas Child left some notes, most of the significance behind the sculptures is unknown. He did not reveal everything he created, and that makes the garden even more intriguing.
Others travel from afar to stroll through the garden and make their own sense of the artwork. It's a treasure hunt, really—each sculpture is a clue, and each person gets to interpret what it says.
This combination of art, religion, and intrigue is what sets this sculpture garden apart. It's a place for thinking, dreaming, and feeling something new each time you go.
Although Gilgal Gardens is just off the hustle and bustle of city streets, inside it is quiet and serene. The garden is filled with trees and walls that make it a serene, secluded atmosphere. You can stroll down the stone walkways, read the inscribed messages, and absorb the lovely environment.
It's also a wonderful place to take a quick break if you're touring the city. Because it's one of the lesser-known free attractions, you won't have large crowds here. Locals come to unwind, meditate, or simply take some time away from the din.
Whether you're an admirer of local art, an inquisitive traveler, or someone who wants a peaceful spot to think, Gilgal Gardens has something special.
One of the greatest things about this sculpture garden is that it's totally free. There's no admission fee, no ticket stand, and no reservations required. Just drop by and take a look around.
It's open every day from dawn until dusk and is maintained by the Friends of Gilgal Garden, a nonprofit group that helps protect and share this one-of-a-kind site. Thanks to their efforts, the garden remains open for everyone to enjoy year-round.
If you're visiting Salt Lake City and you'd like to see some of its best-kept secrets, this sculpture garden is worth a visit. It's a simple detour to tack onto your day—and one that won't be easily forgotten.
Below are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Gilgal Gardens:
This sculpture garden is one of those gems that most locals hold dear but don't discuss frequently. It's not gaudy or pretentious, but it does have a great deal of heart. Folks adore it because it's strange, quirky, and unlike any other location in the city.
For others, it's a spot to enjoy local art. For others, it's a place to entertain guests and watch them react. And for most, it's simply a peaceful, lovely place to think or meander.
Different from large tourist attractions, this secret garden doesn't seek to astound through enormity or glitz. Rather, it encourages you to peer deeper—to marvel, dream, and perhaps even be inspired.
For anyone who likes finding bizarre landmarks, this sculpture garden is a stop that cannot be missed. It's not the usual park fare, and that is precisely the appeal. The combination of religious imagery, rock poetry, and odd sculptures means you'll create an experience there that lingers after you are gone.
The garden also serves as an excellent example of how local art may express personal idea and belief. Thomas Child did not create his sculptures for cash or glory—instead, he constructed them in order to allow himself to speak. That flame still burns to this day.
When you've looked around this sculpture garden, you may want to visit a few other places close by. Try these:
With so much to see around it, Gilgal Gardens is the perfect addition to a half-day outing or extended city tour.
Gilgal Gardens is unique, however you interpret that term. In a world saturated with glittering sights and crowded experiences, this sculpture garden is quietly itself. It is odd, spectacular, and reflective, all within one small area. Whether you are looking for free attractions, tranquil spaces, or a place different than other attractions of Salt Lake City, this experience is worth it.
When you get to Salt Lake City again, make the time to visit this sculpture garden. Go with an open mind, some curiosity, and maybe a friend with whom to share your wonders.
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