Summer Vacation News for LDS Travelers

The summer of 2008 is a great time to take a family vacation to Church historical sites. Although trips to amusement parks are fun, visiting Sharon, Palmyra, Kirtland, Nauvoo, Liberty, or any of the many other historical areas will have a much more lasting impact on you and your family. Imagine visiting the site of the Prophet’s birth, walking in the Sacred Grove, standing on the banks of the Susquehanna River, gazing up at the Nauvoo Temple, or reliving the last moments of the Prophet’s life inside the Carthage Jail!

To help you calendar and plan your family trip, we want to update you with some of the latest dates and changes:

· The Hill Cumorah Pageant – This high technology, multi-tiered production with a cast of more than 700 costumed performers will take place on the hillside just to the right of the Palmyra Visitors’ Center. "America's Witness for Christ"; is scheduled July 11, 12, 15-19. The production begins at 9:00 p.m. (starts filling by 7:00) and is free to the public. Tickets are not required. For additional information, visit www.hillcumorah.com or call 315-597-5851.

· The Nauvoo Pageant – Premiering in 2005, the Nauvoo Pageant will be held from July 11 through August 8, west and south of Nauvoo Illinois Temple (no Sunday or Monday performances). The performance begins at sundown (about 8:45), and admission is free. It is yet to be determined if tickets will be required. For additional information, visit www.historicnauvoo.net or call 888-453-6434.

· The Independence Visitors’ Center – The LDS Visitors’ Center, located at 937 West Walnut Street in Independence, Missouri, is now closed for remodeling. Though no specific date has been given for reopening, we suggest you check in the fall for updated information. Though the center is closed, there are still many important sites to see in this area. For a free tourism packet, contact the Independence tourism department at 800-748-7323. When requesting the packet, make sure you ask for information on LDS sites as well as historical sites. Additional information is also available at the Historic Liberty Jail Visitors’ Center, located just 13 miles north of Independence.

· Mesa, Arizona – "Jesus the Christ"; March 12,13, 18-22 (English); March 14-15 (Spanish); Mesa Arizona Temple grounds.

· Manti, Utah — "Mormon Miracle"; June 12-14, 17- 21; Manti Utah Temple grounds.

· Castle Dale, Utah — Castle Valley Pageant; July 31, Aug. 1-2; 5-9; outdoor amphitheater near Castle Dale.

As you travel in the Independence/Liberty area, consider stopping at nearby Richmond. There are several sites of interest here, all in close proximity.