I have always read the stories of this place and it was finally nice to be close enough to visit. I was welcomed by the Missionaries and able to take a tour of the area. I will definately be back with my family. I also came back several time during my visit here because of the spirit that I felt.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we were excited to visit the area where so much of our Church's history occurred. The guides were terrific and the tour of the buildings really gave us insight into how the members of that community lived at that time. So glad we did it.
I have been able to visit Historic Kirtland several times. The people there are very friendly, helpful, and give a great free tour. They have done a wonderful job of restoring, or rebuilding a house, a store, and mill, etc. As they take you through each one, they explain how they lived in the early 1830's, and tell you about the people that were there. You don't need a reservation, just walk in. Plan on spending 1 to 2 hours. It is a hidden gem... well worth your time.
Whether you're LDS or not, take the time to visit both this Historic Kirtland site and the Kirtland Temple. Both are well worth the time.Why? Because they are owned and operated by two different split groups of the original Church established by Joseph Smith. To me, being a former LDS, I found the differences in presentation, focus, and historical and current status of the two organizations of as much interest as the sites themselves.
Started at LDS Visitors Center. They are very informative and give a great guided tour of the area. They are provided guides at several outlying areas such as the John Johnson Farm. It is amazing how many important things happened in this area.The guides and historic places provided by the LDS church are free.
We haven't been to Kirtland in over 15 years and so glad we came. The LDS church has restored several buildings and businesses that were there in the 1830's. They are historically accurate and some of the buildings are original while others are reproductions. You don't have to be LDS to enjoy the historical richness of this place. The missionary tour guides are wonderful. They take you through the different buildings explaining what the rooms were used for and what happened historically in those rooms. There is NO CHARGE for admission or the tours. We are definitely coming back!
This historic center is operated by LDS but one can visit and walk around the site on your own - do not have join a tour group. If you want to learn more or talk with staff of LDS, you can but also able to just walk and enjoy the historical site. There are numerous buildings and easy trail around each. It is well maintained and good parking area.
A Christmas creche display in December numbering in the hundreds is an amazing sight. Other art exhibits are equally impressive. A pilgrimage destination to be sure; but people of all faiths will be interested.
Just finished taking 150 youth through historic Kirtland from the ages of 14 to 18. They accommodated us perfectly splitting us in the small groups and the youth and myself enjoyed every minute of it. If you haven't been to historic Kirtland this is a must see church history tour. If you're not a member of the LDS churc it is still a very informative and enjoyable tour. Some of those youth going with us were not members of the LDS faith and still really enjoyed their time in Kirkland.
I had wanted to visit historic Kirtland moist of my life, being that I am LDS and have family ties to that time period.We got there a little too late to enjoy a lengthy tour, due to lack of light. The buildings are restored nicely, and there is much to learn.The only downside is that the Sister Missionaries seemed somewhat "put out" that we we there late, and it took a bit of the luster off the experience. If not for that, I'd give it 5 stars.We went back the next morning and wandered around without a guide, and just soaked in the loveliness of the area. I think my wife wants to live there.