historic kirtland

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.

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.

Many visitors allow as little as an afternoon (or even less) for their visit the LDS Church historic sites in the area. In our opinion the historic village and associated nearby sites are worthy of two or more days. The historic village itself can consume a couple of hours or more, if you stop and see everything. Picnic facilities are available at both the historic village and the Johnson Farm. The home of Lorenzo Snow is also a good visit and though owned privately and lived in, the owners are happy to welcome visitors. It should be noted that the historic village and the nearby temple are owned by different religious groups with differing religious views.

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.

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 know very little about the Morman faith, so figured this would be a good place to start. The fact that there is free admission is a big plus. The grounds are immaculate; kudos to the landscapers! There is also plenty of parking and it's easy to find; signage is good. This whole site exudes peace and quiet; we were on a tight schedule, but got the idea what we could have stayed as long as we would have liked, after we had our tour. Now about the tour: when a site is run by the religion itself, you have to expect a somewhat biased interpretation, and that's what we got. That didn't bother me; however, what did was the fact that both our tour guides, who were girls, were very young (19 and early 20s) and we felt they just didn't have enough life experience to handle our questions. It was obvious that had a script, and when we threw them some curve balls (such as whether or not there can be truth in other Christian and nonChristian faiths and also would the Mormons consider attending an interfaith gathering) they were grasping for ways to reply. (We made it clear we had no disrespect but didn't agree with everything they said, and they appeared to be OK with that.) What was most surprising was their interpretation of why the early Mormons left Kirtland. They kept stressing that it was time to move on, they had accomplished what needed to be done; however, when visiting the Temple (just a few minutes away) a very different take was provided: they were essentially run out of town, and there was also dispute among the faithful themselves. Talk about night and day! (The Temple's version was also promoted at the Plainsville Heritage Center, about 30 minutes or so away.) I feel this "watered down and sanitized" version Historic Kirtland offers does negatively affect the overall experience; at least some mention of other opinions of their exodus should have been provided although they certainly have the right to their perspective. Also lacking was a clear understanding of just what Mormons believe; they need to have a pamphlet available listing their main beliefs, although we were offered free Books of Mormon and other materials. Bottom line: an interesting stop, one we were glad to do. However, it is just a starting point to learning about this religion.

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.

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.

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.

The LDS center has a very interesting tour that you can enjoy. My favourites are the The Kirtland Ashery, Johnson Home,Johnson Inn Resource Center, Newel K. Whitney StoreNewel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney Home and the historical Kirtland Sawmill. I am not a Mormon but I really enjoy whith history.

Went for the history, and found the restorations to be a little too perfect...more like doll houses than accurately restored historical buildings. The approach of the tour guides was also very high pressure to their religious beliefs...the history took second place to over an hour of doctrine.

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!

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.

I have now been to Kirtland 5 times and never get tired of this place. It is so rich with history and you feel a special spirit as you take a tour of the sights. The LDS Church has done an amazing job of restoring each building to its original look with furniture from the early 1800's. The missionaries are rich with knowledge of the early Church. Visit the Morley Farm just one mile up the road if you have the time as well as the stone quarry 2 miles past the temple.

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.