Jordan Park is a 33.5-acre public park at 1060 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104, in the west-side Glendale neighborhood beside the Jordan River. Its defining attraction is the International Peace Gardens, dedicated in 1952 after a community initiative begun in 1939. Travelers come for nationally themed gardens, riverside walking, playground time, and casual recreation rather than a formal, ticketed botanical-garden experience.
What to Expect at Jordan Park
The International Peace Gardens occupy approximately 11 acres within the park, with sections representing 28 countries. Local cultural organizations helped create these spaces, using planting, monuments, stonework, and national symbols to express their heritage. Look for Japanese stone lanterns and Swiss alpine-inspired rockwork, then slow down at the dedication plaques: the gardens tell a story of Salt Lake City’s immigrant communities as much as international diplomacy. Displays differ in scale and planting intensity, making this a collection of individual landscapes rather than one continuous formal garden.
Beyond the gardens, Jordan Park has broad lawns, mature shade trees, picnic facilities, sports fields, a playground, and a concrete skatepark. The atmosphere shifts between quiet garden paths and active neighborhood recreation. Its position beside the Jordan River Parkway makes it particularly useful for combining a short cultural stop with a longer walk or bicycle ride. Flower displays change through the growing season; summer brings stronger shade contrasts and more recreation activity, while autumn shifts attention toward foliage and the river corridor.
- International Peace Gardens: Explore nationally themed plots created through community participation, with monuments, planting, and commemorative inscriptions.
- Garden craftsmanship: Compare Japanese stone elements with European-inspired landscaping and the different treatments of paths and gathering spaces.
- Jordan River Parkway: Extend your visit along the paved regional trail beside the river.
- Concrete skatepark: Watch local skaters or bring appropriate protective equipment for a recreation-focused visit.
- Playground and picnic lawns: Give children a break between garden stops, with shaded areas for a relaxed outdoor meal.
Jordan Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1060 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Glendale; west-side Jordan River corridor |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 5 a.m.–11 p.m.; garden access is seasonal and may differ |
| Admission / Price Range | Free general admission; $ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | UTA Route 9 along 900 South; park parking accessed from 900 West |
| Official Website & Phone | Salt Lake City Public Lands; +1 801-974-2411 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the morning for cooler walking conditions, especially during Salt Lake City’s hot, dry summers. Start with the Peace Gardens, then continue toward the river before returning to the playground or picnic areas. Bring water, sun protection, and a picnic; this is a neighborhood park, not a visitor complex with dependable café service. Individual visits need no reservation, but organized gatherings and reserved picnic facilities should be arranged through Public Lands. Check seasonal garden access before making the gardens the sole reason for a winter trip.
UTA Route 9 provides a useful approach along 900 South; walk south on 900 West to the park. Drivers can use the park’s off-street parking rather than planning around downtown garages. Main paved routes and the river trail offer relatively level travel for wheelchairs and strollers, while lawns, garden edges, and some smaller paths are less even. Benches provide rest stops; restroom availability can be seasonal. For nearby pairings, reach the 9-Line Trail along 900 South in roughly 5–10 minutes, or walk directly onto the Jordan River Parkway. Keep dogs leashed in permitted park areas, observe garden-specific signs, and favor daylight for river exploration rather than expecting uniformly lit paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jordan Park’s hours and the best visiting time?
The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Morning is comfortable for walking, while late spring through early autumn is best for appreciating the gardens’ planting; garden gates can follow separate seasonal hours.
Is admission free, and do I need a reservation?
General entry to Jordan Park and the International Peace Gardens is free. Ordinary sightseeing requires no booking, but reserving picnic facilities or holding an organized event involves a separate city reservation or permit process.
How much time should I allow?
Allow one to two hours for the gardens and a short riverside walk. Add extra time for playground stops, a picnic, skating, or a longer outing on the Parkway.
Is Jordan Park suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families have playground space, lawns, and short walking options without an admission charge. Paved main routes support wheelchair and stroller access, but individual garden surfaces vary; choose the main paths when uneven ground presents a difficulty.
When planning your Salt Lake City travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Salt Lake City, pair this stop with standout local spots including Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, The Leonardo, The Capital Grille, and evo Hotel Salt Lake (1.6 km away).
